Frequently Asked Questions

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Students are strongly discouraged from bringing personal items, as such, to school. However, recognizing that cell phones are an essential form of communication, students may bring these to school and are permitted to use them with permission from faculty or staff. Students are not permitted to listen to and/or use iPods, cell phones, or any other similar type of electronic device that has the potential to be disruptive or exclusive to healthy social interaction.

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Yes. We have some great musical options: in classes, special events, or lessons. Bring your voice and your instruments.

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Students are expected to be in their advisory classrooms by 7:50 a.m. Classes begin at 8 a.m., with the school day ending at 3:10 p.m.

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The teacher is the first point of contact regarding a student’s grade. By engaging the child’s teacher who issued the grade, the parent gets firsthand information in a timely fashion; this direct communication fosters a common understanding and a stronger partnership between home and school.

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Being on time to school in the morning and during the day is an important characteristic that defines a responsible citizen of our learning community. Tardiness typically becomes a more serious matter in Middle School when students begin to change classes during the day and assume more responsibility as they become more independent. When a student is late to school or class, we first determine if the tardy qualifies as “excused” or “ unexcused.” If unexcused, the tardy is considered a minor misconduct incident and 5 points are removed from the student’s conduct grade for the quarter grading period.

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Lower School students keep their instructional supplies in their classroom; their personal supplies normally are minimal. Middle School students are issued locks and lockers and students are required to keep all of their instructional and personal supplies in their assigned locker.

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The Village Campus hosts an annual Open House, although the purpose, intent, and time varies somewhat from the standard open house format. Our Open House takes place earlier in the school year (within the first two weeks) and is intended to provide parents with important information relative to academic expectations, curriculum, and general classroom procedures that facilitate home-school communication.

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Almost always, a concern or inquiry should first be directed to the faculty or staff member who is most likely able to respond in a knowledgeable and meaningful manner. The administration maintains an open door policy, but will honor a process that invites parents and faculty to communicate directly, as this most often facilitates accurate communication and builds trust, understanding, and partnership. General questions or concerns can be directed to the office and/or principal.

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Yes. Information for the upcoming school year is distributed to families no later than June. This information will be sent home and posted on the school’s Web site. If you have any questions, call the Village Campus (K-8) office at 808-885-2501 or the Upper Campus (9-12) at 808-885-7321.

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Yes. The Village Campus runs an after-school program for students in grades K-6 designed primarily as day care. Two faculty members supervise students as they complete homework assignments, play board games, read in the library, work on an educational computer game, play on the playground, or participate in arts and crafts activities.

We are in the process of building a foundation for a more "formal" after-school program. During the 2007-2008 school year, we offered a Lower School Spanish and dance class activity and we hope to expand these offerings for the 2008-2009 school year to include several athletic and arts/music offerings, as well as a modern language offering.

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Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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No. Parents, relatives, or authorized guardians drive their children to and from school. There are designated areas for drop-off and pick-up that are supervised by the school’s security, faculty, and administration.

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Yes. We have Lower and Middle School dress codes. Students are required to meet specific standards in support of “presenting themselves in a respectful and responsible manner.” The Lower School dress code is not as formal as the Middle School dress code. We do require Lower School students to adhere to an informal physical education dress code by wearing a red T-shirt on the day they have physical education.

At the Middle School, we have instituted a formal physical education T-shirt requirement.  For Middle School students, additional emphasis is placed on the “respectful and responsible” aspect of dress at school.

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When a child is absent from school due to illness, we ask that the school be informed as quickly as possible; usually, a phone call to the office (885-2501) is sufficient. The child cannot return to school on the day he/she is out sick to participate in activities either during the day, after school, and in the evening (special events).

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The school strongly encourages families to plan trips and vacations during the school’s scheduled vacation breaks. As a citizen of a learning community, we feel a student’s presence is a responsibility that he/she should take seriously. With sufficient notice (minimum of two weeks), teachers can prepare some class work for students when they are away from school but, in reality, the student’s learning experience is significantly diminished due to the nature of learning in an interactive classroom environment. Students are permitted to make up tests and assessments within the regular school day when they return from vacation.

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Hawaii Preparatory Academy is a K-12 institution with grades K-8 located about 1.5 miles from the Upper Campus. The Village Campus is situated between the Upper Campus and “village” of Waimea, hence, the term “Village” Campus. The K-8 school also is referred to as the “Lower Campus” in reference to the K-8 component of the school.

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Our school is committed to educating both the “head and heart.” We promote and support character education, quality citizenship, and academic excellence throughout all aspects of the school’s curriculum and culture.

