Project Description
The West Hawaii Explorations Academy is Hawaii’s first Charter High and Middle School. The school is a Project Based Learning (PBL) institution using innovative, hands-on educational methods. They are currently located on a 1.5-acre parcel in the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology (HOST) Park at Keahole Point in Kona.
The school plans to relocate to new 4.8-acre parcel at HOST, across the street from the Hawaii Gateway Energy Center. Ferraro Choi developed a master plan for the new site in 2004, and is now in the process of designing the new campus, which will provide for a student enrollment of 300. Facilities will include classrooms, administration, conference, STEM, wet laboratories, computer laboratories, conference, and certified kitchen/servery. Special site features include a shark/reef/touch pool, amphitheatre, agriculture and aquaculture project areas, and multi-sport play court. The campus is being designed to achieve LEED® 2009 For Schools Gold certification or higher.