Kapa’a High School is currently in year 9 of its career academy implementation as a wall to wall school. They were recognized by the DOE as a “Bright Spot” school in 2016 for the transformation and positive results in the Freshmen Hui. Kapa’a is preparing for NCAC academy accreditation review for its freshman hui and health academies in May 2020.

The Kapa’a Way is our foundation of educational practice based on the core principles of positive relationships, academic rigor, and real world relevance. Students entering Kapa’a start in the freshmen academy hui where they receive focused support in their transition to high school. A comprehensive freshman transition course provides opportunities for service learning, career exploration, and character development. Kapa’a High School is organized in five career academies (Health, Agricultural Sciences, Arts & Communication, Public & Professional Services, and Industrial Engineering Technology) from grades 10-12. A data driven student support model is used to inform instructional practice and design effective interventions for all learners.

Students at Kapaa have many opportunities to earn industry certifications and participate in work-based learning experiences in support of their college and career goals. This year all 9th graders earned a cyber safety awareness certification during the fall semester. Over 500 students (grades 10-12) will be certified in OSHA 10 by the end of the school year. Students in the Academy of Agricultural Sciences interned throughout the school year with industry partners including Hartung Brothers, The National Tropical Botanical Gardens, and Hawaii Meats. Academy of Health students partner with Mahelona Hospital and other health service providers in Kapaa. In December, senior students showcased their learning in a health fair for parents and the community. Business pathway students are in their fourth year of operating the Warrior Credit Union. These students receive mentoring and financial training from Gather Federal Credit Union. Building and construction students in the Academy of Industrial Engineering Technology are participating in the Career Connections program sponsored by the Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund to prepare for future apprenticeship opportunities with local contractors.

Kapa’a High School has a robust early college program in partnership with Kaua’i Community College. Over 150 students in grades 10-12 take dual-credit courses each semester with a consistent passing rate over 90% annually. Last year, 12 graduating seniors earned a math certificate of completion from Kauai Community College for successfully earning credits in a sequence of courses starting with college algebra and culminating with Calculus II. In May 2020, we anticipate another cohort of math certificate completers, along with students completing education and tropical agriculture and plant biology certificates.