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Character education is that component of our school where we intentionally and explicitly help students understand the important virtues that serve as a foundation for a healthy and responsible life. Using the Heartwood Ethics Program, which embraces the virtues of love, hope, courage, loyalty, honesty, justice, and respect, we address and celebrate these qualities that are so integral to living constructive lives through activities at assemblies and events, literature, celebrations, service learning projects, learning to mediate and problem-solve, partnerships with parents and outside resources and, most importantly, through modeling daily living and work at the Village Campus.

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Creating a school culture of “caring” serves as the basis for good citizenship. Caring about how to conduct oneself in a respectful and responsible manner in all things related to our school and learning is paramount to helping create a healthy, productive community. We celebrate our students’ accomplishments and try to help them learn from their mistakes in an honest and sincere fashion. Our Middle School has an honor code that serves as a reminder to students about their responsibility as citizens of our school community.

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We prefer to not use the word “discipline” when helping students learn from their mistakes. We use the term "student management" and the concept of “natural and progressive consequences” to help students recognize and realize the implications of mistakes and poor decisions. Knowing that modeling is one of the most powerful tools for learning, the faculty and staff at the Village Campus interact with students around disciplinary matters in a manner that enables them to retain their self-worth and dignity, while learning to take responsibility for their actions. We document all student behavior issues that qualify as “minor” or “major” incidents. Teasing, being disrespectful, out of dress code, tardiness, etc., are examples of minor incidents. Physical aggression of any sort, lying, cheating, stealing, or vandalism are considered major incidents. Repeated minor incidents can qualify as a “major” incident. All major incidents harbor the potential for a suspension from school.

Lower School (K-5) Students: All minor K-5 student management concerns are addressed by the classroom teacher, who usually works with the parent to address the matter. Occasionally, additional support from either the school counselor and/or administration might be essential to help resolve the matter. When a major incident occurs, the school’s administration becomes involved and works with school personnel and the parents to address the matter.

Middle School (6-8) Students: HPA employs a student conduct report system, whereby every quarter, students begin anew with 100 points. In the event a student incurs a minor or major incident, points are deducted from the student’s conduct grade; minor incidents are valued at 5 points while major incidents can result in a maximum 25 point deduction. When a student misbehaves, the teacher will meet with the student to review the matter. If the teacher feels the incident warrants a point deduction, the incident is documented and both the student and teacher sign the incident report. Repeated minor incidents and all major incidents warrant involvement of the school’s administration. When a student’s conduct total falls below 90 points, the student no longer qualifies for honor roll for the quarter. Additionally, if a student’s conduct grade falls below 75, he/she is placed on “social” probation. Social probation limits a student’s participation in extracurricular activities and lasts for a semester or until the principal lifts this restriction.

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Yes. All students in grades K-12 must adhere to the school's Acceptable Use Policy for their respective division. The school regards computers and technology as essential tools for learning. Students are expected to demonstrate responsible and ethical use of these resources. E-mail accounts are provided for students and are subject to monitoring. Students are responsible for the content of their computer accounts at all times.

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Students are strongly discouraged from bringing personal items, as such, to school. However, recognizing that cell phones are an essential form of communication, students may bring these to school and are permitted to use them with permission from faculty or staff. Students are not permitted to listen to and/or use iPods, cell phones, or any other similar type of electronic device that has the potential to be disruptive or exclusive to healthy social interaction.

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The teacher is the first point of contact regarding a student’s grade. By engaging the child’s teacher who issued the grade, the parent gets firsthand information in a timely fashion; this direct communication fosters a common understanding and a stronger partnership between home and school.

Printer-friendly version

Almost always, a concern or inquiry should first be directed to the faculty or staff member who is most likely able to respond in a knowledgeable and meaningful manner. The administration maintains an open door policy, but will honor a process that invites parents and faculty to communicate directly, as this most often facilitates accurate communication and builds trust, understanding, and partnership. General questions or concerns can be directed to the office and/or principal.

Printer-friendly version

Yes. Information for the upcoming school year is distributed to families no later than June. This information will be sent home and posted on the school’s Web site. If you have any questions, call the Village Campus (K-8) office at 808-885-2501 or the Upper Campus (9-12) at 808-885-7321.

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Yes. All students in grades K-12 must adhere to the school's Acceptable Use Policy for their respective division. The school regards computers and technology as essential tools for learning. Students are expected to demonstrate responsible and ethical use of these resources. E-mail accounts are provided for students and are subject to monitoring. Students are responsible for the content of their computer accounts at all times.

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Yes. The boxes will be stored in a secure area until the student’s dorm room is designated. Please mail them as close to the start of school as possible to the following address:

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No.  Students must bring their own sheets, blankets, bedspread, and pillows. If students do not bring these items, linens may be borrowed from the school until the student can purchase them.

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The school provides free laundry facilities and laundry training is provided. Students need to purchase their own laundry soap.

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No. Refrigerators are available for student use in the boarding lounge and in each faculty apartment.

