Academics
Well-Rounded and Integrated
Students learn best when lessons are connected from subject to subject and from grade level to grade level. That’s why in everything from curriculum to the school calendar, Hawaii Baptist Academy emphasizes continuity with each lesson building on what students have already learned and preparing them for what’s ahead.
Elementary children learn academic basics, providing a firm foundation for future learning. A comprehensive program in spelling, writing, reading, listening, and speaking (“Open Court” curriculum) is used for language arts. Literature selections integrate language arts with social studies, science, fine arts, and general interests. The math curriculum fosters problem solving and critical thinking skills. Children also take classes in music, art, physical education, and computer. The elementary school provides a self-contained classroom structure for kindergarten through grade 3 and a modified team approach in grades 4 - 6.
In the middle-high school, a college preparatory curriculum provides a strong emphasis on academic fundamentals supplemented by a variety of elective courses, including computer science and fine arts. Advanced placement courses are offered in English, math, science, history, and computer, and students have opportunities for independent study. Teachers are known for their nurturing qualities and accessibility. Standards for learning — Expected Schoolwide Learning Results — guide the entire program at HBA.
ESLRs – The Accountability Factor
HBA operates within a framework of student learning known as Expected Schoolwide Learning Results, or ESLRs. Seven categories of knowledge are identified and quantified, producing a standard against which student learning is measured. These knowledge categories paint a verbal portrait of an HBA graduate who:
- Grows in relationship to Jesus Christ
- Contributes to the community
- Directs his or her learning
- Thinks critically
- Produces quality work
- Practices a healthy lifestyle
- Possesses a critical range of knowledge
The School Year – Enhanced Learning Design
Operating on a modified yearround school calendar, HBA’s regular school year begins in early August and ends in late May or early June with breaks of at least two weeks after each quarter in October, December, and March. This schedule gives students:
- Greater continuity in learning
- Increased retention of information
- Increased enrichment and review opportunities through intersession classes
- Time for educational trips without interfering with classroom instruction
- Social time
- Time for renewing energy for learning.
During the eight-week summer recess, summer school is offered at the elementary and middlehigh school. After school care and summer fun are offered for grades K-6
Technology – Life Skills for a High-Tech World
To prepare students for our hightech society, HBA has implemented an extensive program to provide up-to-date technological resources. A middle-high school computer lab helps students do research via the Internet, create multi-media projects, experience new software, and learn world languages. A second computer lab is used for classroom instruction. The elementary school has a computer lab for K-6 and a mobile computer “lab” for 5th and 6th graders bringing technology to the student in the classroom. Libraries on both campuses are computerized for card catalogue and online access. HBA subscribes to an array of online database resources for student use.
Overview
