College & Career Pathways

At KES we expose our students to a variety of college and career options from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Grade levels provide opportunities for students to interact with and learn from individuals from different fields, ask questions, resarch careers and colleges, and brainstorm their own interests.

Children's Discovery Center Field Trip

The Children's Discovery Center field trip provides our Kindergarten students with access to a learning environment that supports career awareness and exploration through play. Student learn about a full range of career options by engaging in exhibits such as Your Town, Hawaiian Rainbows, and Rainforest Adventures. Some careers represented at the Discovery Center include postal workers, police officers, grocery store employees, and bus drivers.

Community Helpers Unit

To ensure effective opportunities for career awareness and exploration, the Kindergarten and First Grade levels introduce their students to different professions through the Community Helpers Unit. Students learn about various Community Helpers (police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and EMTs) through books and discussions. They learn about the responsibilities of each job and how each profession helps the community. Students also get hands-on learning while visiting a local fire station.

Market Day

As part of a Social Studies unit on Economics, our Grade 2 students participate in a project called Market Day. The project allows students to go through the process of creating a small business and introduces concepts such as: supply and demand, use and cost of resources, production of an item, and advertising.

Career Fair

KES holds an annual Career Fair that aligns with grade level curriculum and the CCSS. The Career Fair addresses the mandate that every child will be "college and career ready". Speakers from colleges and various occupations participate by providing audio/visual displays such as display boards, brochures, flyers, powerpoint presentations, demonstration items, etc. Students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 rotate stations at scheduled times to visit and learn about the differenc college and careers presented at the fair.

Na Mea Kupono Lo'i and Loko Ea

All Grade 4 students are able to attend field trips to Na Mea Kupono (taro farm) and Loko Ea (fishpond). These field trips provide opportunities and experiences that teach students about being self-sufficient through agriculture, aquaculture, and land stewardship.

Game of Life

The Game of Life is a game that simulates everyday real life. Grade 5 students use math skills and apply them to calculate taxes, gross/net pay, cost of utilities, transportation/housing costs, and to develop a monthly budget. This project builds understanding of the challenges to make a living. Students brainstorm their interests, strengths and desires, and research their educational options needed to achieve their dreams.