Kanu O Ka Aina New Century Charter School

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Kanu o ka 'Äina New Century Public Charter School (KANU) opened in August 2000 in Waimea on the Island of Hawai'i. As Hawai'i's first native designed and controlled public charter school, KANU is based on over a decade of indigenous action research, integrating native values and traditions with the latest in 21st century educational technology. KANU is designed to provide a culturally-driven, academically rigorous

choice in public education to children from K-12 and involves families and communities at a very high level. The vision of KANU is to expand our quality K-12, standards-driven charter school into a comprehensive Native Hawaiian learning center or kauhale, which addresses the educational and cultural needs of our community from the womb to the tomb. As a Hawaiian-focused model of education, guided by a philosophy of excellence, KANU has become a beacon of hope for those who believe that education can be both academically rigorous and culturally-driven, allowing students to walk comfortably in two worlds. Here are the thoughts of an eleventh grade male student of Hawaiian ancestry who entered KANU labeled as special education, "I am privileged to have the opportunity to intensively learn about photography and video production and then use my new found knowledge to document all the interesting and educational activities going on at KANU. It pleases me to know that my teacher trusts me enough to allow me to handle and operate equipment worth thousands of dollars. Photography has helped boost my confidence and allowed me to come out of my protective shell and interact with other people. These skills can take me far in life and they cannot be easily found in other schools. The teachers constantly push me to külia i ka nu'u and although I grumble, it means a lot to me to know that someone cares about my education."