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Yes.  We encourage you to make friends with day students and to visit their homes on weekends with approval from your parents and the director of residential life.

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On Wednesday and Friday right after school from the administrative assistants. Each family decides the weekly amount; we recommend $25 per week.

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The weekdays are full with academics and activities, with definite breaks before and after school, where you choose how to spend your time. We guide students to choose from a variety of community activities and we transport them.

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Two teachers work and play with you each weekend. The teachers take you to special events, outdoor adventures, sports/activities, cultural events, and want your feedback on what you like to do.

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Yes. On weekends, we allow overnight guests. You must complete and submit a form for guests, which must be reviewed and approved by the director of residential life.

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Yes.  All dorms are wired by a fire alarm system. HPA staff and local authorities test the system periodically; each campus runs at least one fire drill per semester.

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The first time a key is lost, the student is charged $25 and is issued a replacement key. The second time in the same year, we assume that there is a chance someone else might find one of the lost keys. We change the pins in the lock and issue a new key. The charge is $100.

We do not refund any of the charges if a key is subsequently found. All of the labor involved in key cutting, work order processing, invoicing, etc. already has been expended.

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If your child is a boarder, s/he should visit the infirmary and have the nurse schedule an appointment for him/her to see the dentist or eye doctor. The nurses will transport boarding students to their health appointments. Parents of day students should schedule their children’s health appointments and transport their children to these appointments.

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It depends on the type of medication. Any medications that are classified as controlled medications, e.g. narcotics, are to be administered by the nurses. Other medications, such as antibiotics and inhalers, will be administered by the nurses or given to the child to keep in his/her room and self-administer at the nurse’s discretion. Parents are required to sign a consent form - “Request for Self-Administration” or “Request for Administration/Storage of Medication.”

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During the school day, your child can visit the school infirmary. Nurses are available to see students between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The infirmary at the Village Campus is located in the main office building. At the Upper Campus, the infirmary is located in the lower level of Taylor Commons (below the dining room.) A nurse is on call whenever the infirmary is closed to give health advice and to transport your child to the emergency room if needed. If your child needs care after hours, s/he should contact her dorm faculty advisor who will contact the nurse on call.

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Yes. The boxes will be stored in a secure area until the student’s dorm room is designated. Please mail them as close to the start of school as possible to the following address:

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There are several ways. Wednesday evenings, and every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the dorm parents run shuttle busses to the local shopping centers. With the appropriate consent from your parents, you also can go to town with day student friends or even walk. Remember, however, you must always sign-out properly before leaving campus.

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You are only allowed into the dorms the day before programs start at the beginning of the year, or the day before programs start after a holiday break. You must depart the dorms by the end of the day after the final official program day before a school break.

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There are detailed “what to bring” and “prohibited items” lists in the residential life chapter of the Upper School student handbook. Please consult and abide by these lists as you plan for your school year.

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The dorm parents are your parents-away-from-home. They are teachers who live on campus and work and play with boarding students. They help provide a safe and healthy environment in which you can be productive and have fun. They supervise the dorms and help students learn how to become good and responsible community members. They are a wise and caring group of people with whom you will become very close. Trust your dorms parents and take advantage of all the energy and help they have to offer.

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Prefects are student leaders in the dorms. They are seniors who have been selected to serve as peer guides, helpers, and examples in dorm life. They are excellent sources of information and are always there for you when you need them. Count on your prefects because they will take care of you.

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Yes. There are many opportunities to leave campus, both on planned school activities, and on your own time. There are specific sign-out procedures you must follow, however, and these are outlined in the residential life chapter of the student handbook. You also must have certain consent from your parents to leave campus on your own.

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Each dormitory is equipped with a printer in the commons area. There also are printers available for student use in the computer labs, the library, and College Counseling office. Some students prefer to have their own printers in their dorm rooms.

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Yes.  All dorms are wired by a fire alarm system. HPA staff and local authorities test the system periodically; each campus runs at least one fire drill per semester.

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The first time a key is lost, the student is charged $25 and is issued a replacement key. The second time in the same year, we assume that there is a chance someone else might find one of the lost keys. We change the pins in the lock and issue a new key. The charge is $100.

We do not refund any of the charges if a key is subsequently found. All of the labor involved in key cutting, work order processing, invoicing, etc. already has been expended.

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Many colleges now require the meningococcal vaccine for school entry. Meningitis outbreaks have occurred on college campuses and students who live in dormitories appear to be at greater risk of contacting the disease. We advise you to ask your child’s physician for his/her recommendation about the meningococcal vaccine for your child.

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If your child is a boarder, s/he should visit the infirmary and have the nurse schedule an appointment for him/her to see the dentist or eye doctor. The nurses will transport boarding students to their health appointments. Parents of day students should schedule their children’s health appointments and transport their children to these appointments.

