Hawaii DOE Learning Centers

LEARNING CENTERS

The Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) Learning Centers (LC) are designed to expand educational opportunities for students with special talents and interests. A local variant of the mainland magnet school concept, LC programs operate around a theme such as technology, performing arts, science, or business. LC set high academic, behavioral and attendance expectations, and enable students to acquire and develop special talents and skills in-depth  Although LC are primarily for high school students, some LC serve students in elementary and intermediate feeder schools through classes and programs usually offered outside of regular school hours. LC are open to students both in and out of the schools’ attendance area. Highly-skilled teachers offer classroom instruction and other learning experiences.

Learning Centers by Type

Business:

• Kailua Community Quest

• McKinley

• Moanalua World Languages

• Waipahu

STEAM:

• Kaiser Media Communications

• Kalaheo Mustang Media

• McKinley Tiger Media

• Moanalua Mene Media & Communications

• Maui Science & Technology

• Roosevelt Media 

STEM:

• Kahuku Health

• Kapolei Learning Center for Engineering

• Mililani Science

• Waiakea Technology

• Waialua

Performing Arts:

• Baldwin

• Castle

• Hilo

• Kahuku Music

• Kaimuki

• Kauai

• Mililani Central Theatre Arts Academy

• Nanakuli

• Pearl City Music

Agriculture, Natural  Resources & Bio-Technology 

• Campbell

• Lahainaluna

• Leilehua

• Radford

• Waianae Marine Science

Kailua

Community Quest (CQ) is a learning center without walls. CQ’s program gives students the opportunity to explore careers of their interests in actual workplace settings while earning high school credits. Classroom instruction covers a variety of career and communications skills, interview skills, business communication, work ethics, and workplace observations. Students learn to apply and practice these skills in job interviews, quality work production, and communication with co-workers and customers. 

Work-based learning sites vary according to students' interests, such as the Adventist Health Center, State Farm Insurance, Maunawili Elementary School, and Ko’olau Ballrooms & Conference Center. CQ individualizes its program to the students, providing work experience in one or more career fields and job sites

Moanalua

The World Languages Learning Center provides students with a variety of classes that incorporate technology and authentic language-learning experiences. Currently, classes in Spanish, Japanese, Hawaiian, French, German, Korean, and Chinese are offered at Moanalua High School during the school day. These offerings are enhanced with opportunities for students to hone their emerging language skills through email correspondence and video-conferencing with students in the respective target language countries. The program also strives to take students beyond the novice level of proficiency through an annual speech festival, school visitation, application of technology, travel abroad opportunities, and community internship experiences.

McKinley

McKinley’s Business Learning Center focuses on the finance industry through our school’s business academy.  We are currently in the process of earning the NCAC (National Career Academy Coalition) model academy status.  The NCAC network supports 7,000 career academies, enrolling over 1 million students. McKinley’s Business Learning Center is a three or four year interdisciplinary program of language arts, social studies and business. Valuable exposure to the business world is gained through speakers, field trips, stock games, mock interviews, conferences, and many other hands-on opportunities. Students are encouraged to enroll in early college classes and AP courses to earn college credits. 

Waipahu 

Waipahu High school offers a variety of programs of study in the fields of Business, Hospitality, and Management. Students have the opportunity to participate in multiple courses in the Academy of Professional and Public Services, such as Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Finance and Business Management.  The Business Learning center provides student opportunities to engage in content specific curriculum, paid internships, career shadowing, mock interviews, student conferences, guest speakers, career specific certifications, and community service. 

Kaiser STEAM

The Media Communications Learning Center (MCLC) at Kaiser High offers students the opportunity to explore and build a portfolio in visual arts media through broadcast and film production.  Students learn the basics of video and film by participating in all areas of the production process. The MCLC at Kaiser High School offers multiple levels of video and film production courses, a broadcast journalism organization (KCN), and an advanced film program (Film Academy). All of which allows students to learn, understand, and implement the skills of media production on a broad and accelerated pace though the MCLC. 

