Hawai`i is the only state in the na-tion where public education
is administered on a statewide basis. Hawai`i's public schools enrolled 182,798
students in grades K-12 for the 2002-03 school year, and nearly 100,000 adult
learners. More than 27,000 grade school children participate in Hawai`i's unique
A+ afterschool program.
SCHOOL YEAR
Most schools use two
semesters, approximately 183 days of class-room instruction , and begin the
first week in August. Some schools have a modified
schedule. Several elementary schools have a year-round
schedule. Contact the Central School district office for additional
information. For an up-to-date school calendar go to Department of
Education website.
AFTER-SCHOOL PLUS (A+) PROGRAM
The A+ Program
brings affordable after-school services to children in public elementary schools
whose parents work, attend school, or are in job-training programs, to reduce
the high incidence of latchkey children. The program provides a safe,
secure, and nurturing environment for children after school and offers a rich
variety of activities. The program starts immediately after the close
of the school day until 5:30 p.m. The program will not operate when
school is closed, including school vacation periods, holidays, and Teacher
Institute Day. A+ Programs will also be closed on days when school is
open only half a day. There is a monthly charge. Fees are
averaged for the school year and will be paid on or postmarked before the first
school day of each month. Transportation to the A+ Program will not
be provided as children are enrolled at their own
school. Transportation home from the A+ Program is the parents'
responsibility.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Hawai`i's private
schools enrolled approximately 35,000 students for
2002-03. Student/teacher ratio for Kindergarten, lst and 2nd grade is
21-1. If ratio exceeds 21, additional personnel are
hired. Grades 3-6
ratio is 27-1.