Available Courses

In this course, students will be introduced to computers and the components of a business information system. Students will have “hands-on” exposure to office productivity applications and learn how information technology can be applied to satisfy business needs.

Students in Writing for College will learn techniques they may apply in college writing situations. By reading model essays and writing their own drafts, students will acquire (or reinforce) general knowledge of techniques for writing such types of essays as argumentation, classification, analysis, process, and comparison contrast, and will apply these techniques in their essays. Furthermore, students will apply their knowledge in analyzing and evaluating the work of others in the class. Students will comprehend the necessity of writing for a specific audience for a specific purpose; they will also practice their newly learned skills in their own writing.

Hawaiian 1 emphasizes skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking so that students can communicate effectively in various situations which range from exchanging greetings to providing information about themselves, family, friends, school, etc. Hawaiian culture is integrated throughout the course.

Hawaiian 2 continues to emphasize the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Greater emphasis is placed on accuracy of pronunciation, expanding vocabulary and learning more complex grammatical structures in new situations that may be culturally relevant.

One goal of the intermediate language course is to consolidate and improve previously developed communication skills. A second logical goal is to apply the maturing skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through class assignments or individual projects. Much of the class will be conducted in Spanish. Students may be required to purchase a workbook – approximately $25.00.

Honors Spanish 4 will expand on what was learned in level 3 and focus on specific student needs. Students will refine their language and critical thinking skills through the discussion and analysis of literature, history, and cinema. Language aside, students should find that much of the work in fourth-year Spanish is similar to the rigor of their high school English courses. This course should help students perform well on university placement exams or the SAT II. Students may be required to purchase a workbook – approximately $28.00.

The content for Intermediate Japanese 3 revolves around the students making preparations for dealing closely with Japanese people. Culture is introduced routinely in order to minimize misunderstandings and to increase awareness of traditional Japanese values. Language proficiency will be developed through more sophisticated and highly cultural social situations in order to sensitize the students to the cultures and values that are different from their own.

Honors Japanese 4 takes a holistic approach to instruction in order that students may acquire a full range of language skills that are necessary to communicate with native speakers of Japanese. Students are introduced to “keigo” (honorifics) so that they can apply the appropriate register effectively. The course deals with living in Japan and students learning to cope with everyday situations, as well as dealing with Japanese visitors in this country. This challenging course serves the dual purpose of preparing students for college level Japanese courses as well as for encounters with native Japanese speakers. Most of the class will be conducted in Japanese.

This semester course provides an overview of the foundational elements of cinema studies, covering the technical, historical, and theoretical aspects of the field. Course topics include: cinematography, editing, production design, primitive cinema, classical cinema, the function of genre, avant-garde film, and documentary film. Components emphasized include the language of film studies and the early history of film.

Pre-Calculus emphasizes the essential concepts needed to pursue the study of calculus and other advanced math courses. The course is intended for students who are on a Calculus track and are interested in a STEM related field of study after high school. Students should enter the course having acquired a strong command of algebraic properties, an understanding of common algebraic functions and their graphs and exhibit inductive and deductive reasoning techniques. Topics covered include a review of quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, , inverse functions, sequences and series, trigonometric functions, conic sections, polar coordinates, complex numbers, and limits. We also seek to develop the studentʻs analytical thinking and problem solving skills in preparation for their transition to Calculus.

Calculus, the mathematical study of change, is a branch that goes beyond what algebra and geometry offer. Calculus is required for degrees in science, economics, business, engineering, computer science, medical and dental school, and even an MBA. This course is intended for students who have successfully completed math courses through Pre-Calculus. Topics covered include: review of Pre-Calculus, limits, continuity, derivatives, integrals, applications of derivatives and integrals, finding area between two curves, and volumes of revolution. This course covers material found in a typical first semester college calculus course. The dual credit curriculum will follow college standards, therefore the pace and rigor will be different from the high school curriculum. Courses offered for Calculus dual credit include both MATH 2214 & MATH 2215 taught at any college/university. Grading methods may be different than those of the traditional Kamehameha math class.