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It depends on the type of medication. Any medications that are classified as controlled medications, e.g. narcotics, are to be administered by the nurses. Other medications, such as antibiotics and inhalers, will be administered by the nurses or given to the child to keep in his/her room and self-administer at the nurse’s discretion. Parents are required to sign a consent form - “Request for Self-Administration” or “Request for Administration/Storage of Medication.”

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North Hawai'i Community Hospital is a modern, fully-equipped hospital located in the town of Kamuela within a 10-minute drive from our campuses. The emergency room at the hospital is open 24 hours a day and is staffed by qualified emergency room physicians and nurses.

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During the school day, your child can visit the school infirmary. Nurses are available to see students between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The infirmary at the Village Campus is located in the main office building. At the Upper Campus, the infirmary is located in the lower level of Taylor Commons (below the dining room.) A nurse is on call whenever the infirmary is closed to give health advice and to transport your child to the emergency room if needed. If your child needs care after hours, s/he should contact her dorm faculty advisor who will contact the nurse on call.

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Dewar’s insurance covers only injuries that result from accidents; it does not cover visits to doctors, diagnostic tests (X-ray and lab work), and hospital stays that are due to, or result from, illnesses.

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Many colleges now require the meningococcal vaccine for school entry. Meningitis outbreaks have occurred on college campuses and students who live in dormitories appear to be at greater risk of contacting the disease. We advise you to ask your child’s physician for his/her recommendation about the meningococcal vaccine for your child.

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If your child is a boarder, s/he should visit the infirmary and have the nurse schedule an appointment for him/her to see the dentist or eye doctor. The nurses will transport boarding students to their health appointments. Parents of day students should schedule their children’s health appointments and transport their children to these appointments.

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It depends on the type of medication. Any medications that are classified as controlled medications, e.g. narcotics, are to be administered by the nurses. Other medications, such as antibiotics and inhalers, will be administered by the nurses or given to the child to keep in his/her room and self-administer at the nurse’s discretion. Parents are required to sign a consent form - “Request for Self-Administration” or “Request for Administration/Storage of Medication.”

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North Hawai'i Community Hospital is a modern, fully-equipped hospital located in the town of Kamuela within a 10-minute drive from our campuses. The emergency room at the hospital is open 24 hours a day and is staffed by qualified emergency room physicians and nurses.

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During the school day, your child can visit the school infirmary. Nurses are available to see students between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The infirmary at the Village Campus is located in the main office building. At the Upper Campus, the infirmary is located in the lower level of Taylor Commons (below the dining room.) A nurse is on call whenever the infirmary is closed to give health advice and to transport your child to the emergency room if needed. If your child needs care after hours, s/he should contact her dorm faculty advisor who will contact the nurse on call.

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All Upper School students are required to participate in after-school sports or activities. Many of the co-curricular activities offered involve physical activity. The physical exam lets the school know that your child can safely participate in physical activities. The Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF), which oversees the varsity and junior varsity sports of Big Island schools, requires a physical exam before students can participate in BIIF sports. The physical exam also alerts the health staff about any changes in your child’s health from previous years.

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Emergency contacts, phone numbers and e-mail addresses often change from the previous year. It is important that nurses have current information in case of an emergency. The Health Authorization needs to be signed each year for liability purposes.

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The TB test is a tuberculosis screen. Hawai'i has one of the highest incidences of TB compared to other states. Tuberculosis is contagious; it affects the lungs and can affect other organs leading to damage if left undetected and untreated. The State of Hawai'i requires the TB test to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis.

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Immunization requirements are determined by the State Department of Health. The DTaP, Polio, MMR, and Hep B immunizations are required. Varicella is required unless your child has had the chicken pox disease. Meningococcal, pneumococcal, HPV, and Hep A immunizations are optional.

If you do not want your child to be immunized due to religious reasons, you must sign a “Religious Exemption” form, which is available through the school infirmary.

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It needs an Ethernet port to connect to our Ethernet network. All recent models come with Ethernet built-in.

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HPA maintains a computer repair center and can help with computer hardware and software problems. Computer teachers also are available to help with usage questions.

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HPA maintains a wireless network throughout both the Upper and Village Campuses. Students are required to register their computer with the IT Department to use most of the wireless access points.

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Yes. HPA maintains a “blacklist” of inappropriate sites and blocks access to any of these sites. Students must sign and adhere to an Acceptable Use Policy.

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No. Although many students have their own computers, there are three computer labs at the Upper Campus and two labs at the Village Campus. The libraries at both campuses also are equipped with several computers. The Upper School dorms have 4-5 computers in the commons area for student use.

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Yes.  Your child will receive an HPA e-mail account. As an example, a student named John Smith will be assigned an e-mail address of jsmith(at)hpa.edu unless that address is already taken, then it will be jsmith1(at)hpa.edu (or whatever the next number is).

