High School Overview
Brief History
Established in 1995-96, Hualalai Academy is a non-sectarian private K-12th grade school serving 190 students. The student body reflects a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, mirroring the large community of greater Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
In the 2002-2003 school year, a 9th grade class was opened at the school for five students, drawing from the 8th grade class and from other schools in the area.
Each school year thereafter, another high school grade was added. Currently, a high school program of grades 9-12 is offered to 33 students.
The High School is housed in four spacious well-lit classrooms in a separate area of the campus, with restroom and picnic facilities dedicated to students in grades 9-12.
Academic Program
High School students are taught in small seminar-style classes that engage them in inter-active activities and technology enabling them to share their views and insights and learn from each other in a "college like" setting.
College Preparatory Courses are offered in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, World Languages, the Arts, and PE.
In addition, the school offers courses in digital film production, student government, and a wide range of independent study options and college and career counseling.
Honors courses are available to highly motivated students in all grades.
School Wide Learning Objectives
The program is meant to emphasize all of the Hualalai Academy Expected School Wide Learning Results:
- Think critically and problem solve
- Recognize and produce quality work
- Exhibit respect for self and others
- Appreciate the Arts and the diversity of all cultures
- Take responsibility for living a healthy lifestyle.
Preparing For College
Students who are most successful at Hualalai Academy High School are those who are self-reliant learners, serious about preparing for a four-year college experience.
Although we do not have the ability as a small school to offer a large variety of courses, we support student initiated Independent Study programs by providing guidance during the course and credit upon successful completion. We will also guide and support students through the college application process.
Members of the class of 2008 have been accepted at the following colleges and universities: UH Manoa, UH Hilo, University of Puget Sound, Lewis and Clark, Whitman, Mills, California State Universities, Manhattanville College, Sierra Nevada College, Oahu Community College and others.
Typical Course of Study
Due to the small number of registered students in school and the commitment to offer Honors as well as a regular College Preparatory course, students are combined in the two-year cycle of courses for the 9th/10th Grade and the 11th/12th Grade.
This chart outlines the possible course of study for a student in each grade level based on the course offerings for the 2007-08 school year.