Kalaheo STEAM

This nationally-recognized Communications Academy Learning Center is in its second decade, and offers a vigorous combination of communication theory, media literacy principles, and hands-on production experience to public school students from grades 9 through 12. Student media productions in a wide variety of media, including computer animation and multimedia work, have won over 300 local and national awards of excellence since 1986. Additionally, the Center services Kalaheo students and staff with a daily cablecast news program.

McKinley STEAM

McKinley’s Tiger Media Learning Center offers students a progression of learning experiences that continues after high school graduation. Entry into the learning center begins with an exploration of basic skills encompassing all areas of the graphic and video production industry. Students have the opportunity to see the connection between these skills in a school setting and the application of the same skills in business and industry as they continue through the levels. To facilitate growth and development, staff in the Learning Center supplement its support services by working with students in educational planning towards future goals post high school. 

Moanalua STEAM

Moanalua's Media, Arts, & Communication (MeneMAC) Learning Center offers a comprehensive, four-year program that emphasizes the integration of content and technology skills, student inquiry and leadership, and project  based learning in authentic contexts. The MeneMAC learning center’s core focus is media integrated curriculum and thus distinguishes us from the standard curriculum and/or core programs. The learning center curriculum consists of a 4-year program, with two focus areas:  Broadcast Media and Film & TV video production.  In the first two years the program offers a broad, introductory curriculum in the arts and communication pathway, video production and  digital media, and then student selected focus areas, with more project and career orientation in the last two years.

Maui STEAM

Nationally recognized Maui High School Science and Technology Learning Center is committed to providing students with the opportunity to develop and refine their scientific and technological skills in a hands-on, project based, interdisciplinary setting. Educational and relevant experiences in the arts and communication pathway, video production, digital media, computer science, graphic communication and physics allow students to apply knowledge from other disciplines and encourage them to problem solve and take responsibility for their own learning. Students use professional industry-standard equipment and software to formulate projects that serve the school and community. These projects require collaboration among their peers, teachers, community members, and professionals.

Roosevelt STEAM

The Roosevelt STEAM Learning Center focuses on media and technology, providing students with opportunities to harness their skills and knowledge necessary for those corresponding fields. Students learn the basics of video and technology through participating in various areas of production, from coding and building for technology or storyboarding and editing for media. The project based design allows students the chance to work together collaboratively while still maintaining content rigor.

Kahuku STEM

The Health Learning Center is designed for students who seek work readiness skills or college education after high school graduation. The program focusing on health or medicine provides students with a sequential, interdisciplinary two or three-year program of studies in health and health-related occupations. Students increase their awareness of anatomy, physiology, and human development, explore health-related careers, and shadow professionals in the field. The learning center students are linked to the service providers in the Kahuku community, including the Kahuku Hospital, Koolauloa Community and Health and Wellness Center, and local physicians for job shadowing on campus. Our overall mission is to promote health in the community through developing leadership skills in our students, and to prepare our students for success in college and post high school employment.

Kapolei STEM

The STEM program at Kapolei High School, Learning Center for Engineering, introduces students to the Industrial and Engineering Career Pathway, which includes electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering, robotics, and design.  This STEM-based program provides students with an exciting and fun learning environment that enables students to apply their math and science knowledge to solve real world problems by using machines and tools with up-to-date technology. Students are given the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to pursue a STEM-related career upon completion of this program.

Mililani STEM

The Mililani High School Science Learning Center's mission:  To enable students of all ability levels to make valuable contributions to the environment and the community while pursuing scientific inquiry and engineering design. MHS SLC works to create opportunities for students to work with professional scientists, engineers, and conservationists to develop critical thinkers who are college, career, and community ready by providing hands-on, project-based programs that enrich the classroom experience.

Waiakea STEM 

The Technology Learning Center at Waiakea High School provides students with project-based instruction integrated with academics and technology. Students develop an in-depth knowledge of workplace readiness, problem solving, and hands-on training skills. Courses offered are for those students with high interests in the areas of electronics and automotive technology. The Technology Learning Center offers supplementary educational opportunities and use of high-tech equipment for servicing students in the East Hawaii District. Quality instruction is provided by a staff of high school and community college instructors enhanced by the support of business and industry.