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Yes. Windows-based computers will work on the HPA network. Your student will be able to access our file servers, the Internet, and all HPA IT-related resources. Windows-based computers are required to have up to date anti-virus software installed.

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Yes. Macintosh-based computers will work on the HPA network. Your student will be able to access our file servers, the Internet, and all HPA IT-related resources.

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Visit the Apple Store for Education for details.

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Each dormitory is equipped with a printer in the commons area. There also are printers available for student use in the computer labs, the library, and College Counseling office. Some students prefer to have their own printers in their dorm rooms.

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Yes. All students in grades K-12 must adhere to the school's Acceptable Use Policy for their respective division. The school regards computers and technology as essential tools for learning. Students are expected to demonstrate responsible and ethical use of these resources. E-mail accounts are provided for students and are subject to monitoring. Students are responsible for the content of their computer accounts at all times.

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The TOEFL test is given in the fall for seniors applying to college and in the spring for juniors so they know their score prior to applying to colleges.

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A student should take advantage of opportunities to speak English whenever possible and use the support that is available to students at HPA. Students involved in the life of the school at HPA (sports, theater, community service, residential life, clubs, etc.) will make the greatest and most rapid progress in English because that student will be in a variety of situations with a natural need to communicate in English. Students who seek the help of others (teachers, tutors, peers) will move forward more quickly in English than those who do not take the same initiative. Summer Session at HPA and summer programs at other schools also are strongly encouraged for ESL students at least during their first year or two at HPA.

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Prior to starting at HPA, a student is placed in one or more English as a Second Language (ESL) classes based on English language test scores, teacher comments, a writing sample, and an interview. Once at HPA, a student is placed in ESL classes each term based on a Secondary Level English Proficiency (SLEP) test, grades in ESL classes, grades in subject area classes, and teacher comments.

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A student is no longer placed in ESL classes when the teacher determines that the student can make progress without further ESL support.

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The SLEP test is administered each year in the spring as one measure of student progress.

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The teacher is the first point of contact regarding a student’s grade. By engaging the child’s teacher who issued the grade, the parent gets firsthand information in a timely fashion; this direct communication fosters a common understanding and a stronger partnership between home and school.

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Being on time to school in the morning and during the day is an important characteristic that defines a responsible citizen of our learning community. Tardiness typically becomes a more serious matter in Middle School when students begin to change classes during the day and assume more responsibility as they become more independent. When a student is late to school or class, we first determine if the tardy qualifies as “excused” or “ unexcused.” If unexcused, the tardy is considered a minor misconduct incident and 5 points are removed from the student’s conduct grade for the quarter grading period.

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Lower School students keep their instructional supplies in their classroom; their personal supplies normally are minimal. Middle School students are issued locks and lockers and students are required to keep all of their instructional and personal supplies in their assigned locker.

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The Village Campus hosts an annual Open House, although the purpose, intent, and time varies somewhat from the standard open house format. Our Open House takes place earlier in the school year (within the first two weeks) and is intended to provide parents with important information relative to academic expectations, curriculum, and general classroom procedures that facilitate home-school communication.

Printer-friendly version

Almost always, a concern or inquiry should first be directed to the faculty or staff member who is most likely able to respond in a knowledgeable and meaningful manner. The administration maintains an open door policy, but will honor a process that invites parents and faculty to communicate directly, as this most often facilitates accurate communication and builds trust, understanding, and partnership. General questions or concerns can be directed to the office and/or principal.

Printer-friendly version

Yes. Information for the upcoming school year is distributed to families no later than June. This information will be sent home and posted on the school’s Web site. If you have any questions, call the Village Campus (K-8) office at 808-885-2501 or the Upper Campus (9-12) at 808-885-7321.

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Yes. The Village Campus runs an after-school program for students in grades K-6 designed primarily as day care. Two faculty members supervise students as they complete homework assignments, play board games, read in the library, work on an educational computer game, play on the playground, or participate in arts and crafts activities.

We are in the process of building a foundation for a more "formal" after-school program. During the 2007-2008 school year, we offered a Lower School Spanish and dance class activity and we hope to expand these offerings for the 2008-2009 school year to include several athletic and arts/music offerings, as well as a modern language offering.

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Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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No. Parents, relatives, or authorized guardians drive their children to and from school. There are designated areas for drop-off and pick-up that are supervised by the school’s security, faculty, and administration.

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Yes. We have Lower and Middle School dress codes. Students are required to meet specific standards in support of “presenting themselves in a respectful and responsible manner.” The Lower School dress code is not as formal as the Middle School dress code. We do require Lower School students to adhere to an informal physical education dress code by wearing a red T-shirt on the day they have physical education.

At the Middle School, we have instituted a formal physical education T-shirt requirement.  For Middle School students, additional emphasis is placed on the “respectful and responsible” aspect of dress at school.

