Multi-track school wins national award

Holomua Elementary School in 'Ewa Beach has won national recognition for its transition to an alternative schedule.

The National Association for Year-Round Education recognized Holomua as one of seven "Year-Round Schools of Merit."

The merit schools were selected from a field of 3,000 and recognized as "outstanding schools that have moved beyond the traditional calendar and have achieved success in many areas."

Holomua is the first Hawai'i elementary school designed and built for a multi-track schedule. Multi-track allows schools to educate more students without building more facilities. The system divides students into four groups, with each beginning classes at a different time of year. One group is on vacation at any given time.

Holomua, which opened in 1995, shifted to multi-track this school year.

The association particularly noted Holomua's work with parents and students to assure a smooth transition. Multi-track has been opposed in other areas.