Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science (H.A.A.S.)

[kimmickal]

I would like to know about Punawebbers' opinions about the Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science in Pahoa (grades 7-12)...the Public Charter School.

Also, about their Outreach Program (grades K-6) where a teacher visits a student in their home once a week and the rest of the week the student does schoolwork on the computer.

Thanks in advance.

http://www.cafepress.com/lck

[mella l]

Hi Laura,

Although I don't know about this academy, I do have some thoughts about home schooling.

Several friends here home school their children and the only thing they feel that such an education is lacking in is the social aspect of childhood development. They seem to feel unless a parent is full time and able to be involved in taking these children to many varied outside functions, that the children's social development suffers. These children are truly isolated from their peers, and they need friends to learn and grow with. Perhaps you will be involved with soccer, artistic, musical events and church to fill these areas, but they do need to be addressed on a full time basis is what I'm hearing.

That being said these children I'm in contact with are very bright and well taught to think and research and learn. Their parents are truly dedicated in helping their children become well rounded, socially and academically. Good luck and Aloha, Mella L

mella l

[kimmickal]

Dear Mella,

Thanks for your thoughts on home schooling. I know the 7-12 grade students meet on campus Monday-Thursday. Every Friday off and every other Friday dedicated to community service.

I hope there are plan activities for grades K-6 to get together so they receive the social interaction they need.

Good to know that homeschooled children are very bright.

Sincerely,

Laura Kimmick
Henderson, Nevada

[Carolann R]

Aloha. I'm bringing this forward to find out again if anyone has any experience with the Hawai'i Academy of Arts & Science Public Charter School in Pahoa.

There may be a possibility that our 14 year-old daughter comes with us in September and she is presently in a Charter School which is geared toward Arts & Academics...

Anyone who knows anything about the school, you can either post here or please email me if that feels more comfortable.

Mahalo


Carrie

"To be one, to be united is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater." Bono

http://www.hellophoenix.com/art

Edited by - carolann r on 09/05/2006 14:07:47

[Punamom]

Try reading the "reasons to leave hawaii" thread there are lots of comments about schools.If you cannot afford private school
haas is just about the only option for haole kids but its not a great one.They do not have any art facilities just basic suppiles.I don't think they get much art instruction either,they just draw pics on every page of an assignment. I hear the homeschooling network is pretty good

[jm minica]

We have two kids in H.A.A.S., one in 9th grade and one in 5th. Both seem to really like their school, and the people from the school that I have met(teachers, administrators, ect.) are all very nice and seem to have a far greater interest in the children than do the same folks at the public schools. As in any school, it is up to the child to put out the effort, and the parents to make sure they are staying on track. But all in all, I think that it seems to be better than the public schools in Pahoa.

[mettaben]

Another option to consider-- Myron B. Thompson Academy (http://www.thompsonacademy.org). If I understand correctly, they are a hybrid charter school, with an online component for high-school students, and a homeschool focus for primary school.

[Carolann R]

Thank you all for the good info. Looks like bringing her is off for now, unfortunately...I see an icky custody proceeding on the horizon.

Carrie

"To be one, to be united is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater." Bono
http://www.hellophoenix.com/art/dreamhawaii.Cfm


Edited by - carolann r on 09/07/2006 06:07:27

[Mahiai]

I was just on the HAAS site yesterday. Thanks for the info jm minica!