Applications are being accepted for pre-kindergarten classes at six Hawaii Island charter schools and select charter schools on three other islands.
The free program is being made available to income-eligible families whose children are born on or between Aug. 1, 2012, and July 31, 2013.
The Pre-K program is administered by the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission. In 2014, the commission applied for the U.S. Department of Education Preschool Development Grant and was one of 18 states awarded the highly competitive gift. The $14.8 million, four-year grant has allowed Hawaii to expand its early childhood education system.
Each classroom is limited to 20 students and will have a qualified teacher and assistant.
The pre-kindergarten classes are available at the following Hawaii Island schools:
• Ka ‘Umeke Ka‘eo, Hilo, 933-3482.
• Ke Kula ‘O Nawahiokalani’opu’u Iki Lab Charter School, Keaau, 982-4260.
• Kua o ka La New Century Public Charter School, Pahoa, 965-2193.
• Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School, Laupahoehoe, 962-2200.
• Na Wai Ola Public Charter School, Mountain View, 968-2318.
• Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, Volcano, 985-9800.
Through the Preschool Development Grant, Hawaii keiki will have an opportunity for a positive start at their education and it will help them prepare for later success in school and life, the charter school commission said in a news release.
For more information or an application, contact the charter school directly or call Deanne Goya at the commission’s office at 586-3775.
