Innovations Public Charter School
A Look Back in Time

Innovations Public Charter School, West Hawaii's first elementary charter school, was created by 5 former Department of Education teachers, Kona parents and community. Answering the state's challenge for educational reform, Innovations was designed as a research and development site for Hawaii schools in an effort to model successful innovations transferable to other public schools in the district and state. IPCS models a small school environment, a team approach to administration, thematic and integrated instructional units, inquiry and problem based learning, multi-age classrooms and technology-based instruction. Learn more about charter schools and the history of Innovations Public Charter school by visiting the sites below. February 2000 Charter School Grants Awarded: Where it all began - a federal grant to start charter schools in Hawaii. June - September 2000 Implementation Plan: Innovation's Educational Community develops a detailed plan to guide the school and submits to the Board of Education for approval / charter status. March, 2001 Parent Informational Meeting: the founding staff introduced the schools structure and learning strategies to interested, prospective parents. May 2001 Innovations First Enrollment Celebration: IPCS' first group of enrollees ready for Year 1! July 2001 Curriculum Orientation: teachers walk parents through the IPCS curriculm.