Waimea Middle School

What Waimea Middle School does

Waimea Middle School (legal name: Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School; DBA: WMS, WMPCCS) is a public conversion charter school serving students in grades 6-8 at a single campus at 67-1229 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, Hawaii. The school is governed by Ho'okāko'o Corporation, a 503(c)(3) nonprofit, under the Hawaii State Department of Education, and operates with WASC accreditation through 2027 and a charter contract renewed through June 30, 2031.

The school's core academic offering covers Language Arts (Heinemann Reading Workshop / Units of Study), Mathematics (Illustrative Mathematics plus ALEKS adaptive tutoring), Science (AmplifyScience digital curriculum), and Social Studies, augmented by a quarterly Extended Core rotation covering 'Ike Hawai'i (Hawaiian cultural protocols and garden work), Writing Workshop, Technology, and Business/Practical Arts. Distinctive programs include the Keaoākea STEAM Learning Center — a fabrication makerspace equipped with Dremel 3D printers, Carvey/X-Carve CNC routers, a Dremel laser cutter, ScanNCut die cutter, freeze drier, sewing machines, robotics, mini FPV drones, and A/V broadcast gear — and the one-acre Māla'ai School Garden, a private 501(c)(3) operating in partnership with the school that integrates land stewardship, culture, health, and nutrition into core curriculum. The technology stack runs on Google Workspace for Education with a 1:1 Chromebook program, Infinite Campus for grading and attendance, and supplemental platforms including Imagine Learning, IXL, StudySync, Springboard, BrainPop, Khan Academy, Code.org, Newsela, Grammarly Edu, Quizizz, EdPuzzle, Screencastify, Padlet, OnShape EDU, Arduino Create, Sphero EDU, and the Hawai'i Smarter Balanced Assessment and NWEA MAP assessment portals.

The school is funded like a public school — free tuition, free breakfast and lunch daily under USDA Community Eligibility Provision, free busing (with a $15 annual ridership-tracking fee), and 1:1 Chromebooks — with revenue sourced from per-pupil state allocation, federal Title I funds, USDA meal subsidies, and grants and donations (notably from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawai'i Community Foundation, and the Benioffs). Student support services include individual and group counseling, a community volunteer mentoring program launched in 2013 (50+ mentors pre-pandemic), Special Education inclusion, ELL support, and a Quick Tip anonymous reporting system via SchoolMessenger. The school is Blue Zones Project certified (2018) and is recognized as the only Hawaii school garden featured on the national Coast-to-Coast virtual school garden tour (April 2021).

Name

Waimea Middle School

Legal name

Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School

Website

https://waimeamiddleschool.org

Company type

Public

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Waimea Middle School is a Hawaii public conversion charter school serving grades 6-8 in Kamuela, distinguished by its Keaoākea STEAM makerspace, one-acre Māla'ai organic school garden, and 'Ike Hawai'i place-based cultural curriculum. Operated by Ho'okāko'o Corporation with WASC accreditation through 2027 and charter renewed through 2031.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Charter Middle School Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Middle Schools (EDAJAAAC)

Keywords

• Public middle school
• Charter school education
• Place-based learning
• STEAM education programs
• Project-based curriculum

Headquarters

HQ city

Kamuela

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Waimea Middle School is a public conversion charter middle school serving grades 6–8 in Kamuela, Hawai'i, offering tuition-free core academic instruction (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) enhanced by an Extended Core quarterly elective program ('Ike Hawai'i cultural learning, Writing Workshop, Technology, Business/Practical Arts), a dedicated STEAM Learning Center makerspace (Keaoākea) with 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, a one-acre organic School Garden (Māla'ai), and a schoolwide community Mentoring Program. Student support services include counseling, Special Education inclusion, free breakfast and lunch via USDA CEP, free busing, and a 1:1 Chromebook program, delivered within a place-based, project-based learning framework.