Waialua STEM

STEM Education LC is a distinctive catalyst of the outstanding educational practices at Waialua High School.  The STEMELC enriches and enhances the educational experiences of the students whereas they cannot distinguish between where STEM classes begin and academic core classes end. Innovative teaching practices, high quality resources and equipment are elements that all reinforce the STEMELC and make it a model of educational excellence within the school and community. STEMELC helps students develop the technical, academic, employability, and life skills needed for high-wage and high skill careers. The STEMELC operates on the belief that students can become independent, self-directed learners who can think critically, complete challenging projects and apply academics and technical concepts to solving problems.

Baldwin PALC

The Performing Arts Learning Center (PALC) attracts students from throughout the Maui District with an energetic curriculum in the performing arts. Classes such as explorations in drama, play production, directing, stagecraft, and Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced Acting and Directed Studies Acting classes are open to all Baldwin High students. The PALC afterschool program produces various genres of large-scale productions and Saturday classes in dance, music, and set construction. Students can join The Baldwin Theatre Guild (the drama club on campus) or may have the honor of becoming a member of the esteemed International Thespian Troupe #3135. These clubs enable the students to do activities and community service as an ensemble. The stage productions are one of the cornerstones of the Maui community cultural environment and highly anticipated by the island audiences.

Castle PALC

“Entertaining today’s audiences, educating tomorrow’s performers, and encouraging the youth of Hawaii to follow their dreams!” The Castle Performing Arts Center (CPAC) was named one of the top afterschool arts programs in the nation and honored at the White House with the 2005 “Coming Up Taller” Award presented by the President’s Council of Arts and Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. Guided by theatre professionals, CPAC produces six full scale shows each year through its Dance, Drama, Educational Theatre, and KidStart programs, featuring students in grades 5-12. A member of the national Educational Theatre Association, CPAC sponsors Thespian Troupe #566, who perform two variety shows each year, as well as community service projects. While many CPAC graduates become professional actors, singers, dancers, and technicians, CPAC is committed to teaching the life skills for students to become active, caring members of their communities no matter what their chosen careers. 

Hilo PALC

The Performing Arts Learning Center is housed in an historic 700-seat school auditorium built in the late 1920’s and offers students in grades 9-12 exciting, hands-on activities through a variety of on-stage performances and technical backstage theater experiences. Beginning and experienced students are offered challenging theater training. The center also provides opportunities for students to network with local community and university theater groups.

Kahuku PALC

The Kahuku Music Learning Center serves a culturally diverse population and emphasizes the value of the performing arts. Students are provided opportunities to express themselves through learning center activities in vocal and instrumental music.  Vocal training or playing musical instruments offers the young person lifelong enjoyment and appreciation of music, attained through creativity, performance and being an educated listener.  Performance groups strive to perform at the highest artistic level consistent with the experience and maturity of each group.

Kaimuki PALC

Kaimuki High School Performing Arts Learning Center (KHSPAC) students attend daily classes in acting, musical theater workshop, theater craft, and vocal performance. The program includes frequent performances on campus and in the community, including television appearances. Technical theater students work backstage on campus and at nearby community theaters. Students featured in the main stage musical productions come from all over Oahu, attend after school classes, and earn elective credits toward graduation. The center also produces plays for children. 

Kauai PALC

Kauai Performing Arts Center (KPAC) offers training in theater arts to students selected by audition from all Kauai public intermediate and high schools. In addition to the rehearsal and performance of at least one major production each year and original students’ works, the center offers, on a rotational basis, credit classes in play writing, acting, directing, TV and movie acting, music theater, theater crafts, Shakespeare, dance, make up, singing, and theater history. A professional staff and guest artists work directly with students and conduct workshops. 

