Applications are now being accepted for high-quality preschool classes at select charter schools on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, and Molokaʻi for the 2020-2021 school year. Evidence shows that high-quality preschool helps prepare children for later success in school and in life. A child’s family is their first teacher and play a vital role in his or her education. The goal of this pre-kindergarten program is to build a child’s existing skills and strengthen a family’s ability to support their child’s learning.

This free pre-k program is for four-year-old children who are born between August 1, 2015 and July 31, 2016. As defined by ACT 276 of the 2019 Hawaiʻi State Legislative Session, children who meet the following priority categories have selection preference:

-Children whose family income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level for Hawaiʻi, so a family of three earning $74,940 or less and a family of 4 earning $90,390 or less will qualify. (Please see attached FPG chart)

-Children who have an IEP (receiving special education services);

-Children who are homeless;

-Children who are in foster care; and/or

-Children who are English Learners

Thereafter, all four-year-old children will be considered, based upon space availability. Each classroom will provide a safe, nurturing and holistic learning environment with a 10:1 student to teaching staff ratio.

Participating schools by island:

Hawaiʻi Island

-Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Immersion PCS, Keaukaha (808)982-4260

-Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Iki Lab PCS, Keaʻau & Waimea (808)965-2193

-Kua o ka Lā New Century PCS, Pāhoa (808)965-2193

-Laupāhoehoe Community PCS (808)962-2200

-Nā Wai Ola PCS, Mountain View (808) 968-2318

-Volcano School of Arts & Sciences (808)985-9800

Kauaʻi

-Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha Learning Center (808)337-0481

Molokaʻi

-Kualapuʻu School: Public Conversion Charter School (808)567-6900

Oʻahu

-Kamaile Academy, Waiʻanae (808)697-7110

-Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Iki Lab PCS, Nānākuli (808)620-9052

-Ku Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau Laboratory PCS, Kāneʻohe (808)235-9175

-Waiʻalae Elementary Public Charter School, Honolulu (808)733-4880

Apply now as seats are limited! First selection will take place on Friday, March 27, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. All complete applications received by participating charter schools on this date and time and meet the priority categories are eligible for first selection.

If there are any vacancies thereafter, a second round of selections will take place on Friday, April 24, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. for all four-year-old applicants. Note: A lottery system will be used if the number of complete applications exceeds the number of slots available. After April 24, 2020, selections will be made on a first come first serve basis.

For more information please contact the charter school, or Deanne Goya at the Commission office at (808) 586-3775.

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