This course is recommended for students who have successfully completed Algebra 1A/1B, Geometry A/B, and Algebra 2A/2B, although Algebra 2A/2B is not a requirement.
Statistics is the grammar of science. To be fluent in life, knowing how to interpret and communicate mathematically is a valuable life skill. This is an introductory course to topics in probability and statistics. Topics include conditional probability, binomial probability, measures of central tendency, variability, sampling, and analyzing data.

Elementary linear algebra with applications in the sciences, to computers and economics. Topics include: systems of linear equations; matrix theory, determinants and eigenvalues, geometry of Euclidean nspace; abstract vector spaces, bases, linear independence, and spanning sets, linear transformations, null space and range, diagonalization of matrices; eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Upon successful completion of the course, students will: 1. Know and apply the definition of span, arguing algebraically and geometrically 2. Know and apply the definitions of linear dependence and independence 3. Take matrices to RREF, identify matrices in RREF 4. Solve systems of equations or show there is no solution, including the use of parametric form 5. Compute with matrices and vectors (scalar multiply, add multiply, find inverses, determinants) 6. Know and apply the definition of linear transformation, identify linear or nonlinear transformations, find the matrix of a linear transformation 7. Determine whether a set is a basis, find a basis of sample 8. Find or change coordinates 9. Find eigenvalues, eigenvectors, diagonalize a matrix if possible.

No previous experience is necessary. The main goal of this course is to introduce the young person to the world of theatre and its elements. Acting fundamentals include the basic understanding of the acting process and how it is applied to stage and film across world cultures. This process involves preparation, observation, imagination, memorization, concentration, characterization, analysis of text, critiquing, trusting your instincts, learning to appreciate the aesthetic values of other cultures, and a willingness to take risks.
Technical theatre, script writing and directing are but a few of the supplementary topics covered in this course. Activities include theatre games, improvisation, scene and character study as it pertains to storytelling and cultural/ historic background, monologue and scene acting, set design and construction, lighting and peer critique.

The Personal Health course is designed to assist each student to learn and practice the health concepts and skills needed to be health literate. These important concepts and skills will be developed through lectures, use of technology, role-playing, small group work, discussion, presentations by community resource people as well as supplementary handouts and worksheets. The overall goal of the course is to enable students to meet the challenges that life may pose.

Honors Biology is a rigorous course that is strongly recommended for students who are interested in careers in medicine, engineering, and other sciences. This evolution and molecular-based course emphasizes inquiry and process skills, problem-solving, and is designed to prepare students for Honors Chemistry, Advanced Placement Physics 1, and other Advanced Placement science courses. Topics will be covered in greater depth and detail than in Biology, especially those dealing with biochemistry, molecular biology, inheritance, evolution, and genetic engineering.

Astronomy is the scientific study of the contents of the entire universe. This introductory course enables students to develop and apply knowledge of the universe and compare the conditions, properties, and motions of bodies in space. The content includes, but is not limited to, historical astronomy, astronomical instruments, the celestial sphere, the solar system, the earth as a system in space, the earth/moon system, the sun as a star, and stars. Emphasis shall be placed on concepts basic to Earth, including materials, processes, history, and the environment. Astronomy is a dual-credit, elective course offered in partnership with Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU). The course satisfies the graduation requirements of Kamehameha Schools High School Science, as well as requirements for Physics 1020 (Astronomy) at Hawai‘i Pacific University.

