What does a joyful, supportive start to school look like? In this episode of the Hawaiʻi Preparatory Podcast, we focus on Kindergarten at HPA and the foundation it provides for lifelong learning.

Hosted by Assistant Director of Admission Stephanie Stewart, the conversation features Lower School Principal, Dora Kwong and Kindergarten Teacher, Dee Walker as they share HPA’s mission, values, and approach to early childhood education. Together, they explore joyful learning, systems thinking, specialist classes, counseling support, and how HPA partners closely with families to support each child’s growth.

From daily rhythms and curriculum design to parent communication and transitions into school, this episode offers an in-depth look at how HPA’s Kindergarten program nurtures confident, curious learners from the very beginning.

Host

• Stephanie Stewart, Assistant Director of Admission

Panelists

• Dora Kwong, Lower School Principal
• Dee Walker, Kindergarten Teacher

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions: Lower School Principal
• 2:52 – Mission, Values & Vision
• 3:26 – Systems Thinking & curriculum design
• 4:52 – Lower School fast facts
• 6:15 – Lower School philosophy
• 8:20 – Specialist classes
• 9:40 – Counseling support
• 11:05 – Capstone program
• 13:08 – After-school program
• 14:30 – Introduction: Kindergarten teacher
• 16:12 – Joyful learning & Kindergarten philosophy
• 24:00 – Weekly schedule
• 27:24 – Admissions key dates
• 29:58 – Supporting conflict as growth
• 32:18 – Parent communication beyond conferences
• 33:28 – Supporting transitions
• 38:28 – Parent involvement opportunities
• 42:24 – Homework
• 45:17 – Supporting students and families who need extra help
• 46:47 – Preparing children for Kindergarten

In this episode, HPA’s admission team explores the school’s signature academic programs, including Marine Studies and the Energy Lab, and how HPA’s people, programs, and place create extraordinary learning opportunities.

Hear from faculty experts and current students as they share how hands-on experiences — from sea turtle research and SCUBA diving to cutting-edge collaborations with organizations like NASA and UCLA — bring learning to life. The conversation also highlights advanced coursework such as AP Cybersecurity and Computer Engineering, student access to specialized facilities, and how HPA’s unique setting in Hawaiʻi enriches every aspect of education.

Hosts

• Maria Mora, International Admission Counselor
• Janet Kalaniopio, Senior Associate Director of Admission
• Tayler Wang, Assistant Director of Admissions

Panelists

• Dr. Bill, Director of the Energy Lab, Science Teacher
• Laura Jim, Marine Studies Educator, Co-Director of the Sea Turtle Research Program & Director of SCUBA
• Anna M. ʻ27, Current Student
• Dominik R. '27, Current Student

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions
• 3:32 – Marine Studies: Sea Turtle Research, SCUBA & Marine Biology
• 13:13 – Student perspective on Marine Studies
• 14:34 – What makes HPA and Hawaiʻi a special place to learn
• 18:22 – Energy Lab collaborations (NASA, UCLA & more)
• 19:16 – AP Cybersecurity & Computer Engineering
• 19:53 – Access to facilities and advanced courses
• 21:40 – Student perspective: Cybersecurity & Island Science
• 24:00 – Advice for future HPA students

What does learning look like at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy — and how does it prepare students for college and beyond?

In this episode, HPA’s admission team hosts a thoughtful conversation with academic leaders, college counselors, current students, and alumni to explore the spirit of learning that defines the HPA experience. From innovative coursework and senior capstone projects to personalized college counseling and student support, hear firsthand how HPA nurtures curious, motivated, and well-rounded learners.

You’ll gain insight into HPA’s academic program, unique learning opportunities, and what truly sets HPA students apart in the college application process — along with honest perspectives from students and alumni reflecting on their journeys.

Hosts

• Maria Mora, International Admission Counselor
• Janet Kalaniopio, Senior Associate Director of Admission
• Tayler Wang, Assistant Director of Admissions

Panelists

• Amanda Arragon, Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator
• Cindy Montgomery, Associate Director of College Counseling
• Andrew Kelsey, Director of College Counseling
• Wynter Radey Morgan ʻ25, Alumna
• Yingqi Liu ʻ21, Alumnus
• Holden Lahey ʻ26, Current Student

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions
• 6:04 – What the spirit of learning at HPA means
• 10:19 – Overview of HPA’s academic program
• 14:05 – Unique academic opportunities
• 16:09 – Senior Capstone Project
• 18:44 – SAT & ACT testing at HPA
• 22:46 – What makes HPA students stand out in college applications
• 28:38 – Favorite classes and learning experiences
• 32:12 – How teachers support students academically and personally
• 33:11 – How HPA prepares students for college and beyond
• 37:54 – Advice for students considering HPA
• 41:42 – When college counseling begins
• 44:46 – College majors HPA graduates pursue
• 46:56 – Transferring to HPA
• 51:05 – AP classes vs. Honors classes