Product overview

Waimea Middle School is a public conversion charter school serving grades 6-8 in Kamuela, Hawaii, operating under Ho'okako'o Corporation. The school offers a comprehensive educational program centered on core academic subjects (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) enhanced by a unique Extended Core program including 'Ike Hawai'i cultural education, Writing Workshop, Technology, and Business/Practical Arts. Distinctive programs include the STEAM Learning Center - Keaoākea (a maker space with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and robotics), the Māla'ai School Garden (a one-acre organic outdoor classroom), and Project-Based Learning with place-based focus. Student support services include counseling, the Mentoring Program, Special Education, food service (free breakfast/lunch via USDA CEP), and 1:1 Chromebook program. The school utilizes Infinite Campus for grade management, Google Classroom for instruction, and various educational platforms including ALEKS, AmplifyScience, and Imagine Learning. WASC accredited through 2027 with charter renewed through June 30, 2031.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Keaoākea STEAM Learning Center: STEAM Learning Center providing project-based learning with tools including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and robotics
• Māla'ai School Garden
• IKAIR Core Values

Products and services

• Core Academic Curriculum (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) Standard middle school core academic instruction for grades 6–8, delivered via Reading Workshop (Heinemann/Columbia), Illustrative Mathematics + ALEKS adaptive math, AmplifyScience, and integrated project-based Social Studies.
• Extended Core Program Quarterly rotating elective program for all 6th–8th grade students covering 'Ike Hawai'i cultural learning, Writing Workshop, Technology instruction, and Business/Practical Arts.
• 'Ike Hawai'i Cultural Education Schoolwide Hawaiian cultural curriculum integrating chants (oli), stories (mo'olelo), and cultural protocols, taught by cultural practitioners and embedded across the academic program.
• Project-Based Learning Place-based project-based learning approach in which students investigate and respond to authentic, complex questions and challenges with a place-based focus rooted in Hawaiian culture and community.
• STEAM Learning Center — Keaoākea Dedicated makerspace providing project-based STEAM learning with 3D printers, laser cutter, CNC routers, sewing machines, ScanNCut die cutter, freeze drier, robotics parts, mini FPV drones, and A/V broadcast equipment, plus a tiered student operator training program.
• Māla'ai School Garden One-acre organic outdoor living classroom integrated into science, PE/Health, and Extended Core curricula; operated by a private 501(c)(3) in partnership with the school for all grade 6–8 students.
• Counseling Services Individual and group counseling using a solution-focused approach, with tiered counseling supports, social-emotional learning, character development, and Response to Intervention coordination for grades 6–8.
• Mentoring Program Schoolwide community mentoring program (launched 2013 with Hawai'i Community Foundation support) matching adult volunteer mentors with students for one-on-one weekly or biweekly sessions to support homework, social-emotional development, and academic growth.
• Special Education Inclusion-based special education services with special education personnel providing supports, plus specialized instruction in smaller class settings for students requiring more intensive intervention.
• Food Service Free daily breakfast and lunch for all students under USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP); peanut-free school with nutrition guidelines meeting USDA standards.
• Busing & Transportation Free school busing for the 2026-2027 school year with a $15.00 annual bus pass/ridership tracking fee; buses equipped with video cameras for safety.
• Grades Online (Infinite Campus Portal) Online grading portal (Infinite Campus) giving students, families, faculty, and staff access to view current grades, assignments, and attendance; grades updated on the 5th and 20th of each month.
• 1:1 Chromebook Program Every student receives a Chromebook loaner for 24/7 use throughout the school year, with devices expected at school daily and fully charged.
• Quick Tip Anonymous Reporting SchoolMessenger Quick Tip system allowing anonymous submission of safety and well-being tips to school officials, with topic selection and optional image attachments.
• Technology Support Services Help desk and support services for students and staff covering email access, Google account management, Infinite Campus support, password resets, and Chromebook troubleshooting.
• Elective Programs (Broadcast, Journalism, Yearbook) Elective courses offering practical experience in media production (broadcast), writing (journalism), and publication design (yearbook) for middle school students.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of mentored students in 2019 said the mentoring program helped them; mentored students are 52% less likely than peers to skip school.
• +3 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration34 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOHA provides grants to WMS to expand student services. Long-time Waimea educator Pat Rice and OHA grants are helping the school expand its student services programming.
• Nā Kālai Wa'acoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural partner that works with WMS to strengthen the connection between hands-on learning and Hawaiian cultural practices. Collaborates with the school on place-based education initiatives.
• The Kohala CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner working closely with WMS on garden-based and place-based curriculum initiatives, contributing to hands-on learning aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
• Hawai'i School Garden Network / Ku 'Aina PacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWMS Mala'ai School Garden is an active member of the Hawai'i Island School Garden Network (HISGN) and Ku 'Aina Pa (professional development network for 200+ K-8 educators), integrating garden experiences with core curriculum.
• Kamehameha SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting WMS in strengthening the connection between hands-on learning and Hawaiian cultural practices through collaborative programs.
• DOE Office of Hawaiian EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner collaborating with WMS on Hawaiian education initiatives and cultural curriculum integration.
• Cultural Practitioners (Lanakila Mangauil, Kumu Ku'ulei Keakealani, Kumu Ana Bertelmann, Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoali'i)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural practitioners who contribute to 'Ike Hawai'i schoolwide curriculum — teaching oli (chants), mo'olelo (stories), cultural protocols, and helping maintain the Pa'ahana school logo. They assist with annual May Day Ho'ike performances and guide students in understanding Hawaiian history and legacy.
• Boys2MenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA nationally recognized cohort of men trained to talk-story with small groups of 7th and 8th grade boys to problem solve or play basketball, providing mentorship support as part of WMS's student mentoring program.
• Ho'okāko'o CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWMS is a Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School managed by Ho'okāko'o Corporation, which serves as the governing organization and 503(c)(3) not-for-profit entity for the school's local school board. Ho'okāko'o manages a network of schools and processes tax-deductible donations on behalf of WMS.
• Mala'ai Garden (Māla'ai — Private 501(c)(3))coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMala'ai is a private 501(c)(3) organization operating the one-acre organic school garden in partnership with WMS. All WMS students participate in Mala'ai garden classes as part of their curriculum. Dozens of community volunteers support the garden. The garden has its own website (www.malaai.org) and was featured on a national Coast-to-Coast school garden tour.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• The Kohala Center: Hawai'i Island nonprofit partner supporting WMS's garden-based and place-based curriculum. Comparable as an ecosystem partner enabling the school's pedagogy.

