Hawai'i State Public Charter School Commission

01/30/2025

⚠️ School Closure Alert – Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 ⚠️

Due to the expected severe weather conditions, six charter schools across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island are closed today:
-Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi
-Kanuikapono
-Laupāhoehoe
-West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy
-Kualapuʻu
-Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. K**akau

Kauaʻi is already experiencing heavy rain and strong winds,and Oʻahu is currently under a Flash Flood Warning, with severe weather expected to impact multiple islands. Please stay safe 🌧️💨

12/18/2024

Check out how HTA Waipahu students brightened the holiday season for keiki in foster care! Way to go!!!

12/18/2024

Looking for a fun way to boost number sense in young children? Check out this Edutopia story on using board and card games to teach math—even kids as young as 3 can join the fun!

Playing board and card games can improve number sense among children as young as 3—and it’s fun!

12/10/2024

Discover how nature journaling can boost both learning and well-being for students of all ages—check out this insightful Edutopia article!

12/09/2024

Want to Start a Pre-K Only Charter School? Applications Now Available.

The Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission is excited to announce the launch of the 2024-2025 Pre-K Only Charter School Application Cycle.

At the General Commission Meeting held on November 14, 2024, the Commission approved the Pre-K Application Packet, and it is now available for interested applicants on the Commission’s website at www.chartercommission.hawaii.gov.

This application cycle is specifically for those interested in starting a new Pre-K only public charter school in Hawaiʻi. It is not for enrolling individual children in Pre-K programs. This distinction is important as families seeking Pre-K enrollment should contact existing schools directly.

The application requires applicants to clearly show the Commission that their proposed school design is innovative, unique, and important to Hawaiʻi’s public education landscape. The Commission encourages all interested applicants to carefully review the application requirements and submit their completed packets by the deadline: January 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM HST. Late submissions will not be considered, so early preparation is highly recommended.

12/04/2024

Staff from the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission recently donned hard hats and closed-toed shoes for a site visit at the highly anticipated Parkway Village Preschool in Kapolei, which is slated to open its doors next month.

This preschool will be the first charter school in Hawaiʻi dedicated solely to pre-K education.

This innovative preschool is designed for keiki ages 3 and 4, offering a nurturing, play-based environment where children can develop foundational skills in literacy, math, and social-emotional learning. With four classrooms serving up to 80 students, Parkway Village Preschool is set to provide a safe, inclusive space for Hawaiʻi's youngest learners to thrive.

Applications are now open!
Your child must be 3 or 4 years old by July 31, 2024. Slots will be filled by lottery:
First application deadline: 12/6/24
Second application deadline: 12/20/24 (if slots are available) Learn More:
Fill out the Parkway Village Preschool Inquiry Form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=bBdL85uvR0-4QMuUSz48UoMY1p9rV9hLtBbme5paaKlUM0c5SzNCREJUTzZOUVNMMk5VOE9aTFM1RiQlQCN0PWcu&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl

Email: [email protected]
Call: 808.847.3285
Don’t miss this opportunity to enroll your keiki in this groundbreaking pre-K program!

11/20/2024

Hawaiʻi Foundation for Educators ‘Hakuhou Grant' can be used for classroom supplies, resources

Posted: November 19, 2024

Educators can now apply for the

10/19/2024

Congratulations to Ms. Robin Meleana Cone-Murakami Barros, the 2025 Hawai‘i Charter School Teacher of the Year. Ms. Robin is an arts and sustainability teacher at SEEQS: the School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability.

Ms. Robin brings creativity and compassion into her classroom every day, helping students not only master their craft but also grow as empathetic leaders within their communities. Ms. Robin empowers her students to connect deeply with their personal experiences and express themselves both visually and verbally. Her focus on integrating the arts into students' lives highlights the vital role creativity plays in shaping future leaders.

Ms. Robin was one of 16 nominees for the 2025 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Mr. Bryan Silver of Kalani High School for being named the 2025 Hawai‘i State Teacher of the Year! All the teachers were honored at an event at Washington Place on Tuesday. This annual event is a tribute to all teachers. Their hard work and dedication is invaluable to our keiki and community.

