Applications are being accepted for high-quality pre-kindergarten classes at select charter schools on four islands. The free program is being made available to income eligible families whose children are born on or between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013.

The Pre-K program is administered by the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission. In 2014, the Commission applied for the U.S. Department of Education Preschool Development Grant and was one of 18 states awarded the highly competitive​ grant. The $14.8 million, four-year grant has allowed Hawaiʻi to expand its early childhood education system.

Each classroom is limited to 20 students and will have a qualified teacher and assistant. The pre-kindergarten classes are available in the following schools on four islands:

Hawai’i Island

Ka ‘Umeke Kā’eo, Hilo (808) 933-3482

Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani’ōpu’u Iki Lab Charter School, Kea’au (808) 982-4260

Kua o ka Lā New Century Public Charter School, Pāhoa (808) 965-2193

Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School, Laupāhoehoe (808) 962-2200

Nā Wai Ola Public Charter School, Mountain View (808) 968-2318

Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, Volcano (808) 985-9800

Kaua’i

Ke Kula Ni’ihau O Kekaha Learning Center, Kekaha (808) 337-0481

Kula Aupuni Niihau A Kahelelani Aloha (KANAKA), Kekaha (808) 337-2022

Moloka’i

Kualapu’u Public Conversion Charter School, Kualapu’u (808) 567-6900

O’ahu

Kamaile Academy, Waianae (808) 697-7110

Kamalani Academy Wahiawa (808) 203-2993

Ke Kula ‘o Samuel M. Kamakau Laboratory Public Charter School, Kaneohe (808) 235-9175

Wai’alae Elementary Public Charter School, Honolulu (808) 733-4880

Through this Preschool Development Grant, Hawai’i keiki will have an opportunity for the best start at their education and it will help them prepare for later success in school and life.

For more information and an application, please contact the charter school directly, or call Deanne Goya at the Commissionʻs office at (808)586-3775. Click here for Pre-K photos.

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