Regional players

• Kamehameha Schools: Major private Hawaiian education institution with K-12 programs emphasizing Hawaiian culture, language, and place-based learning. Comparable because it shares the Hawaiian cultural education focus and is a WMS community partner.
• Mid-Pacific Institute: Private K-12 school in Hawai'i with project-based learning and strong technology integration. Comparable for sharing Hawai'i context, K-12 grade span overlap, and EdTech-forward pedagogy.

Direct peers

• Kua o ka Lā New Century Public Charter School: Hawai'i Island public charter school with a Hawaiian-culture-based, place-based curriculum. Comparable for sharing the cultural-pedagogy focus and Hawai'i Island presence.
• Hawai'i Academy of Arts and Sciences: Hawai'i Island public charter school serving K-8 with project-based learning. Comparable as a charter school with a comparable grade span and pedagogy.
• Voyager Public Charter School: Hawai'i public charter school using project- and inquiry-based learning. Comparable for sharing an alternative-pedagogy approach within the same Hawai'i charter ecosystem.
• Hawai'i Technology Academy: Hawai'i public charter school serving K-12 across the state. Comparable as another Hawai'i charter school using a similar EdTech-forward, project-based model.
• Connections Public Charter School: Hawai'i public charter school with project-based learning. Comparable as a Hawai'i charter operating outside the traditional DOE system.

Broad incumbents

• Hawai'i Public Schools (Hawai'i DOE): State Department of Education operating all public K-12 schools across Hawai'i, including the public middle schools from which WMS draws its conversion charter. Comparable as the umbrella system and feeder pipeline.
• Ho'okāko'o Corporation: Governing nonprofit that manages WMS and a network of other Hawai'i public conversion charter schools. Most direct comparable because it is WMS's own managing organization and operates multiple charter schools on Hawai'i Island and beyond.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/WaimeaMiddleSchool
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/waimea-middle-school

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Waimea Middle School