How did Seaview Community School start?
In 2012 Hawai'i Academy of Arts and Science Public Charter School (HAAS), under teachers Terry Walker's and Kristen O'Guin's oversight, established Seaview Community School (SCS). SCS was designed to combine student home learning with curriculum, teacher support and group learning experiences. Partnering with Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education and Hawai'i's Volcano Circus ensures a rich circus arts experience for all interested students. Terry has since retired, and Kristen has moved into the counseling field, but Seaview Community School continues to thrive! Celeste Barcia and Sarah Bradley have expanded upon their original innovative educational framework. Seaview Community School has a dedicated support staff with top notch elective instructors, all of whom celebrate each child's strength and continued growth. The intention is to create a holistic educational community with an innovative hybrid learning design. One that integrates the foundation of a strong parent, student and teacher relationship, with embedded opportunities to take part in a larger learning community.
Are classes online?
We utilize the internet for some content, but we do not use an online curriculum with daily lessons. Our resources include both hands on and online content. We are not a full distance program and physical attendance is expected weekly.
Is there a cost to attend?
Since we are a part of HAAS Public Charter School, there is no cost to attend our program, or any of our elective classes. There are no fees associated with Seaview Community School. We're a part of a public charter school.
How often can my child attend?
Onsite attendance is required at least once per week. SCS Students have access daily classes in small, multi-age group settings. Many families choose to come 2-3 times per week. There is a required weekly meeting and evidence of daily progress on weekly assignments.
What role does the parent or guardian play?
Parents/guardians are essential for student success and take the role of a learning coach for daily lessons. SCS is designed to meet the needs of families who are attracted to an alternative learning experience, yet seek resources, support or guidance. Highly qualified teachers collaborate with learning coaches to provide support and a full curriculum as we navigate the educational journey of each child. We create a team approach to facilitate well rounded, holistic learning experiences for our students. A family considering SCS should be aware of the daily commitment of supporting their child with their daily learning.
Where is HAAS Seaview Community School located?
Located in Seaview, Kalapana, we are fortunate to learn at SPACE (Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education). SPACE provides vibrant, open air learning space. Don't live nearby? Our families tend to live in upper & lower Puna, but we do have families who commute once a week from Hilo, Volcano and even Ocean View. Our families have shared that it's well worth a weekly drive. We are about 20 minutes from Pahoa town.
How many students are enrolled,and what are the grade levels?
Due to higher demand, we have recently expanded SCS. We are at full capacity when 55 students in K-6 are enrolled. Most days, we have 15-25 students on site at once. Parents often compare our program to a one room schoolhouse with multi-age kids attending elective classes. We especially love to see our older students help our little ones!
What is a weekly meeting?
Once per week our students meet with their teacher. Most families select their meeting time based on elective classes their child wishes to attend. Teacher meetings last about 45-60 minutes, and are a time to celebrate learning progress, provide feedback, and assist with areas of need. We also use this time to provide direct instruction, play learning games, and support parents in navigating curriculum or help with planning. Our students take ownership of their learning through discussing their assignments and projects. We set out to encourage creative problem solving, higher level thinking skills and inquiry based learning.
How do we apply?
Visit the HAAS website and fill out a student interest form. Priority applications are accepted during the months of January and February for the following school year. Visit HAAS student interest form and select elementary Seaview distance learning as priority #1. We begin making calls to discuss enrollment in late spring/early summer. Feel free to email us: cbarcia@haaspcs.net If you don't hear from Seaview staff by June 1, we recommend reaching out to Celeste via email to check the status of your child's enrollment.
Enrollment with Seaview Community School includes:
weekly meeting between students, teacher and parent or guardian - where students present weekly work, receive feedback and guidance, and set goals
all curriculum materials and student subscriptions provided at no cost to parents
participation in weekly electives
access to extensive learning resources
our school library with books for all ages and a home checkout system
a sense of belonging and community
individual student help as needed
participation in excursions
flexible pacing for a personalized learning experience
standard based report cards
participation in annual state assessments