What grades are offered by Hawaii Technology Academy?

Hawaii Technology Academy is offering enrollment for the 2011–2012 school year to students who reside on the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and the Big Island. Only students currently enrolled in HTA (and siblings) will be allowed to enroll in grades 10, 11 or 12 for the 2011–2012 school year.

Students who reside on the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island are eligible to attend HTA in the following grades:

• Oahu: grades K-12
• Kauai: grades K-12 (K-5 virtual only; 6-12 Learning Center activities available)
• Maui: grades K-12 (virtual only)
• Big Island: grades K-12 (virtual only)
• Lanai: grades K-12 (virtual only)
• Molokai: grades K-12 (virtual only)

What subjects will my child study?

Language Arts, Math, Science, History are the core courses. Students in grades 3-8 also have the option to select one elective from available World Languages, Art and Music. Each student will also participate in Physical Education for 30-60 minutes per day. High school students also take elective and enrichment courses.

Does the program provide textbooks and other instructional materials?

Yes, we provide all the textbooks and instructional materials that are needed to complete the program. These books and materials are available at each of the Learning Centers and are sent to students directly for the subjects students will be covering during the at-home portion of the instruction. High school students receive fewer books and materials than elementary and middle-school students, due to the nature of their courses.

Will my child have the same graduation opportunities as students in traditional public schools?

Yes, we are a public school in Hawaii, so students can earn a WASC accredited diploma through our school based upon successful completion and mastery of course content.

Can my child work at his or her own pace?

The pace of the K-8 program is shared between the teacher at the Learning Center and the Learning Coach, but important benchmarks must be reached within a timely fashion. Workshops, ongoing development, and face-to-face tutoring is available to families and students to provide assistance in reaching these important benchmarks. Whether at the Learning Center or working with a Learning Coach, students will have the opportunity to explore concepts in more depth and spend more time on concepts that might be challenging. The high school program is a combination of self-paced work and scheduled lessons and activities.

What happens if my K-8 student completes a course mid-year?

When a student completes a course, Hawaii Technology Academy will send him or her to the next level, up until December of the current school year. There is a process for assessing a student's progress and successful completion of courses before advancing to the next course. After December, courses cannot be ordered again until the next fall. Teachers work closely with students and Learning Coaches to help pace the curriculum to meet the student's goals for advancement.

How much time do students spend on the computer?

While working with their Learning Coaches, we expect that students will spend no more than 20 to 25 percent of that time on the computer in the early grades. Older students may spend more time online in certain subjects, but the majority of their time working with the Learning Coach will also be offline. In the Learning Center, the computer is primarily a tool for the teacher to facilitate lessons with the whole class or small groups.

We believe in a balanced approach toward education. Computers help us provide you and the Hawaii Technology Academy staff with effective assessment, planning, and time-management tools. Computers also act as powerful teaching tools that can motivate, stimulate, and inform children about the world around them. Computers do not, however, replace a solid education. Rather, they help facilitate one. That's why we use a unique multimedia approach that also includes a great deal of traditional books, workbooks, and instructional materials. At the high-school level, students will spend less than half of their instructional time each week online. They, too, will be involved in hands-on science experiments, reading novels, and completing math problems that are done without the computer.

Do you provide curriculum for special needs children?

Depending on your child's IEP, we should be able to tailor our curriculum to meet your child's needs. See below for additional information about rights and responsibilities regarding the education of a child on an IEP:

• Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
• Procedural Safeguards

To discuss your child's needs with us, please contact our office and we will put you in touch with our student services coordinator.

Can you accommodate the accelerated learning needs of my gifted/talented child?

Hawaii Technology Academy and its curriculum partner K¹² understand that academically gifted students don't fit into a box—whether it's a classroom or a one-size-fits-all education program. Teaching gifted kids is about challenging their young, talented minds. It's about allowing these students the freedom that comes from flexible, individualized learning approaches, and the challenge that comes from an exceptional, engaging curriculum—both of which we provide. Learn more.

How do students interact socially?

The students of Hawaii Technology Academy have many opportunities to interact both socially and academically. Since students will be with peers regularly in the Learning Center, they will have a chance to do many collaborative activities, including science experiments, literature discussions, and providing feedback on a peer's written work. Throughout the year, students are invited to participate in school outings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events. We expect local clusters of students and parents to get together on a regular basis in their areas. We also are exploring new ways to interact socially using the powerful reach of the Internet. The online Family Directory provides a way for families to network with other families in their area. With online discussions and forums, new types of communities can be formed that are based not on geography and place but on shared interests.

Will this program intrude into my home?

There are no home visits as part of the program. This school was created to help your child obtain an exceptional education and serve your family's needs. If you ever feel that it is not right for your family or your child, you can withdraw at any time.

How do I enroll my student?

Visit our How to Enroll section for information on enrolling your student in Hawaii Technology Academy.

Can students do extracurricular activities at their local schools?

This decision is made on a school-by-school basis. The staff of Hawaii Technology Academy will be proactive in identifying extracurricular activities for students. In addition, Hawaii Technology Academy is a member of the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA). Students in grades 9-12 can participate in athletic activities and programs as part of this group.