VIsion
Kea'au freshman academy students successfully transition to high school. every student sets goals for future academic and career choices and develops academic, organizational, social emotional, and technological skills while encapsulating p.r.i.d.e.
​(perseverance, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence).

​

mission
the kea'au freshman academy will create common classroom and school expectations within a supportive and rigorous environment, while also providing opportunities for college and career readiness and exploration for all students. 

Administrator: Anthony Rypka
​Coordinator: J. Elise Hannigan
9th Grade Counselor: Greig Nakamura
English: Ms. Krishok, Mr. Swart, Mr. Coffin and Ms. Purugganan
Math: Mr. Gomes, Ms. Prasada, Mr. Siebert and Ms. Han
Science: Ms. Hulten and Mr. Bonewitz
Social Studies: Mr. Baker, Mr. Byers and Mr. Freund
Transitions to High School: Ms. Montgomery, Mr. Kuntze, and Mr. Mathews
​ALC: Darlene Bulosan

Goals

95% of students will be promoted to sophomore status by the start of 24-25 school year*
85% of students will attend school 85% of the time
100% of freshmen will identify at least one supportive staff/faculty member**
>51% of freshmen students will indicate a positive sense of belonging according to the SEL Panorama survey given by Spring and show an increase of 5% from Fall administration
By the end of the academic year the academy will have provided individualized feedback to 100% of parents of freshmen students. 
By the end of the first semester 95% of students will identify a post-high school plan and will have passed the digital citizenship program through their Transitions to High School. 
100% of students will be given a planner and will demonstrate usage in 50% of their classes.
There will be  a 5% gain in on or above grade level students in ELA i-Ready results from the Fall to the Spring administration
There will be  a 5% gain in on or above grade level students in Math i-Ready results from the Fall to the Spring administration
​100% of students will have been given the opportunity to attend either a college or career exploration event.

Meet the teachers

Mr. Geoffrey Baker
​Degrees Held:
Geography degree from UH Hilo and Masters of Education from Chaminade University of Honolulu

Subjects Taught:
US History

Room Number:
G114 A

Office Hours: 
Email during school hours
​
​Interests and/or hobbies:
Anything revolved around the ocean, sports, hanging out with my dogs and friends​

Mr. Lopaka Byers
​Degrees Held:
Bachelors of Arts and Sciences in US History - University of Hawaii at Manoa
Masters of Education and Teaching - University of Hawaii at Manoa

Subjects Taught:
US History and Physical Science

Room Number:
G114 B

Office Hours: 
7:30 am - 3:00 pm
​​
​Interests and/or hobbies:
Deeply lost in the worlds of Tolkien and Potter. I love to be swimming in the ocean or a pool, and lately on the weekends you can catch me at a golf course playing poorly.

Mrs. Tanya Montgomery
​Degrees Held:
University of Hawaii, Manoa - BEd in Physical Education University of Maine,
Orono - MEd in Counselor Education
​
Subjects taught:
Health, PE, Guidance, Transition to HS, Pregnant/Parenting, Health Services Pathway, School Counselor
​
Room Number:
G104

Office Hours: 
Recess, Lunch, or After School
​​​​
​Interests and/or hobbies:
Food, Family, and Fun