KE KULA NIIHAU O KEKAHA LEARNING CENTER - A LABORATORY PCS

Ke Kula Niihau o Kekaha Learning Center - A Laboratory PCS is a Title I public charter school that is part of the Hawaii Department of Education school district, located in Kekaha, HI with about 54 students offering grade levels from Pre-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 6 teachers, Ke Kula Niihau o Kekaha Learning Center - A Laboratory PCS has a student/teacher ratio of about 9:1. 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.

Ke Kula Niihau o Kekaha Learning Center (KKOK) is a unique public charter school located in Kekaha, Kauai, specifically designed to serve the educational and cultural needs of the Niihau community residing on the island of Kauai. As a "Laboratory" public charter school, its mission is deeply rooted in the preservation and revitalization of the Niihau dialect of the Hawaiian language. The school provides a culturally immersive environment where instruction is delivered primarily in Hawaiian, ensuring that students remain connected to their heritage, traditions, and the distinct linguistic legacy of their ancestors while meeting state academic standards.

Beyond its linguistic focus, the school emphasizes a holistic approach to education that integrates traditional values with modern learning. By maintaining a small, community-centered environment, KKOK fosters strong relationships between students, teachers, and elders, creating a space where the Niihau way of life is practiced daily. The school serves as a vital anchor for the Niihau diaspora, offering an educational experience that empowers its students to navigate the modern world while remaining firmly grounded in their unique cultural identity and indigenous values.

For more information, contact Ke Kula Niihau o Kekaha Learning Center - A Laboratory PCS at (808) 337-0481 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.