CONNECTIONS - NEW CENTURY PCS

Connections - New Century PCS is a Title I public charter school that is part of the Hawaii Department of Education school district, located in Hilo, HI with about 363 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 26 teachers, Connections - New Century PCS has a student/teacher ratio of about 13:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Connections New Century Public Charter School (CNCPCS), located in Hilo, Hawaii, is a K-12 public charter school known for its commitment to a personalized, project-based learning environment. Unlike traditional schools that rely heavily on standardized testing and rigid academic structures, Connections focuses on developing the "whole child." The school emphasizes strong community relationships, student-led inquiry, and a curriculum that integrates academic rigor with social-emotional growth, aiming to prepare students to be critical thinkers and contributing members of the local and global community.

The school is particularly noted for its small, intimate setting, which fosters close mentorship between students and faculty. By utilizing a "community-as-classroom" approach, CNCPCS encourages students to engage with the unique cultural and environmental landscape of the Big Island. Through hands-on projects, multi-age grouping, and a focus on student voice and choice, the school seeks to dismantle traditional barriers to learning, providing an inclusive space where students are empowered to take ownership of their educational paths and long-term goals.

For more information, contact Connections - New Century PCS at (808) 961-3664 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.