Abstract
This study uses a meaningful case study sample to investigate the self-esteem of pre-adolescent girls and the contributing factors. I studied three pre-adolescent girls in rural Hawaii who all participated in the same homeschooling community. In this paper, I offer a socioecological model of the perceived support of self-esteem of the girls. This model addresses the following questions: How do the three girls in the study demonstrate confidence? Are they perceived as confident by themselves, and the others in the study? What aspects of the educational community context are considered salient by educators, parents, and students? My findings draw on the following data sources: Informal observations over nine sessions and interviews with students, parents and teachers (N= 13). Following a thematic analysis, thirteen salient themes were identified which speak to different aspects of the educational context which are perceived to foster self-esteem. From an educational and psychological perspective, my findings emphasize the nested and interconnected influences within an educational environment that should be considered regarding self-esteem in pre-adolescent females.