New public preschool classes open across the state of Hawaii

A view of the new classrooms being built for the Ready Keiki Keiki program on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo/Ready Keiki)

HONOLULU (KHON2) — In August, 44 new public preschools will open across the state, with at least one being built on each island.

This expansion will provide 820 additional classroom spaces, bringing the total number of kindergarten classroom spaces in the state to 1,767. Thirty-four of the new classrooms will be located in Title I schools.

These new classrooms will mark the opening of preschools for the first time in Kaneohe, Pearl City, Makakilo, South Maui and West Molokai.

“These are the most public preschools the state has ever opened in a single year. It is a testament to the need for early learning opportunities in our state to ensure every child is prepared for their future,” said Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke. “The 820 pre-K seats added this year are just one step in our ongoing work to ensure that every keiki, now and in the future, has the tools and learning opportunities to succeed.”

This record number of new kindergarten classes is led by Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, the leader of the state organization “Ready Keiki,” the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) and partners of “Ready Keiki.”

The new classrooms will be set up on the following campuses:

Hawaii Island

• Hoʻokena Primary School
• Kahakai Elementary School
• Nāʻālehu Primary School
• Pa’auilo Primary School

Kaua’i

• Kapaʻa Elementary School

Maui

• Haʻikū Elementary School
• Kīhei Primary School
• Princess Nāhi’ena’ena Elementary School
• Wailuku Elementary School

Molokai

• Maunaloa Primary School

Lanai

• Lanai High School and Elementary School

O’ahu

• ‘Āina Haina primary school
• Ala Wai Primary School
• Alvah Scott Elementary School
• Ben Parker Elementary School
• Blanche Paus Primary School
• Hahaha elementary school
• Honowai primary school
• `Iliahi primary school
• Kaʻala Primary School
• Kāhala Elementary School
• Kainalu primary school
• Kauluwela Primary School
• Koko Head Primary School
• Kūhiō Elementary School
• Lanakila Elementary School
• Leihōkū primary school
• Mauka Lani Primary School
• Nānāikapono Primary School
• Noelani Primary School
• Pearl City Primary School
• Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School
• Red Hill Primary School
• Solomon Primary School
• Waiʻanae Elementary School

Each classroom can accommodate up to 20 students aged 3 to 4. The emphasis is on students in foster care, students who are homeless or in other risk situations, students who qualify for special education and students who are learning two or more languages.

To apply, visit their website or call EOEL at (808) 784-5350.