Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo

No, Ka ʻUmeke is a Public Charter school and a school of choice that serves all ʻohana who are interested in a Hawaiian language and culture based school.

Ka ʻUmeke is a free public school. You will be required to purchase school and other supplies to support your keikiʻs classroom and hands-on experiential-based learning.

We welcome ʻohana regardless of your skill level in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, however, ʻohana are expected to grow their language alongside their keiki and actively participate in the life of the kula. Learning ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi will support your keikiʻs academic success at Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo.

Hula is an important part of our ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi culture-based curriculum; all keiki grades PreK-12 are required to participate in hula weekly and in schoolwide hōʻike. ʻOhana are expected to support their keiki and the kula to ensure all haumāna have a rigorous and meaningful hula experience.

Yes. Ka ʻUmeke is a Hawaiian language immersion school, so the early years are taught entirely through ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi to ensure strong language foundation and cultural thinking.

Formal English instruction begins in 4th grade, starting with one English language arts class per day. The amount of English gradually increases in middle and high school as haumāna prepare for college and workforce readiness. Our expectation is that every haumāna is at or above grade level in English by the end of 8th grade, entering high school fully prepared to succeed in both languages.

ʻOhana support is essential, especially through reading, conversation, and English exposure at home to ensure strong bilingual proficiency.

Ka ʻUmeke graduation requirements meet — and go beyond — the Hawaiʻi Board of Education requirements. In addition to the state’s core credits, every Ka ʻUmeke haumāna must complete:

• 4 years of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
  

• 4 years of Hula
  

• 4 years of Paheona (visual and cultural arts)

Haumāna also have opportunities to earn early college dual credits through partnerships with Hawaiʻi Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi system.

Some of our haumāna have even graduated from Ka ʻUmeke with both a high school diploma and an Associateʻs Degree (A.A.) — for ʻohana committed to that pathway.

Yes. Ka ʻUmeke ensures that haumāna are college-ready, not just eligible. In addition to completing all academic requirements, every student develops a Personal Transition Plan (PTP) starting in high school, completes community service, and participates in a senior-year internship or applied leadership project to gain real-world experience.

Many haumāna also choose to earn early college credits through dual credit partnerships, giving them a strong head start toward post-secondary pathways.

For keiki in Papa M-Papa 6 there is A+ available afterschool. Seating is limited and first come first serve.

Through our partners Hui Hoʻoleimaluō we also offer afterschool programming for a limited number of haumāna in specific grade levels. To learn more about Hui Hoʻoleimaluō programs you can visit their website at www.huihooleimaluo.com

Ka ʻUmeke offers daily morning and afternoon bus service at no cost from Panaʻewa and Keaʻau.

Ka ʻUmeke has a school breakfast and lunch program that follows all USDA food service requirements. Currently Ka ʻUmeke is a CEP (community eligibility provision) school, allowing us to offer free meals to all students.