Kamaile Academy, Waimea Middle School receive accreditation

HONOLULU — Two public charter schools governed by the Hookakoo Corporation have received their first six-year terms of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Kamaile Academy on Oahu and Waimea Middle School on Hawaii Island were notified of the accreditation decision this week, said Megan McCorriston, Hookakoo’s executive director. Hookakoo’s third charter school, Kualapuu School on Molokai, received its accreditation in 2013.

Six-year terms represent full accreditation, and serve as a testament to the hard work of the students, staff, faculty and administrators who have been dedicated to our mission of school improvement,” said McCorriston. “As an organization committed to high quality public education for all students, most of whom are Native Hawaiian and socio-economically disadvantaged, this distinction has validated that we are on the path to success.”

Accreditation by WASC signifies that the school is a trustworthy institution of learning whose purposes are appropriate and being accomplished through a viable learning program. The 29-months-long accreditation process begins with a self-study of each school’s strengths and challenges, and development of actions plans for continuing self-improvement. The process continues with site visits from a WASC Visiting Committee.

Accreditation reports for both schools included strong words of praise.

WMS was lauded as a safe and caring school with strong student supports and family and community involvement. The visiting committee also commended WMS’ dedicated team of teachers for going above and beyond to fulfill the school’s mission of “empowering all students with the skills, values and cultural understanding to successfully navigate high school and beyond.”

“This represents national recognition of the great work our teachers and staff are doing here at Waimea Middle School. It validates the school’s academic and organizational effectiveness in delivering what’s best for students while also being committed to continuous improvement,” said WMS Principal Matt Horne.

WMS recently received a nearly $10 million appropriation from the state Legislature for the construction of a nine-classroom science and technology building. Kamaile Academy will celebrate commencement for its first graduating class on May 24.