In this episode, we’re excited to introduce the newest member of the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy ʻohana—our lead Pre-K teacher, Monica Hurley. Born and raised in Waimea, Monica brings deep roots in our island community and decades of experience working with young children.

Monica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Chaminade University and is completing her Master’s in Teaching in Early Childhood Education. Her background includes running her own family child care program for 18 years, working in local preschools, and most recently designing and leading an ʻāina-based learning program for children ages 5–12. Her work centers on hands-on, place-based learning that weaves together Hawaiian culture, language, and sustainability.

In this conversation, Monica shares more about her journey as an educator and what families can expect from HPA’s new Pre-K classroom. From nurturing curiosity and independence to creating meaningful learning experiences rooted in our environment and community, Monica discusses how young learners will explore, discover, and grow in a supportive, child-centered setting.

Whether you’re a current or prospective parent, this episode offers a closer look at the philosophy and heart behind HPA’s expanding early childhood program—and the inspiring educator leading the way.

Host: Dora Kwong, Lower School Principal

Guest: Monica Hurley, Pre-K Lead Teacher

For more information about Pre-K at HPA reach out to admissions@hpa.edu

How does innovation come to life at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy? In this episode, HPA’s admission team takes listeners inside the Energy Lab, a state-of-the-art facility where sustainability, science, engineering, and real-world problem solving intersect.

Director of Admission Tiare Police, along with Janet Kalaniopio and Tayler Wang, sit down with Dr. Bill Wiecking, Director of the Energy Lab, and Greg McKenna, Head of Sustainability, to explore how the Energy Lab building itself reflects HPA’s commitment to environmental stewardship and hands-on learning. From global collaborations to student-driven research, the conversation highlights how learners are empowered to tackle meaningful challenges.

Current students share powerful testimonials—from AI capstone research and drone technology to fire detection sensors, independent science research, and mentoring younger students—demonstrating the depth, access, and opportunity available at HPA. The episode also addresses how students balance rigorous academics with athletics and other commitments.

Hosts

• Tiare Police, Director of Admission
• Janet Kalaniopio, Senior Associate Director of Admission
• Tayler Wang, Assistant Director of Admission

Panelists

• Dr. Bill Wiecking, Director of the Energy Lab
• Greg McKenna, Head of Sustainability
• Kelan, HPA Student
• Philipp, HPA Student

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions
• 3:30 – The Energy Lab building, sustainability & collaborations
• 9:10 – Working with students & project introductions
• 11:30 – Student testimonial: Kelan — AI Capstone Project
• 23:30 – Student testimonial: Philipp — Drones, fire sensors & cross-grade collaboration
• 35:00 – Student testimonial: Independent science research
• 38:00 – Q&A
• 46:30 – Balancing studies & athletics

What makes the middle school years such a powerful time for growth? In this episode of the Hawaiʻi Preparatory Podcast, we take a closer look at Middle School at HPA and how this stage is intentionally designed to support curiosity, confidence, and connection.

Hosted by Middle School Principal Michael Cservenak and Assistant Director of Admission Stephanie Stewart, the episode explores HPA’s mission and values, academic planning, arts programs, advisory and capstone experiences, and the school’s experiential learning framework. The conversation also highlights Mālama Kaiāulu, community connections, leadership development, and how HPA creates a supportive, phone-free environment where students can truly engage in learning.

With practical insights into scheduling, communication with families, athletics, and transition support, this episode offers a comprehensive view of how HPA’s middle school program helps students thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Hosts

• Michael Cservenak, Middle School Principal
• Stephanie Stewart, Assistant Director of Admission

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions
• 1:04 – Middle School fast facts
• 1:37 – Mission, values & vision
• 2:44 – A place to learn like nowhere else
• 3:23 – Performing, music & visual arts
• 4:32 – The wonder of being a learner
• 5:13 – Mālama Kaiāulu
• 5:53 – Academic planning & pursuit of excellence
• 7:26 – Community connections
• 8:33 – Advisory program
• 10:24 – Capstone program
• 13:03 – Theme week
• 15:39 – Experiential learning framework
• 17:09 – Middle school team
• 18:16 – Schedule
• 22:05 – Phone-free campus
• 23:53 – Questions to consider
• 25:25 – Admission key dates & next steps
• 27:41 – Middle school athletics
• 29:39 – Family communication & student progress
• 31:46 – Parent involvement opportunities
• 34:20 – Supporting transfer students
• 36:40 – Leadership opportunities
• 38:31 – Homework
• 41:21 – Exposure to the upper school campus