Mililani PALC

Mission Statement: The mission of Central Theatre Arts Academy (CTAA) is to educate students to think critically about the creative, artistic processes of theatre, and its literature. Students will learn how the individual artist develops and furthers a theatrical vision by collaborating with others to present a production reflecting a multi-dimensional, creative work of art with a unifying theme.  Members of CTAA create productions from the ground up. Students work in all areas of theatre: designing and constructing sets, costumes and props; running and designing sound and lighting; designing tickets and programs; stage management. With the assistance of theatre professionals, 2 major productions and 1-2 student directed and produced shows are staged each year. Central Theatre Arts Academy is open to all public school students on the island.

Nanakuli PALC

The Nanakuli High and Intermediate Performing Arts Learning Center (NPAC) focuses on helping students develop self-confidence, self-esteem, and 21st century skills (complex thinker, effective communicator, and collaborative learner) through the process of producing various dramatic and musical productions.  Students learn acting, singing, dancing, stage technology, and video production skills in this program.  Each year, the NPAC produces a minimum of three major productions as well as giving over 15 various performances at schools, conferences, and state and private functions.  Finally, students in NPAC also learn video production and journalistic skills in the creation of news videos, short films, and public service announcements.

Pearl City PALC

The Musical Performing Arts Learning Center’s goal is to enable students to experience music from its most creative to its most technical form. Opportunities range from performing an original composition under the direction of the internationally renowned composer of the piece to refining individual performance skills. Students choose from various areas of study: original composition, solo and ensemble, ethnic music, jazz study, pre-production studio/music writing, and leadership development via the marching band. The center also includes other performing arts in its repertoire.

Campbell 

The Agricultural/Business Career Learning Center focuses on preparing students for post-secondary education or careers in landscaping, golf course management, nursery management, organic crop production, entrepreneurship, government service, agricultural research, and technology while integrating and applying skills in mathematics, science and language arts. Students learn and apply skills in mathematics, science, and language arts. Many of these career opportunities are now available due to the Leeward Development Projects.  The center has partnerships with Koolau Farmers, Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Ko Olina Golf Club, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Innovative Landscaping, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture, McDonald’s Ewa Beach, Ewa Beach Goodyear/Chevron, Makakilo Nursery, James Campbell Estate and Haseko Ewa Inc.  A two acre land laboratory site on campus is used for many of the hands-on tasks needed for employment training.

Lahainaluna 

The Agriculture and Natural Resources Learning Center of Lahainaluna High School, the only boarding school in the state, uses a hands-on approach to prepare students for careers in agriculture, plant science, fisheries, biotechnology, sustainable farming, conservation, landscaping, and animal husbandry. The program provides students with the opportunity for employment upon graduation as well as preparation for post-high education.

Leilehua 

Leilehua’s Agriculture Learning Center focuses on teaching students business and entry-level skills in agriculture or agriculture-related careers. In the agriculture technologies area, plant and animal science, plant propagation, tillage of the soil, and soil sciences are featured. The horticulture program features plant sciences and propagation and marketing. In agricul ture power and technology, agriculture mechanics from farm blacksmithing to different kinds of welding, carpentry, masonry plumbing, and small engine maintenance and repair are covered.

Radford

The Agriculture Learning Center focuses on teaching students entry-level skills that will prepare them for post-high school education or careers in agriculture or agriculture-related careers.  Through classroom and field training experiences, students will develop an understanding of plant development, plant conservation, landscape restoration, soil management, landscape and garden design, construction, and maintenance through the use of traditional Hawaiian and modern agricultural practices.

Waianae 

The Marine Science Learning Center at Waiʻanae High School focuses on developing young people into responsible, caring and contributing members of their community.  Our outdoor aquaculture facility serves as a foundation for hands-on learning experiences that teach students sustainability, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility. Students develop and test scientific inquiry projects, learn and participate in watershed preservation and restoration in their community and learn scientific monitoring skills to understand the health of our intertidal environment. Our mission is to develop young men and women into confident, caring, and aloha ʻāina-minded individuals who have the desire and ability to fulfill their kuleana to their family, community and world.