As HPA prepares to launch the inaugural year of The Village Pre-K, the program begins with a clear sense of purpose — to nurture the youngest learners through connection, culture, and community.
At the center of that vision is Monica Hurley, HPA’s new Pre-K lead teacher. Born and raised in Waimea, Hurley brings more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education, along with a deep-rooted connection to the community she now serves.
“I’m just grateful to be born and raised here and to stay here to work,” Hurley said. “And I’m excited to be a part of the HPA family.”
For Hurley, stepping into this role is more than a professional opportunity. It’s a personal commitment to shaping the next generation of keiki in a place that shaped her.
“I have a lot to share, and I really want to bring them up in culture, while helping them thrive in the community and beyond,” Hurley said.
Ask Hurley what makes Pre-K so special, and her answer is simple.
“The kids. Their energy, their conversations — it’s priceless,” she said. “They ask the best questions. It keeps me learning right alongside them.”
Inside her classroom, that curiosity will be met with intention. Students will experience a blend of Montessori-inspired learning and traditional early childhood education, with an emphasis on hands-on exploration, independence, and collaboration.
“You’ll hear a lot of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi,” Hurley said. “You’ll see keiki engaged in different activities, helping each other, working through challenges, and trying again. We’re there to support them and give them the tools they need to be successful.”
Equally important is the role of families in the learning journey — a cornerstone of the Pre-K experience at HPA.
“Family is such an important part of a child’s life,” Hurley said. “Even spending a few minutes at drop-off, letting your child share their classroom with you, makes a difference. It helps them feel supported and loved.”
Families joining The Village Pre-K are not just enrolling in a program; they are becoming part of a community rooted in connection and shared responsibility. From the earliest years, students begin to understand what it means to belong and how to contribute to something larger than themselves.
Looking ahead, Hurley is focused on creating an environment where each child is seen, supported, and prepared for what comes next.
“It’s going to be very hands-on,” she said. “Practical life skills, engagement, meeting the kids where they are so they can grow and be ready for kindergarten.”
As HPA opens this new chapter with The Village Pre-K, the foundation is already in place: experienced leadership, a deep connection to Hawaiʻi Island, and a commitment to raising keiki who are confident, curious, and grounded in who they are. And in Hurley’s classroom, that journey begins with something simple — care, connection, and a love for learning.