A new charter school, Kūlia Academy, is set to open this fall in Kalihi on Oʻahu. Focused on teaching data science and artificial intelligence, the school will be located in the former space of St. John the Baptist School. Executive Director Andy Gokce and Board Member Karen Awana have been working on the development of the school for the past eight years.
Gokce explained that the idea behind Kūlia Academy came from recognizing the increasing demand for data science and AI skills in future careers. They believe that regardless of the field, AI will play a significant role in various professions. Therefore, they designed a six-year curriculum partnering with institutions like MIT, Stanford, and UCLA to focus on data science and AI. They have already hired a dedicated data science and AI teacher and are continuously updating their curriculum.
The school is now in the process of accepting student applications, with a lottery scheduled for 100 sixth-grade slots on April 20. More than a hundred families have already applied, indicating a high level of interest. The plan is to add a grade level each year until they reach a total of around 700 students spanning grades six through 12.
Kūlia Academy’s innovative approach to preparing students for future careers in data science and artificial intelligence has been featured in The Conversation on April 16, 2024. The show airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1, providing insights into how this charter school is revolutionizing education in Hawaii.