HONOLULU (KHON2) — In August, the state will see the opening of 44 new public preschool classrooms, with at least one located on each island.
This expansion will create 820 additional seats, increasing the total number of preschool spots to 1,767 statewide. 34 of the new classrooms will be situated in Title I schools.
These new classrooms mark the first-time preschools will open in Kaneohe, Pearl City, Makakilo, South Maui, and West Molokai.
“This is the most public preschools the state has ever opened in one year. It’s a testament to the need for early learning opportunities across our state to ensure that every child can be ready for their future,” Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said. “The 820 pre-K seats being added this year is just one step in our continuous work to ensure that every keiki, now and in the future, has the tools and learning opportunities to succeed.”
This record number of new pre-K classrooms are being led by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, the lead of the state’s “Ready Keiki,” the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL), and “Ready Keiki” partners.
The new classrooms will be established at the following campuses:
Hawaiʻi Island
Hoʻokena Elementary School
Kahakai Elementary School
Nāʻālehu Elementary School
Pa’auilo Elementary School
Kauaʻi
Kapaʻa Elementary School
Maui
Haʻikū Elementary School
Kīhei Elementary School
Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School
Wailuku Elementary School
Molokai
Maunaloa Elementary School
Lanai
Lanai High and Elementary School
Oʻahu
ʻĀina Haina Elementary School
Ala Wai Elementary School
Alvah Scott Elementary School
Ben Parker Elementary School
Blanche Pope Elementary School
Hahaʻione Elementary School
Honowai Elementary School
ʻIliahi Elementary School
Kaʻala Elementary School
Kāhala Elementary School
Kainalu Elementary School
Kauluwela Elementary School
Koko Head Elementary School
Kūhiō Elementary School
Lanakila Elementary School
Leihōkū Elementary School
Mauka Lani Elementary School
Nānāikapono Elementary School
Noelani Elementary School
Pearl City Elementary School
Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School
Red Hill Elementary School
Solomon Elementary School
Waiʻanae Elementary School
Each classroom will accommodate up to 20 students aged 3 to 4, prioritizing those in foster care, experiencing homelessness or other at-risk situations, those eligible for special education, and dual or multi-language learners.
To apply, visit their website, or call EOEL at (808) 784-5350.