Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 office at 808-885-2501.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 the 2008-2009 school year.  For Middle School students, additional emphasis is placed on the “respectful and responsible” aspect of dress at school.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. Our “Lower School” (elementary), includes grades K-5, while our Middle School, includes grades 6-8. Both divisions are housed at the Village Campus.

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.

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:

Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Attention: Student name (grade/new or returning student)
65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road
Kamuela, HI 96743

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Yes, you may bring all of these items. They are your responsibility and they are locked up each night at 9 p.m. so students get the necessary sleep they need. All students sign a computer-use contract, which supports appropriate use. Misuse of electronics has serious consequences. (See handbook)

The school tries to match up an English-speaking student with an English-as-a-Second-Language student. When changing roommates, many factors are considered to find a good roommate combination.

Arrive Sunday, August 17, 2008 to begin the school year.

Depart Thursday, December 11 to begin the Holiday Break. (December 12 for International Students)

Arrive Sunday, January 4, 2009 to begin second semester.

Depart for Spring Break Wednesday, March 11 (March 12 for International Students)

Arrive Sunday, March 29, 2009 to begin fourth quarter.

Depart Thursday, May 21 to begin Summer Break. (Friday, May 22 for International Students)

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:

Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Attention: Student name (grade/new or returning student)
65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road
Kamuela, HI 96743

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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 and between 7:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. on Saturdays when school is in session. 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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 and between 7:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. on Saturdays when school is in session. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Not currently. Visit the Apple Store for Education for details.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

A student is no longer placed in ESL classes when the teacher determines that the student can make progress without further ESL support (see determining factors listed above).

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.

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.

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 office at 808-885-2501.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 the 2008-2009 school year.  For Middle School students, additional emphasis is placed on the “respectful and responsible” aspect of dress at school.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. Our “Lower School” (elementary), includes grades K-5, while our Middle School, includes grades 6-8. Both divisions are housed at the Village Campus.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.