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State Public Charter School Commission

State Public Charter School Commission ʻAha Kula Hoʻāmana
State Public Charter School Commission ʻAha Kula Hoʻāmana

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Who We Are

ʻAha Kula Hoʻāmana

ʻAha means “commission.” ʻAha also refers to courage. Kula is the Hawaiian way of saying “school.” Kula also mean “uplands.” We are trying to take education in Hawaii to a higher level. Hoʻāmana — the literal translation means “to authorize.” The other meaning is “to empower.” It is our intent to empower our communities to create schools of excellence.

Dr. Peter Hanohano

Safe, stable and loving environment

I have 5 children, one of whom has attended the PreK program at Laupāhoehoe Charter School. My daughter has wanted to go to school since the day she was born because I could not afford a PreK program, I haven’t been able to send any of my kids to PreK, so when I found out about the opportunity to do so, I jumped on it and was able to for the first time send my third child to PreK. She has loved getting to be among her peers and learning so many life skills! The teachers there are unbelievable, they are dedicated to every child’s success, they love and care for each one as though they are their own. This PreK has provided stability for many kids that come from rough home situations, providing them a safe, stable and loving environment! I have witnessed this myself! It would be detrimental to take that away from the community!

Parent, Laupāhoehoe Community PCS, Hawai`i Island

Providing quality Early Education

With two children approaching preschool, private pay preschools was definitely a financial burden. I didn’t want to compromise their learning or their social development by not sending them to school. This is why the federal grant for Waiʻalae Charter was such a blessing for our family! Our son attended Waiʻalae’s preschool 2017-2018 [program]. He benefited from a multicultural environment and loved learning about the plant life cycle, about building structures, and especially the Hawaiian language and culture component. He is now excelling in all aspects of Kindergarten at Waiʻalae School. He is reading and writing, his creativity is unlimited, he has made good friends, and he still has an incredible love for the Hawaiian language and culture. Without preschool at Waiʻalae, our family would not have been able to provide our children with a quality early education. We are grateful for the grant, the teachers and the loving environment Waiʻalae provides for the keiki [children].

Parent, Wai`alae Elementary PCS, Oahu

News & Updates

Mar 15, 2023

Register Your Keiki For Free High-Quality Preschool Today

Got a 3- or 4-year old? Send your child to a high-quality, tuition free charter school Pre-K program.Applications are now being accepted at eleven public charter schools

Read More Register Your Keiki For Free High-Quality Preschool Today
Mar 14, 2023

Apply now for the 2023-2024 Early Childhood Educator Stipend! Investing in our youngest keiki ages 0-5 years old by investing in their educators

The State of Hawaiʻi Executive Office of Early Learning (EOEL) and University of Hawaiʻi, in partnership with generous funding from the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation, is

Read More Apply now for the 2023-2024 Early Childhood Educator Stipend! Investing in our youngest keiki ages 0-5 years old by investing in their educators
Mar 09, 2023

Call for Applications and Nominations to Serve on the State Public Charter School Commission

The Board is seeking qualified candidates to serve as members on the Commission. Interested persons should complete and submit this application form with the appropriate attached

Read More Call for Applications and Nominations to Serve on the State Public Charter School Commission
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Sign up to receive Ka ʻElele, the official e-newsletter of the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission/ʻAha Kula Hoʻāmana. Ka ʻElele covers a multitude of topics and issues relevant to Hawaii's public charter schools.

Sign up to receive Ka ʻElele, the official e-newsletter of the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission/ʻAha Kula Hoʻāmana. Ka ʻElele covers a multitude of topics and issues relevant to Hawaii's public charter schools.