Tucked at the end of quiet Iliahi Street in Nu'uanu, set off from the din of Pali Highway at its back, the only Hongwanji-affiliated school outside of Japan yesterday celebrated 60 years of instruction.

Hundreds of students, parents, faculty and staff from Hongwanji Mission School turned out for yesterday's anniversary lu'au, which ambled along to a student-driven soundtrack of thunderous taiko, traditional Japanese song and blaring contemporary radio fare.

And as kids played games, noshed on bento, and perused the shopping opportunities at the school library, parents and faculty took time to reflect on the religious and educational values that have allowed the school to remain relevant in the 21st century.

"Compassion is a big one," said Carol Riley, who took over as head of school last summer. "Caring for others and thinking outside of ourselves — I think that's the bottom line."

Riley sees ample evidence of that in the close relationships shared by the school's 330 students, their parents, and the school.

Older students learn to embrace their roles as mentors and role models, both formally (through "buddy" in which eighth-graders are paired with younger students) and informally. Parents, many of whom are members of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission, turn out in force to help with school events.

"We have unbelievable parent support," Riley said. "They're actively involved in everything we do and the kids participate and have fun together, too."

The school was established in 1949 by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission, on land purchased from Mary Foster for $6,000.

According to a school history posted on the HMS Web site, Aiko Fujitani, wife of then-Bishop Kodo Fujitani, was a driving force in the school's early years. Though trained as an educator at the Normal School, Aiko Fujitani was not allowed to teach because she was not an American citizen.

Today, the school serves children from preschool to eighth grade and boasts an 18-to-1 student-teacher ratio. In addition to regular instruction, students also attend weekly religious lessons; students also study Japanese language starting in preschool.

Wendy Harman enrolled her daughter, Alexandrianna, in the school specifically because of its emphasis on Buddhist values.

"I think the direction she gets here will keep her on track and help her focus," Harman said.

Harman said the instruction and positive environment the school offers has helped Alexandrianna through a series of medical problems related to a serious eye condition.

"Even with everything that she's gone through, she still smiles and enjoys herself," Harman said. "A lot of that has to do with this school."

For Stephanie Helbush, it's the close-knit family atmosphere the school fosters that leaves the biggest impression.

"There's a love and camaraderie between the faculty, staff and kids that makes it like one big family," she said.

While its emphasis on Buddhist traditions and Japanese culture may seem retrograde to outsiders, the school has distinguished itself with its willingness to embrace new pedagogies to ensure its students are well-equipped for the contemporary world.

Faculty credit Riley, a former school superintendent in California, with spearheading project-based learning initiatives and greater integration of digital technology in everyday instruction.

HMS was one of eight schools to receive a five-year grant from the Hawai'i Community Foundation to explore cutting-edge instruction.

JoAnn Jacobs, HMS curriculum coordinator, is also excited about the school's new sustainability initiative, which will include everything from a new garden to the use of worms to help reduce school waste.

School librarian Lori Okamura said the school's new digital media program will greatly enhance student learning.

"The possibilities are endless," she said. "The kids come in and they're excited to be there."