Kūlia Academy, a new charter school on Oʻahu, is set to open this fall in Kalihi. Focused on teaching data science and artificial intelligence, the school will occupy the former space of St. John the Baptist School. Executive Director Andy Gokce and Board Member Karen Awana have been working on developing the school for eight years.
Gokce explained that the inspiration behind Kūlia Academy came from recognizing the growing demand for data science and AI skills in future careers. They believe that AI will play a significant role in various professions, regardless of the field. To prepare students for these careers, they designed a six-year curriculum that partners with institutions such as MIT, Stanford, and UCLA to focus on data science and AI. They have already hired a dedicated data science and AI teacher and are continually updating their curriculum.
The school is currently in the process of 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. The plan is to add a grade level each year until they reach around 700 students spanning grades six through twelve.
Kūlia Academy’s innovative approach to preparing students for future careers in data science and artificial intelligence was featured on The Conversation on April 16, 2024. The show airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.