Read more details about Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy on their 2024-25 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
HPA Campus is set up in a unique natural surrounding.
HPA does a lot of volunteer work.
HPA has a lot of good and nice teachers. They help you where they can.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
For me it is hard to decide for one thing that happened. The hole time at HPA was a great experience for me. I changed some ways of thinking and became open minded. Also the people which were new around me have developed in a great way.
It is not easy to come from the other end of the world and stay away from your family and friends. But HPA tries the best to make you feel comfortable. When I left I had new friends and something like a second family.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
In the beginning it was hard for me with English as a foreign language. So I looked for friend from my country to speak German. After a time I liked them so much that it was hard to find new friends.
I think it is a good advice to be open from the beginning because you will see that if you are yourself it is not hard to find good friends. The people see when you try your best and after a time it will be easier and easier with the language and the culture.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
HPA has great opportunities in every way. If it's sports or classes you can choose. Also they have activities for boarding students on every weekend. The school gives you the chance to get to know the island with all its beauty.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
My tip for a nice place is the garden. You can eat some fruits and sit down without stress or people all around you.
When the snack box in your dorm is open be fast. My favorite snack have been the peanut bars, nutella sticks, and the trail mix.
Buy good snacks for your room because if the food is not what you like you can have an alternative. Also buy some meals like pasta or stuff. You find this in Foodland or in KTA which is less expensive.
If there are good apples in the cafeteria take one with you for your room. Also I would never skip breakfast. It's the best meal of the day. Especially on weekends.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
HPA has good teachers with great ideas how to design their classes. The teachers help you where they can and not just in class also if you need more help. They meet you before or after class if you want so you can become better if you need or want to. As a student from Germany it is a completely new approach for me to see such a supportive attitude.
You can choose between a lot of languages or in general between all the classes. Every teacher gives their best to do different things in their time and not every class is the same.
I learned a lot in all my classes and had fun in the lessons.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The afternoon activities have been great. My sports were scuba diving and horse back riding incl. some Polo sessions. The trainers in the different sports were nice and helpful. The options in afternoon activities give every student a great chance to have a lot of fun.
If you are in a good team at home and want to get on a higher level you are right at HPA. There are different levels per sport were you can get in and improve.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I have never really been interested or good in arts, music and theatre but still the school had a really good program. If you are interested in all these things you can prove your talent. As a person who has not been in programs for this I still watched the impressive results of my friends. Sometimes you can go to the art center or to the theatre and listen to the music, watch art of students or look at the actors.
I like most about this programs that even if you are new or not so talented the people motivate you or help you if you need them.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
The school had a lot of clubs or student organizations you can pick. The teachers and students work together to organize volunteer work.
For example at Christmas we filled old shoe boxes with presents for people in difficulties. Our teacher distributed them to where they are needed.
The school had some days were we did volunteer work instead of school.
I support that and think that every school should do that more often.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
My dorm life was a great time. I felt like living in a big supportive family. There have been a lot of rules but I think they helped and were good. Every dorm parent helps you with problems and tries to give you a family atmosphere.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
HPA has a big cafeteria. The breakfast was okay. I think there is more space for better food. Of course it is not easy to cook for all those people but I think with some easy things the food would've been a lot better.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Three times a week the school had busses to town. In the town you have restaurants and supermarkets. You can also buy stuff for your fridge in your room.
The town was around 10 minutes away and the busses came every 15 minutes.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
I feel like HPA has a lot of different types of people. I had a big group of friends. For me it wasn't hard because everyone I met was nice and open to new people.
Also every dorm parent or teacher gives the best to create a great community of people. I never really heard of bulling or other mean things people did against each other.
I felt like I had a new home fast.
I think I liked most the supportive people in sports but also in a normal day.
Daily Schedule:
Weekday
7:15 AM
breakfast
8:00 AM
homework and getting ready for first class
9:45 AM
go to first class
11:15 AM
lunch
3:00 PM
end of school
5:15 PM
end of after school activity
7:00 PM
in dorm and check in with dorm parent
9:15 PM
end of study hall
9:30 PM
dorm job, time with friend and getting ready for bed
10:30 PM
lights out no more wifi
Weekend
9:30 AM
breakfast and check in in cafeteria
10:30 AM
weekend activities like beach or hikes
12:00 PM
first van to town
3:00 PM
end of some weekend activities
7:00 PM
end of activities and check in dorm
10:00 PM
in dorms
10:15 AM
dorm jobs
11:00 PM
lights out and sleep over´s if you want
Read more details about Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy on their 2024-25 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
HPA stands out for its remarkable sense of community, which truly feels like one big family. The connections between students, teachers, coaches, and faculty create an environment where everyone genuinely cares about each individual. This. . .
HPA Campus is set up in a unique natural surrounding.
HPA does a lot of volunteer work.
HPA has a lot of good and nice teachers. They help you where they can. . .
The boarding and day community were both very diverse, inclusive, and welcoming. They encouraged a lot of socializing and bonding that effectively made the school feel like family. The events that were held such as. . .
Show more reviews (5 reviews)
Recent Articles
Benefits of a Small Boarding School
Discover the advantages of small boarding schools, including personalized attention, close-knit communities, and enhanced academic support. Learn how intimate learning environments foster strong relationships between students and faculty, leading to a more tailored educational experience and better preparation for college and beyond.
Military Schools Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
This in-depth article explores the world of military schools, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting their unique benefits. It provides parents with valuable insights into why they might consider a military school, debunks prevalent myths, and offers a realistic view of life in these institutions. Whether you're just beginning to explore educational options or are seriously considering a military school for your child, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Teaching in a Boarding School: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators
This in-depth article explores the unique aspects of teaching in a boarding school environment. It provides valuable insights for educators considering this career path, covering the multifaceted nature of the job, qualifications required, and practical tips for securing a position. Whether you're a seasoned teacher looking for a change or a new graduate exploring career options, this guide offers a realistic view of life as a boarding school educator.
