Wow! I recently attended the graduation ceremony at HTA campus in Kapalua and was blown away by how professional, friendly, and welcoming everyone was. It really puts the meaning into OHANA :) My Little Sister (Big Brother, Big Sister) was graduating from elementary to middle school and it was really lively, entertaining, and very touching. From ukelele groups to electric guitar, traditional Hawaiian songs to modern ballads, graceful hula and meaningful speeches, it really was inclusive, very happy and the bond between teachers and students was obvious. Probably because this is a small eclectic school and classes are very small allowing time for every child. Plus parents are a big part of their child's education with home schooling built into the curriculum.
Before graduation each grade presented something to their peers, families and teachers in their classrooms, and 5th graders did an individual speech on topics such as Robotics and AI, CPR and Music, Recycling and Growing native plants, etc. Every student was amazing and I give a big cheer to those who found public speaking daunting (I don't like it either!), as they overcame their fear and gave remarkable speeches.
Since my Little Sister started attending this school (her previous school burned down in the tragic Lahaina fire) her reading and writing have improved dramatically and she is making videos and writing books using special software on a laptop, making lithographs and exploring art concepts, playing the electric guitar, taking extracurricular self defense classes, and thriving! After attending her graduation ceremony I can see why!
The school is part of a chain across the Hawaiian Islands and the Kapalua school will be moving to a new purposely built school in Lahaina hopefully by 2027, with special science labs, a makerspace, outdoor areas and bigger enclosed classrooms. They have come a long way from teaching in tents straight after the fire, to an old restaurant premises, to a newly built school. I'm very impressed with this school, I wish my daughter had the chance to attend this type of tech academy when she was growing up. I'm so glad my Little Sister has the chance :) read more