Take a few minutes to learn more about her inspiring work and the impact she’s making on her students! https://youtu.be/_SIQ9MupKwc

Congratulations to Ms. Robin Meleana Cone-Murakami Barros, the 2025 Hawai‘i Charter School Teacher of the Year. Ms Robin is an arts and sustainability teache...

10/02/2024

Pre-K teachers and educational assistants gathered with the Commission's Early Learning team to reflect on how to create peaceful classrooms. Grounded in trauma-informed care (TIC), the training emphasized the importance of nurturing relationships and supportive environments—key factors for helping at-risk keiki, especially after the pandemic's impact.

Teachers explored their own wellness, learning that “only a regulated adult can support a dysregulated keiki.” They also delved into brain science, highlighting how safety and emotional connection are essential for keiki to thrive.

One kumu shared, “I made connections with how important it is to feel safe and loved, and without the two, we can’t learn and holomua.”

Check out our video for more on this inspiring training!

“What is your vision of a peaceful classroom?” This question drove the inquiry and reflection at the Charter School Commission Early Learning Pre-service tr...

10/02/2024

K**aile Academy’s After School Activities Bus Driving Positive Change

K**aile Academy recently launched its after-school Activities Bus, which is already making a positive impact along the Waiʻanae coast. This student support service is more than just transportation—it’s a bridge that fosters community engagement, strengthens partnerships with local organizations, and provides students with valuable opportunities for personal growth and development.

The bus transports students after school to local programs such as the Boys and Girls Club, Nā K**a Kai, and Nā Holokai Canoe Club, where they can participate in activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and skill-building. By ensuring reliable transportation, the Activities Bus opens the door for more students to access these enriching experiences, enhancing both individual potential and community vibrancy.

Principal Paul Kepka highlights the role of accessibility in his vision for student engagement. “The more students we can get involved in positive activities, the less we have to worry about them getting into trouble,” Kepka explains. “It takes our whole community to support our haumāna, and we’re deeply grateful to our partners—both on and off campus—for their positive influence. Together, we’re helping our students and community grow stronger.”

For parents, the after-school Activities Bus brings peace of mind. With safe and consistent transportation, families can confidently participate in community events. Parents can even meet their children at activity locations, creating a deeper connection with local programs. As parent Sasha Figueira shares, “As a single mom working full-time, I’m incredibly thankful to K**aile Academy. This bus provides my children access to activities they wouldn’t otherwise have, and it gives me the comfort of knowing they’re safely transported.”

The after-school Activities Bus has quickly become a valuable asset for students, families, and the broader community. By encouraging participation in afterschool programs, it helps lay the foundation for a more engaged and thriving future.
**aileAcademy

09/04/2024

We’re excited to share a heartwarming story from Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts and Science(HAAS), sent to us by Director Steve Hirakami. It’s about one of their students, Ellie Lawrence, whose courage and determination have inspired the entire HAAS community. Ellie’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the healing spirit of the ocean.

From Boise to Hawaii: Ellie’s Inspirational Journey

In our HAAS family, we often talk about the power of perseverance and the incredible journeys that shape our lives.

Today, we’re thrilled to share a true story about one of our own students,Ellie Lawrence, whose courage and determination have inspired not only her classmates but people far beyond our school community.

Ellie’s journey began in Boise, Idaho when she was just two years old. At that tender age, Ellie was diagnosed with cancer—a battle no child should have to face. While undergoing treatment, Ellie found comfort in watching videos. One day, she came across a video that would change her life—a video about a surfing pig named K**a. The sight of this unlikely hero riding the waves
captivated Ellie, bringing joy to her toughest days. She watched K**a’s video over and over, finding strength and hope in his playful spirit.

