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What are Hawaii Academies?

Giving students a voice, a choice and a future

Hawaii Academies are committed to engaging and preparing students for life beyond high school. Academies provide opportunities to explore real-life, with hands-on experiences in and out of the classroom.

Hawaii Academies are an ohana, where students are proud to own their education, follow their passions, build relevant skills, and develop deep connections in their communities. Hawaii Academies make students’ dreams a reality by empowering them, giving them a voice, choice, and confidence in their future!

Real-life learning

Hawaii Academies are learning communities based in public high schools statewide.  Academies allow students to take classes in a given career pathway, such as health and science, hospitality, business, arts and communication, engineering and technology. 

Students at participating schools join an academy, either during their sophomore or junior year, to focus on coursework and activities in the context of their chosen career path. 

Academies offer rigorous academic instruction and relevant work-based learning experiences, many in partnership with local employers, to get graduating students ready for college or the workplace.

In the News: Waipahu High School Academies Receive National Recognition for Exemplary Performance

Read More (PDF)

Does my school have a Hawaii Academy?

Hawaii Academy member schools currently include:

  • Aiea High School
  • Castle High School
  • Farrington High School
  • James Campbell High School
  • Kaimuki High School
  • Kapaa High School
  • Kapolei High School
  • Kauai High School
  • Maui High School
  • McKinley High School
  • Nanakuli High School
  • Pearl City High School
  • Waiakea High School
  • Waianae High School
  • Waimea High School
  • Waipahu High School

Don’t see your school on the list?

Students and parents should reach out to their school leaders to ask about implementing Hawaii Academies at your school. Interested school leaders should reach out to the Hawaii Academies team to learn more about their professional learning community.