A new charter school, Kūlia Academy, is set to open its doors this fall in Kalihi on Oʻahu. The school will be located in the former space of St. John the Baptist School and will focus on teaching data science and artificial intelligence (AI). Executive Director Andy Gokce and Board Member Karen Awana have been working on the development of the school for eight years.
The idea behind Kūlia Academy was born out of a recognition of the increasing demand for data science and AI skills in future careers. Gokce explained that regardless of the field, he believes that AI will play a significant role in various professions. Therefore, they designed a six-year curriculum that partners with institutions like MIT, Stanford, and UCLA to focus on these subjects. They have already hired a dedicated data science and AI teacher and are constantly updating their curriculum to ensure students receive the best education possible.
Kūlia Academy is now accepting student applications, with a lottery scheduled for 100 sixth-grade slots on April 20. More than 100 families have already applied, indicating a high level of interest in the innovative approach of this charter school. The plan is to add a grade level each year until they reach around 700 students spanning grades six through 12.
The Conversation featured this story on April 16, 2024, highlighting the unique approach taken by Kūlia Academy in preparing students for future careers in data science and AI. The show airs weekdays at 11 am on HPR-1.