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Charter schools in operation
Wai‘alae Elementary
Location: Wai‘alae
Genesis: Existing public school converted through community support
Enrollment: 448
Grades: K-5
Education focus: Teachers encourage students to be "reflective" learners, analyzing their own performance. Students often work together on problem-solving. Work and progress reflected in individual portfolios, giving more holistic view than test scores alone. Small class size a focus, with one teacher to every 18 students in the lower grades and one teacher to every 20 students in the higher grades.
Lanikai Elementary
Location: Lanikai
Genesis: Parents and school staff converted this existing public school to charter status
Enrollment: 320
Grades: K-6
Education focus: Uses new methods and philosophies of teaching that revolve around latest information in brain research and how children learn. Only public school in Hawai‘i to use Montesori strategies in kindergarten and first grade, which emphasizes hands-on learning. In addition to regular subjects, focuses on computer skills, art, music.
Connections
Location: Portables at the Big Island’s Mountain View Elementary, moving in the fall to the historic Kress building in downtown Hilo
Genesis: School-within-a-school at Mountain View Elementary since 1995
Enrollment: 177, growing to 250
Grades: K-6, extending to K-12
Education focus: A small-school environment that focuses on children’s individual learning needs. Literacy and math are key areas. Students are tested twice a year to track progress. Students stay with their teachers as they move up through the grades, ensuring sequential learning and an " ‘ohana" atmosphere. Partners with the University of Hawai‘i’s Curriculum Research and Development Group, which brings cutting-edge teaching methods.
Kanu O Ka ‘Aina
Location: Multiple sites. Main campus in Waimea uses facilities at UH tropical agriculture facility. Plus outdoor labs at Kawaihae and Waipi‘o Valley. Planning own "green" campus in Waimea, designed and built by community and students.
Genesis: A former school-within-a-school at Honoka‘a Intermediate and High since 1997.
Enrollment: 125, will cap at 250
Grades: K-12
Education focus: Seeks an atmosphere of ‘ohana; older students work with younger students. Aims for well-rounded education, with emphasis on Hawaiian studies and language, science, computers, hula and drama. Students spend one week in outdoor lab on projects including astronomy and navigation, reforestation and aquaculture, then spend the next week back at main campus working on data.
West Hawai‘i Explorations Academy
Location: Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i, Kona
Genesis: A 6-year-old program at Konawaena High
Enrollment: 100
Grades: 10-12
Education focus: Project-based education. There are no classrooms; students spend their time in laboratories working on projects, including aquaculture, cold water agriculture and energy production. Through those self-chosen assignments, they learn other skills such as math, English.
Waters of Life
Location: Three sites Puna, Big Island
Genesis: Waters of Life Therapy Centers, a nonprofit organization in Puna working on drug abuse prevention, tutoring, holistic health education, nutritional, natural therapies and holistic service to special education students.
Enrollment: 50 at elementary school; 50 at secondary school; five at autistic residence
Grades: K-12
Education focus: Aims to allow students to discover their talents and interests, develop basic skills, social skills and moral education and a positive self-esteem and learning attitude. Special attention paid to students with special needs, low or failing grades and the gifted and talented.
Charters planning to open in the fall
Voyager
Location: Converted offices in the Coral Commercial Center, Kaka‘ako
Genesis: Royal State Trust, a nonprofit foundation formed by Royal State Group insurance company, that works to transform public schools. Has established partnerships with Lanikai, Kapolei and Kapa‘a elementaries.
Enrollment: 180, growing to 300
Grades: K-4, extending to preschool through G8
Education focus: Emphasis on arts and music. Students will study ancient philosophies of various cultures; learn three languages in addition to English. Core principles center on character education, including The Golden Rule, "treat others as you would like to be treated."
Innovations
Location: Opening on Kahakai Elementary campus, Kailua-Kona, while looking for own site.
Genesis: Kahakai Elementary teachers and parents
Enrollment: 90, growing to 120
Grades: Initially 3-5, extending to K-5
Education focus: Students grouped according to ability, not grade, with an emphasis on working together. A strong focus on project-based learning with hands-on science and technology. For example, students could monitor acid rain from the volcano or build rockets to learn the science behind flight.
Halau Ku Mana
Location: University of Hawai‘i Center for Hawaiian Studies
Genesis: Grassroots group working for past two years with Hawaiian children in Papakolea, Makiki and Maunalaha and Pauoa valleys
Enrollment: 50, capping at 200
Grades: 6-10, extending to pre-school through G12
Education focus: Community- and family-based education for culturally "at-risk" students, blending academic, cultural and spiritual education with Hawaiian values. Hands-on projects will use Hawaiian language, computer technology and audiovisual production and focus on four areas: cultural astronomy and wayfaring; native plants and their uses; performing arts; and holistic health and fitness.
Ke Ana La‘ahana
Location: Three sites in Keaukaha, Big Island: main facility at Honohononui, labs and fishponds at Kamokuna and Laehala
Genesis: Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation, working with at-risk students for six years.
Enrollment: 50, growing to 150
Grades: 7-12
Education focus: Built on Hawaiian culture and concepts of family and community, will use Hawaiian genealogy chant Kumulipo as a foundation. Students choose from six academic tracks: wellness and healthcare; genealogical and historical linkages; ocean and coastline conservation and management; land and forestry conservation and management; hula and performing arts; and vocational and career leadership.
The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences
Location: Looking for facilities in the Volcano area, possibly Kilauea Military Camp
Genesis: Volcano community
Enrollment: Up to 140
Grades: K-6, growing to K-8
Education focus: Hands-on arts and sciences using the natural environment and science resources in the national parks area. Values center on Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural history, artistic expression, the importance of community, high academic achievement.
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