New state Kaiapuni Education priority placement process to support growing demand

Hawaiʻi Department of Education announced this week that a new, statewide priority placement process for Kaiapuni Education — its Hawaiian language immersion programs — will open Feb. 2, marking an important step toward greater consistency, clarity and equity for families seeking Kaiapuni options for their children.

Window to submit applications closes March 13.

The new placement process is part of interim guidance recently issued by the department’s Office of Hawaiian Education to bring greater consistency to Kaiapuni enrollment throughout the islands.

Guidance is intended to provide clear, near-term direction for schools and families while the department develops a longer-term strategy to expand access and strengthen support for Kaiapuni Education.

The new process applies to elementary-level Kaiapuni programs and provides families with a centralized way to request placement while helping schools better plan for enrollment amid continued growth.

Kaiapuni Education expanded significantly through the years.

There are 26 Kaiapuni programs throughout the islands within public schools, along with two K-12 standalone Kaiapuni campuses, serving a total of about 2,700 students.

Interest from families continues to be strong, reflecting the value placed on Hawaiian language and culture as a foundation for learning.

Individual schools largely managed Kaiapuni enrollment and growth on their own until now.

The local approach allowed programs to expand, but it also resulted in inconsistent enrollment practices throughout campuses and, at times, uncertainty for families.

“This new priority placement process is about being clearer and more consistent with families while honoring the integrity of Kaiapuni education,” said Hawaiʻi State Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi in announcing the new guidance. “As demand continues to grow, we have a responsibility to put better systems in place so families understand how placement works and schools have the support they need to plan responsibly.”

What families should know:

• Kaiapuni priority placement process opens Feb. 2.
• It applies to new enrollment and transfers to elementary Kaiapuni programs statewide, as well the two K-12 Kaiapuni schools — Ke Kula Kaiapuni ‘O Ānuenue and Ke Kula ‘O ‘Ehunuikaimalino.
• It is centralized and coordinated by Hawaiʻi Department of Education’s Office of Hawaiian Education.
• It uses clearly defined priority categories to promote transparency and equity.
• It does not guarantee placement at a specific campus, but ensures families are considered through a consistent, statewide process.

More information about the Kaiapuni priority placement process, including timelines and family resources, is available at the Hawaiʻi Department of Education website.