Kūlia Academy, a new charter school that focuses on teaching data science and artificial intelligence, is set to open its doors this fall in Kalihi on Oʻahu. The school will be located in the former space of St. John the Baptist School, and it has been under development for the past eight years by Executive Director Andy Gokce and Board Member Karen Awana.
Gokce explained that the idea behind Kūlia Academy was born out of recognizing the increasing 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 address this need, they have designed a six-year curriculum that partners with institutions like MIT, Stanford, and UCLA to focus on data science and AI. They have already hired a dedicated data science and AI teacher and are continuously updating their curriculum to ensure that students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
The school is now in the process of accepting student applications, with a lottery scheduled for 100 sixth-grade slots on April 20. More than a hundred families have already applied, indicating a high level of interest in Kūlia Academy’s innovative approach to education. The plan is to add a grade level each year until they reach a total of around 700 students spanning grades six through 12.
Kūlia Academy’s innovative approach to education has been featured in The Conversation on April 16, 2024, highlighting their commitment to preparing students for future careers in data science and artificial intelligence. The show airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.