Hawai‘i Launches 100th Pre-K Classroom, Boosting Early Education

UPDATE: Hawai‘i has just reached a major milestone in early childhood education with the launch of its 100th public pre-kindergarten classroom at Maunawili Elementary School on Oʻahu. This development marks a significant step toward universal access for the state’s youngest residents, known as keiki.

Officials announced this achievement today, emphasizing its importance for families across the state. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, a key advocate for the Ready Keiki initiative, celebrated the opening, highlighting the rapid growth of public pre-K classrooms from just 37 in 2022 to an impressive 117 classrooms across 89 locations statewide.

“This achievement demonstrates Hawai‘i’s commitment to every child, every family, and every community,” Lt. Gov. Luke stated. “Ready Keiki is about giving our youngest learners the foundation to thrive while ensuring families can access trusted early education no matter where they live.”

The newly opened classroom in Maunawili not only reflects Hawai‘i’s dedication to educational advancement but also enhances options for families in the Windward Oʻahu region. Each classroom can accommodate up to 20 students aged 3 and 4, with a focus on prioritizing children in foster care and those from families facing homelessness or other at-risk situations.

Families can apply for enrollment or join a waitlist through the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) website. Interested parties can also contact EOEL directly at (808) 784-5350 for more information.

The EOEL’s mission continues, with plans to further expand pre-K access across Hawai‘i. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we know our work continues,” stated EOEL Director Yuuko Arikawa-Cross. “Every new classroom represents a doorway to opportunity for families. Our goal is to meet families where they are and ensure every keiki in Hawai‘i has access to a strong start.”

Recent expansions, announced in August 2023, have seen additional public pre-K classrooms established on Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, Maui, and Oʻahu. These include new facilities at Kalaniʻanaʻole Elementary & Intermediate on the Big Island and a Hawaiian language classroom at Hāna High and Elementary on Maui.

This latest classroom opening is a testament to the state’s ongoing commitment to early education, laying the groundwork for Hawai‘i’s next generation. A complete list of schools with newly opened pre-K classrooms is available for families interested in exploring these educational opportunities.

The commitment to expanding educational access is crucial as it not only addresses immediate needs for families but also invests in the future of Hawai‘i. Share this news to highlight the progress being made in early childhood education in the Aloha State!