As Ellie’s health improved, her family decided to make a dream come true. They reached out to Kai, K**a’s owner, and arranged a special trip to Hawaii. Meeting K**a in person was a magical experience for Ellie and sparked a deep connection to the islands. So much so that the Lawrence family decided to make Hawaii their new home, settling in Puna, where Ellie now attends HAAS along with her brothers and sisters.

Ellie’s remarkable journey didn’t end there. Her story inspired a coloring and activity book that teaches ocean awareness, a topic close to her heart. The book is available on the Sea Inspiration
website (www.SeaInspiration.org) and serves as a reminder of the power of hope, the healing influence of the ocean, and the incredible impact of a courageous child.

We’re proud to have Ellie as part of our HAAS family. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that even the smallest waves can create the biggest ripples. Let
her journey inspire us all to face our challenges with courage, find joy in the unexpected, and always believe in the magic of new beginnings. https://youtu.be/M6iAh9htARw?si=Js490BCppD1aLs3d

Ellie (Eloisa) was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of two. She was introduced to K**a The Surfing Pig on YouTube while undergoing medical treatment. It wa...

08/29/2024

Congratulations to Shiloh Francis of Hawaii Technology Academy on being named the 2024 Hawaiʻi History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute! Shiloh’s dedication to bringing history to life for students has been recognized on a national level. Check out her recent interview with Hawaiʻi Public Radio to hear more about her passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation. 📚🎤

Shiloh Francis is one of 53 national finalists announced last week. In addition to a $1,000 prize, Francis will receive an archive of American history books as recognition at a local ceremony.

07/08/2024

Navigating Success: Mālama Honua 5th Grade Portfolio Defense Story!

Mālama Honua Public Charter School in Waimānalo celebrated the achievements of its 5th graders with a series of milestone events, highlighting their journey and growth through the portfolio defense which started in March, as well as sailing training, and the Kīhei ceremony in May. These activities embody the school's commitment to cultivating the "mind of the navigator" in its students, combining academic learning with cultural and practical experiences.

Passing the 5th grade defense opens the path for students to participate in the 6th grade sail- a 4 day and 3 night journey on the waʻa in the waters of Kāneʻohe Bay. Wow! What an amazing experience they will have.

We share their story:

Mālama Honua Public Charter School celebrated the achievements of its 5th graders with a series of milestone events, highlighting their journey and growth th...

07/03/2024

Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha on Kauai Celebrates Publishing 400+ Books in Olelo Niihau

Students and staff at Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha (KKNOK) have written and published more than 400 books in the Niihau dialect of the Hawaiian language. This effort aims to perpetuate the language and provide students with literature in their native dialect that resonates with them.

KKNOK is the only Hawaiian Language Immersion Niihau dialect school in the state. Six years ago students and staff began writing and publishing books, creating a vibrant literary legacy.

Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha (KKNOK) Charter School on Kauai celebrates publishing over 400 Books in Olelo Niihau. Students and staff at KKNOK have written and p...

06/10/2024

We are thrilled to share that Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts & Science (HAAS) Workplace Readiness students have been recently recognized by the Dane Silva Hawaiian Healing Center and Kīpuka Garden! 🎉

The Kīpuka Garden was created by Kumu Dane Kaohelani Silva, he was a kahuna la'au lapa'au. The garden is part of the first phase of the Hawaiian Healing Center's development. This beautiful herb garden is not only a nursery for la'au but also a vital source of Hawaiian plants for medicine and food. One of its goals is to supply kupuna with plants for their home gardens, supporting their self-care and well-being. 🌱✨

Situated on five acres near Pāhoa town, the garden, affectionately known as the "farmacy," focuses on Native Hawaiian medicinal herbs. It's also designated to become Puna's first emergency hospital.

The dedicated Work Readiness students contribute to this inspiring project by spending a day every other week caring for and propagating native plants for the garden.

Before the end of the school year, the nonprofit managing the garden visited HAAS to honor our students with certificates of appreciation. The celebration continued with our students entertaining the guests with mele and a hula performance.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the HAAS Workplace Readiness Program for making a difference. Your dedication and hard work are truly inspiring!