Printer-friendly version

When a child is absent from school due to illness, we ask that the school be informed as quickly as possible; usually, a phone call to the office (885-2501) is sufficient. The child cannot return to school on the day he/she is out sick to participate in activities either during the day, after school, and in the evening (special events).

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The school strongly encourages families to plan trips and vacations during the school’s scheduled vacation breaks. As a citizen of a learning community, we feel a student’s presence is a responsibility that he/she should take seriously. With sufficient notice (minimum of two weeks), teachers can prepare some class work for students when they are away from school but, in reality, the student’s learning experience is significantly diminished due to the nature of learning in an interactive classroom environment. Students are permitted to make up tests and assessments within the regular school day when they return from vacation.

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School begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m. Classrooms open at 7:40 a.m.

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Hawaii Preparatory Academy is a K-12 institution with grades K-8 located about 1.5 miles from the Upper Campus. The Village Campus is situated between the Upper Campus and “village” of Waimea, hence, the term “Village” Campus. The K-8 school also is referred to as the “Lower Campus” in reference to the K-8 component of the school.

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Our school is committed to educating both the “head and heart.” We promote and support character education, quality citizenship, and academic excellence throughout all aspects of the school’s curriculum and culture.

Printer-friendly version

Character education is that component of our school where we intentionally and explicitly help students understand the important virtues that serve as a foundation for a healthy and responsible life. Using the Heartwood Ethics Program, which embraces the virtues of love, hope, courage, loyalty, honesty, justice, and respect, we address and celebrate these qualities that are so integral to living constructive lives through activities at assemblies and events, literature, celebrations, service learning projects, learning to mediate and problem-solve, partnerships with parents and outside resources and, most importantly, through modeling daily living and work at the Village Campus.

Printer-friendly version

Creating a school culture of “caring” serves as the basis for good citizenship. Caring about how to conduct oneself in a respectful and responsible manner in all things related to our school and learning is paramount to helping create a healthy, productive community. We celebrate our students’ accomplishments and try to help them learn from their mistakes in an honest and sincere fashion. Our Middle School has an honor code that serves as a reminder to students about their responsibility as citizens of our school community.

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We prefer to not use the word “discipline” when helping students learn from their mistakes. We use the term "student management" and the concept of “natural and progressive consequences” to help students recognize and realize the implications of mistakes and poor decisions. Knowing that modeling is one of the most powerful tools for learning, the faculty and staff at the Village Campus interact with students around disciplinary matters in a manner that enables them to retain their self-worth and dignity, while learning to take responsibility for their actions. We document all student behavior issues that qualify as “minor” or “major” incidents. Teasing, being disrespectful, out of dress code, tardiness, etc., are examples of minor incidents. Physical aggression of any sort, lying, cheating, stealing, or vandalism are considered major incidents. Repeated minor incidents can qualify as a “major” incident. All major incidents harbor the potential for a suspension from school.

Lower School (K-5) Students: All minor K-5 student management concerns are addressed by the classroom teacher, who usually works with the parent to address the matter. Occasionally, additional support from either the school counselor and/or administration might be essential to help resolve the matter. When a major incident occurs, the school’s administration becomes involved and works with school personnel and the parents to address the matter.

Middle School (6-8) Students: HPA employs a student conduct report system, whereby every quarter, students begin anew with 100 points. In the event a student incurs a minor or major incident, points are deducted from the student’s conduct grade; minor incidents are valued at 5 points while major incidents can result in a maximum 25 point deduction. When a student misbehaves, the teacher will meet with the student to review the matter. If the teacher feels the incident warrants a point deduction, the incident is documented and both the student and teacher sign the incident report. Repeated minor incidents and all major incidents warrant involvement of the school’s administration. When a student’s conduct total falls below 90 points, the student no longer qualifies for honor roll for the quarter. Additionally, if a student’s conduct grade falls below 75, he/she is placed on “social” probation. Social probation limits a student’s participation in extracurricular activities and lasts for a semester or until the principal lifts this restriction.

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Here are some of the observable signs that might indicate readiness in a child before entering kindergarten:

• Is comfortable away from parents for several hours
• Has the ability to express ideas and feelings to adults other than parents
• Takes care of toileting needs independently
• Is able to retell familiar stories
• Enters a new activity without fear
• Accepts minor disappointments or limits without anger or tears
• Listens to and follows directions
• Finds ways to resolve conflicts with peers independently
• Is able to work independently without constant adult supervision/support
• Participates comfortably in group discussions
• Is developing an ability to stay focused and listen to a story
• Makes simple decisions given a few choices
• Uses a pencil or crayon with a relaxed and controlled grasp
• Takes care of personal belongings
• Repeats a series of numbers without practice
• Identifies primary colors
• Recognizes and identifies alphabet letters and sounds
• Recognizes and identifies numerals and number values 0-10
• Counts 5-10 objects accurately
• Draws recognizable drawings

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Teachers communicate with families through learning guides, parent-teacher conferences, regular teacher newsletters, and progress reports.

