Kanu O Ka Aina Public Charter School

As far as education is concerned Kanu just doesn't have what it takes. They fail to teach their students in an effective manner which is clearly visible in their test scores, which are comparable to those of the failing public schools in Hawaii. European and U.S. history are missing from the curriculum, along with a formal and effective language arts program. Critical reading and literary analysis skills are absent along with the ability to write a college or even high school level essay. Kanu allocations of funds is abhorrent. Instead of using state sanctioned funds along with donations from the private sector to better the education of their students, money is allocated to cultural activities that fail to prepare the youth for their future. While not a college prep school, the meager education the willing and ambitious students managed come upon in most cases leaves them at a disadvantage to succeed in college or any form of further education. Instead of the primary focus being on preparing their students for their future and extended schooling, Kanu focuses on teaching its students of the Hawaiian culture and its values. As an educational facility it fails.

I like Kanu. It's different from most schools. You get to be outside and malama the 'aina. the best project is waipi'o. its really fun. the drawback is the schedule. It's really confusing and the teachers dont tell you what is happening. there was a excursion to teach HPA the makahiki games and i was chosen to be alaka'i. nobody told me that i was chosen so by the time i found out, they had already left. i was really mad because when the people who did go had alot of fun. Many others have the same story as me.

For the Kumu. I have never met a more dedicated group of teachers and administration than the ones at Kanu. They love my child for who he IS rather than dislike him for what he DOES. :) Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
—Submitted by a parent

Kanu o ka Aina is an amazing school for so many reasons. Anyone affiliated with the school is considered family and treated with the respect, kindness and care you would treat your most cherished loved ones. There is an authentic interrelatedness of the community, the curriculum, the heritage and the environment that I have not seen in any other school setting. This school supports the whole child by acknowledging that includes the whole family. Kanu o ka Aina teaches its students and families to be educated citizens proud of their unique participation, relationship and offerings to the broader community network.
—Submitted by a parent

It teaches our new generation of kids to be helpful and protect our planet earth and teaches them to feel important and being smart ready for the world
—Submitted by a parent

Kanu supports and teaches the children of the future to love their heritage.Kanu o ka aina.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is cutting edge, humanistic, creative, inclusive, positive and immensely successful as an innovative culturally based charter school
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves her High School <Kanu> I am delighted she is happy and that she is learning alot
—Submitted by a parent

Kanu o kaina NCPCS provides place-based learning that is culturally driven. The hands on learning experiences engage students in real world learning.
—Submitted by a teacher

I love Kaniu!!! Kanu not only helps me with my Hawaiian culture but I get to share it with everyone!!!
—Submitted by a student

I love kanu o ka aina, because it gives the children of hawaii the oppertunity to learn about there culture and ancestors. i love it also because it is a fun unique way to learn, and we are all ohana
—Submitted by a parent

Kanu is the best school ever! We get to perpetuate the hawaiian culture in all that we do. We get to experience activities that most kids don't get to experience. We have the opportunity to express ourselves through dance, sports, and other activities. Kanu is the best school to attend if you have a purpose to fulfill as a citizen in the community. Our school helps the environment to become stronger, but while we do this we have fun and we become stronger as an ohana (family). So this school in general is the greatest school to attend. :)
—Submitted by a parent

Kanu! It's totally Awesome i mean its like the best school on the island.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that this school teaches you sooo much. i love it here, i love to learn the hawaiian language. I love how we go out into the community and get to work with the aina.
—Submitted by a student

There are no words to describe how much I love Kanu O Ka Aina!!!! No other school is better!!!!!!
—Submitted by a student

I love everything about Kanu o ka Aina because it is the best school in the world. My favorite part about the school is going to Waipi'o every other week and collecting data in the streams of Waipi'o. K lia i ka nu'u, aloha kekahi i kekahi, E ola mau n Kanu o ka ' ina!!!!
—Submitted by a student

My daughters love going to Kanu! I love how they come home, with smiles on their faces, and telling me about their great day at kanu! Kanu gives me the cultural knowlege as well with the support from all the teachers, we are truly all one Ohana (Family)
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves Kanu she very happy to be going there!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school with highly dedicated staff. I could not be happier with my child's progress!
—Submitted by a parent