06/10/2024

In Hawaiian, the word hōʻike means “to show, exhibit” one’s learning. In this spirit of celebrating growth and accomplishment, the Early Learning Program recently gathered pre-K teachers and staff from all 18 classrooms at the end of every school year. Kumu(teachers) arrived at Windward Community College carrying artifacts they used to tell their stories of learning. Teaching teams carefully laid out keiki books, photographs, and laptops with short video reels on tables and easels draped with elegant black tablecloths. Throughout the morning, they took turns telling stories about their successes and as their peers listened and provided feedforward, their stories grew in meaning and strength.

Hōʻike is a time for Early Learning pre-K kumu to work together, eat together, talk and laugh, and reflect on their year of growth and learning. The room was filled with celebration, joy, and pride as kumu shared their moʻolelo (story) with one another and will remain a memorable milestone in each kumu’s professional journey.

https://youtu.be/CZO4g-Ht0TI?si=8vVrbNAFbpd_UMkq
This story was featured in the Commission's June 2024 newsletter KaʻElele. To learn more about the early learning program, please visit the Commission's website at www.chartercommission.hawaii.gov

In Hawaiian, the word hōʻike means “to show, exhibit” one’s learning. In this spirit of celebrating growth and accomplishment, the Early Learning Program ga...

06/05/2024

Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha recently celebrated its birthday by honoring their founders in song and dance. The Kauai school is the only Hawaiian Language-Niihau Dialect Immersion school in the state.

It was founded in 2001 by five tenacious and determined women: Annie K**akahikilani Kelley Kanahele - Mama Ane Kanahele, Jean Ileialoha Keala Beniamina- Mama Ilei Beniamina, Josephine Kaohuokalani Kelley - Tutu Pine Kelley, Lina Kawahinekaulana Kanahele Kaaumoana - Mama Lete Kaaumoana and Rhoda Susana “Sana” Kahale Pahulehua.

Although the founders have all passed away, their mission to strengthen and perpetuate the Niihau dialect of Hawaiian among the children and youth of the Niihau community on Kauai lives on through the hard work and dedication of the school's leadership, teachers, and families. Every student at the school is a published author, with students and staff having published over 400 books, all written in Olelo Niʻihau.

Check out the video of their 23 birthday celebration on our YouTube Channel!

Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha celebrated its birthday by honoring their founders in song and dance. The Kauai school is the only Hawaiian Language-Niihau Dialect I...

06/05/2024

Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Students Selected for Project Showcase at Smithsonian Museum

The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian will host a special showcase on June 12, highlighting five student historical research projects presented in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian) language. This event, part of the National History Day® (NHD) program, celebrates the theme "In Language There Is Life: I ka ‘ōlelo nō ke ola."

Middle and high school students from Hawai‘i who completed a National History Day project in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and qualified through a local contest were invited to Washington, D.C. to share their work with a national audience. These projects offer unique cultural perspectives and support broader community efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages.

Three of the showcased projects are produced by students from Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Public Charter School. Kilolani Smith produced a documentary titled He huliau ma ka mōʻaukala: Hikiau Heiau. Mana Inoue’s exhibit is titled Nā Kepanī ma Hawaiʻi, and Māhealani Figueroa-Lee’s documentary is titled Nā Radiō o Hawaiʻi: He Huliau. The three students are heading to Washington D.C. this week.

“Inspiring students to take their study of history beyond the classroom is a core tenant of our work at National History Day. In our organization’s 50th anniversary year, we are excited to share these NHD projects in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi with visitors at the National Museum of the American Indian,” said National History Day’s Executive Director, Dr. Cathy Gorn. “We appreciate the collaborative effort of NMAI and Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities to showcase the outstanding and important work of these history students.”

The projects will be available for public viewing at the National Museum of the American Indian on Wednesday, June 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and at the University of Maryland, College Park, in the Stamp Union Building on Monday, June 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Congratulations to the students, teachers and the Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo ʻohana!