Following one of the board's recommendations, the Kahului school dropped its seventh-grade class at the end of the last school year. San Nicolas said the move had a positive impact not only on the school's budget but also on the campus climate, which returned to a sole focus on elementary education.

Enrollment this year is still well below capacity, but San Nicolas said Christ The King hopes to attract more families by adding and improving after-school activities and other programs, and making parents aware of scholarship opportunities.

She also said the school suffered from administrative turnover when it saw five principals in 10 years. But with San Nicolas firmly in place, the community is regaining its confidence in the school, she said.

Sixth-grade teacher Benny Uyetake, who has been at Christ The King for 10 years, said parents are still drawn to its Catholic traditions and religious values, small class sizes, and innovative and personable teachers. He said the school community is particularly tight-knit because students, parents and staff participate together in prayer services, fund-raisers, Parent Teacher Guild meetings and social events.

• What are you most proud of? "Our 'ohana spirit," said San Nicolas. "Everyone in the school is treated as family. Teachers, staff, administration and families know each other well. This atmosphere gives our students a sense of security."

• Best-kept secret: The after-school clubs and programs run by parents and staff volunteers. These include a Hawaiiana Club that meets twice a week, a Brownie troop, a Science Club and a new Cub Scout troop to start in April.

• Everybody at our school knows: Third-grade teacher Paulette Davis, who was recently recognized at the 2005 Annual Conference for Catholic Educators for her 30 years in Catholic education.

• Our biggest challenge: Being able to purchase new classroom furniture.

• What we need: More community volunteers to come into our classes to talk story and share their talents.