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Regular classroom assessment allow classroom teachers to determine specific levels of understanding and skill with each of their students. Standardized testing, which takes place in the spring for children in grades 3-5, provides statistical data as one means of assessment. Conferences, both formal and informal, along with written assessment in the form of a progress report, provide families with a wealth of knowledge about each child’s skill level and progress noted within that level.

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Our educators, supported by a leadership team dedicated to the development of appropriate and challenging curriculum, work in collaboration to design, implement, and review curriculum strands in grades K-5 to ensure a contiguous, grade and age appropriate, and challenging curriculum for all students.

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Yes. All students in grades K-12 must adhere to the school's Acceptable Use Policy for their respective division. The school regards computers and technology as essential tools for learning. Students are expected to demonstrate responsible and ethical use of these resources. E-mail accounts are provided for students and are subject to monitoring. Students are responsible for the content of their computer accounts at all times.

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Classroom teachers design individualized opportunities for children to experience transition activities as each school year comes to an end. These include, but are not limited to, panel discussions where students in one class ask questions of students in the next grade level, time spent together on collaborative projects in the classroom of the next grade level, and written responses to frequently asked questions from one class to the next grade level.

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Yes.  All dorms are wired by a fire alarm system. HPA staff and local authorities test the system periodically; each campus runs at least one fire drill per semester.

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The first time a key is lost, the student is charged $25 and is issued a replacement key. The second time in the same year, we assume that there is a chance someone else might find one of the lost keys. We change the pins in the lock and issue a new key. The charge is $100.

We do not refund any of the charges if a key is subsequently found. All of the labor involved in key cutting, work order processing, invoicing, etc. already has been expended.

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We charge the full cost of repairs for all damage determined to have been caused by any student or to a dorm room under that student’s care and control. Dorm rooms should be locked at all times; therefore, if a room is damaged, the occupants will be charged, unless another person accepts responsibility.

It is the duty of each student and his/her dorm parent to inspect the room for damages before occupying the room. Once the student occupies a room, all damage found will be presumed to be caused while the room was under the care and control of the occupant/s, unless the damage was previously identified and noted on an inspection form.

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We have replaced less efficient bulbs with more efficient ones, added solar- powered water heaters to some houses, changed some diesel water heaters to “on demand” propane heaters, added skylights to some areas, installed solar-powered street lights, and installed solar-powered fans in various places. All of these programs will be expanded every year.

All new construction will follow the principles of the United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines. These guidelines suggest ways to improve energy efficiency and protect the environment. Soon, we will build an energy lab that will be used by faculty members and students to explore alternative energy, energy efficiency, and other scientific projects.

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We contract out most pest control treatment on both campuses to Ecolab, a licensed, insured pest control company. Their service specialists are trained professionals who provide us weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual treatments. All visits are scheduled ahead of time, with consideration given to avoiding treatment of any occupied space.

The company provides us with reports and recommendations after each visit. They respond to special requests as needed. HPA staff occasionally will spot treat small areas using readily-available products.

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Yes. HPA believes in providing students the opportunity to earn money during summer or any break. The Maintenance Department normally has openings on a first-come, first-served basis. Preference is given to HPA students.

Students will work with adults doing manual labor. We teach students basic work skills and habits. We expect all employees to follow our department and HPA work rules.

We adhere to all State and Federal laws regarding minors in the work place.

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Currently 35 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program which allows its citizens to travel to the U.S. with a valid passport and without a Visa. For those citizens of countries that do not participate in the VWP, a B-1 Visitors Visa is required.

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Boarding tuition includes room & board, three 2-hour classes, after school intramural sport, some books and supplies, and weekend excursion fees. Day tuition includes the class instruction, and some books and supplies. Lunch and after school sport may be purchased separately

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Classes are for enrichment only, with the exception of the upper school course, Marine Science seminar (2-part class, four hours daily). Upon completion of the course, the student will receive a letter grade and a half science elective credit.

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Our diverse summer session student body have come from Canada, China, French Polynesia, Germany, Guam, Japan, Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Ukraine, and continental United States, and Hawaiian Islands.

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We accept approximately 80 boarding students and 40 day students.

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The decision on your child’s acceptance is made once we have received your completed application, teacher recommendation, and school transcript (and any supporting documents, if requested).

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When your child is not engaged in classes, sports, and study hall, our summer session staff organizes evening games, ice-cream socials, dances, and movies. Weekend activities take place off campus where students are exposed to the natural splendor the Big Island has to offer. Some excursions include glass-bottom boat ride, zip-line through the rain forest, ATV rides along valley rims, and beach trips.

