A new charter school, Kūlia Academy, focused on teaching data science and artificial intelligence is scheduled to open this fall in Kalihi on Oʻahu. 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 the past 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 partnering 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.

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. The plan is to add a grade level each year until they reach a total of around 700 students spanning grades six through 12.

The Conversation featured this story on April 16, 2024, highlighting the innovative approach of Kūlia Academy in preparing students for future careers in data science and artificial intelligence. The show airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.