Kūlia Academy, a new charter school in Kalihi on Oʻahu, is set to open this fall with a focus on teaching data science and artificial intelligence. The school will be located in the former space of St. John the Baptist School. Executive Director Andy Gokce and Board Member Karen Awana have been working on the development of the school for eight years.
Gokce explained that the idea behind Kūlia Academy came from recognizing the increasing demand for data science and AI skills in future careers. They believe that regardless of the field, AI will play a significant role in various professions. Therefore, they 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 continually updating their curriculum.
The school is currently in the process of accepting student applications, with a lottery scheduled for 100 sixth-grade slots on April 20. More than 100 families have already applied, indicating a high level of interest. The plan is to add a grade level each year until they reach around 700 students spanning grades six through 12.
The innovative approach of Kūlia Academy has caught attention from The Conversation, which featured this story on April 16, 2024. The show airs weekdays at 11 a.m., highlighting how Kūlia Academy is preparing students for future careers in data science and artificial intelligence by providing them with specialized knowledge and skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market.