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Testing will be done during the regular school day.  Every effort will be made to be discreet and to not disrupt classes or co-curricular activities.

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The confidential screening will be done on campus in a private secure area, through our Health Services department.  Officials in the Health Services department will not reveal to other school officials the names of students screened.

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At the beginning of each school year, every family will be required to complete and submit a form choosing to enroll or not enroll in the program. The confidential list of names of those enrolled will be forwarded to an outside lab.  Once a month, the school will select a day to perform urine screens and the lab then will randomly select about 20 percent of the students enrolled in the program for testing.  The lab will notify parents by mail if the tests are negative.  In the event of a positive test, the lab will immediately attempt to reach the parents by other means.  School officials only will be informed of the number of tests completed and the number of positive results.  No disciplinary action will be taken on the school’s part as the result of a positive VRDT test.

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As the name implies, the program is TOTALLY VOLUNTARY.  Both the parent(s) and the student must agree to be in the program in order to be enrolled. Students selected for testing are only those enrolled in the program.

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The school’s drug and alcohol policy operates independently from the VRDT program. Disciplinary action will only take place if the school—on its own volition and independent "for cause" drug/alcohol testing—already was investigating a particular substance-related allegation. In this situation, the school’s “regular” substance use or possession policy and process will apply. [Click here to review HPA's Drug/Alcohol Policy.] Disciplinary action on the school's part does not occur as a result of VRDT participation.

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Voluntary Random Drug Testing is one component of our overall drug education and abuse prevention program.  Let’s be frank—all schools and communities are impacted by underage drug use and abuse.  To do nothing is not an option.  It is our hope that this program will encourage parental involvement in this critical behavioral area and will empower our young people to make wise choices if and when they are pressured or tempted to engage in substance use and abuse.

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Result: My child tested negative.

If your child tests negative, it does not mean that you should stop talking to him/her about what ill effects drugs can have on them, as well as the downfalls of alcohol abuse.  Remember, the test is a platform for you to use to communicate with your child about such issues.  What questions get raised by your child, as well as yourself, are important.  Educate yourself about drug use and abuse with youths by visiting the sites listed here.

Result: My child tested positive.

Don’t panic and don’t over react.  It is not uncommon for parents to experience shock, guilt, anger, disappointment, disbelief, and many other emotions when they discover their child has used drugs.

Be considerate to yourself and your child by giving yourself the time and space to deal with your feelings.  It is best to do so in private, with your spouse, a friend, a minister, or someone in the counseling profession.  Overly emotional reactions in the presence of your child might interfere with productive problem-solving.

Listen.  You can gain information and insight about your child without having to agree with him/her.  Listen to your teen’s point of view and attitude.

Avoid judgmental statements.  These only give your child an excuse to tune you out and avoid the issue.

Be calm.  Model appropriate problem-solving behavior to your child.  Show how an adult can maturely and reasonably deal with a difficult situation.

Don’t be misled.  Don’t easily accept, “I only did it once,” or “I’ll never do it again.”  You can’t help your child if he/she easily misleads you.

Both parents must agree on a plan.  Whether your child lives with one or both parents, all adults involved should agree on what should be done.  Support from both parents and consistency in follow-through are important.  Parents who disagree about solutions or who will not support each other in follow-through can easily be divided by their child.  If this happens, your child might not get what is needed to deal with the important issues that contributed to his/her drug use.

Be consistent.  Teens who are willing experiment with drugs might also tend to push limits for the excitement and fun of “trying to get away with it.”  If parents are inconsistent, teens will test you and easily discover you don’t mean what you say.  They will break rules, avoid consequences, and continue to engage in nonproductive behaviors.

Don’t make promises you can’t keep.  If you set a consequence or plan of action make sure you can willingly and relatively easily follow through.  Parents often defeat themselves by setting unreasonable consequences that they or their child cannot be consistent with.  If this happens, you both lose.  Set a plan of action and follow through on it.

Continue to have your child drug tested on a regular basis.

Who can help?  Counselors and health care professionals can be a great source of information.  We have compiled a resource list that is a good starting point (Click here).  You also can call Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy and speak with our guidance counselors without any negative repercussions.  As part of the Voluntary Random Drug Testing Program, all of our faculty members are here to help and assist families and not to punish students.

You also can talk to your primary care provider, or your child’s pediatrician, for a referral to a qualified youth counselor or therapist who specializes in drug use/abuse.  Finally, you can check with your health insurance company, which might also refer you to someone on their provider list.  Many churches also have youth counselors who you can go to for help.

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There is no cost to our families to participate in this program. The cost is about $45 per screen and HPA’s ‘Ohana Association has agreed to financially support this effort for the first year.  We also will be looking at other sources and/or grants to fund this program.