This undergraduate course is designed to introduce students to conservation biology: the nature of biodiversity, growing threats to biodiversity, and ecologically sound conservation and resource management practices designed to slow its loss. Special emphasis will be placed on conservation of biodiversity in Hawai‘i and the role of traditional Hawaiian ecological knowledge in local conservation efforts. Students will examine, through multidisciplinary perspectives, the inherent connection between natural, social and economic systems, and their dependence on biodiversity. Conservation Biology is a dual-credit, elective course offered in partnership with Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU). The course satisfies the graduation requirements of Kamehameha Schools High School Science, as well as requirements for Biology 1500 (Conservation Biology) at Hawai‘i Pacific University. This change in our offering is mainly in response to our move to HPU, as conservation biology and ethnobotany have distinct student demographics (vs. plant identification and ethnobotany with UH). This will also allow us more time to engage in meaningful science that satisfies the HPU course requirements as well as KS’ E Ola standards.

World History is a record of the adventures of humankind with major emphasis placed on four themes: Leadership, Conflict, Globalization, and Affecting Change. Leadership introduces students to world leaders and how they develop and change the world. The conflict theme includes wars, revolutions, and misunderstandings that have altered the world. The globalization theme is designed to better understand other cultures, economies, and governments so as to better understand the interconnection of today’s world. Affecting change is the culminating theme as students use leadership skills to attempt to reduce conflict and improve international relations in the world today. Students will examine these themes using multiple teaching and learning strategies through a reading and a writing-intensive course.

This course will investigate the history of women in America and the role of gender in society. The first half of the course will focus on how women played an active role in shaping American society despite obstacles, focusing predominantly after the Civil War to the present. While recognizing larger trends and identifying common experiences, this course also highlights the individual stories of women in the national narrative. Additionally, this course will examine how gender, race, class, and religion played an important part in shaping U.S. History. The second semester will focus on Women and Gender Studies and many of the issues will show the correlation between the past and current events. Examples of topics include perceptions of beauty, gendered violence, and LGBTQ+ issues. Students will be engaged primarily in independent work, with cooperative learning activities and discussions. This course will be reading and writing intensive.

Analyze how systems in our society interact and affect us, from a big picture perspective. Prepare for future studies in finance, law, politics, community leadership, or non-profits. Develop APA research and writing skills at the college level as well as quantitative skills on par with a first-year college Macroeconomics course. Best fit for those students who seek college credit but do not intend on studying Economics as their major.

Psychology is a science that seeks to answer questions about us all— how and why we think, feel, and act as we do. Dual Credit Psychology is a college foundation course in which students will develop the skills and knowledge of the science of human behavior. The course will include the analysis and discussion of case studies, applying concepts through project based activities, and incorporating critical thinking skills through the exploration and research of human behavioral issues. Topics of study include psychological research methods, neuroscience, forms of consciousness, human development, intelligence, motivation, personality, and social and clinical psychology. Mature and sensitive content will be a part of the course.

This course is designed to develop basic communication skills including the ability to: think critically, research for speech information, organize information appropriately for oral presentation, communicate with clarity and confidence, and respectfully listen for understanding. Students will also gain an understanding of the communication process with an emphasis on the mutual responsibility of the speaker and the listener. Speaking experiences include informal activities, as well as, introductory, impromptu, informative, and persuasive speeches.

This course is designed to expand student skills in critical thinking and listening, research and organization, and delivery. The course emphasizes the real-world application of persuasive speaking and research through job and personal interviewing, persuasion in marketing, and the development of debate and argumentation skills.

Through the exploration of the camera as a storytelling tool, students learn the fundamentals of both still photography and moving images in video This is a one-semester course exposing students to DSLR cameras and editing programs to shoot and edit both still images and videos, record sound, and utilize the principles of design and composition. With that said, visual stories arenʻt just about aesthetics and equipment, but communicating ideas effectively, which takes skill, practice, and experimentation. This also requires students to self-reflect and develop skills to critically analyze and interpret their work and the work of others.

While the objective for the course is to expose students to the technical aspects of digital still photography and videography, the larger goal is for students to gain a voice and identity as a Hawaiian and their role in our global society as a media content creator. Through the interactions with digital media, students develop skills in Innovation and Creativity as well as Growth Mindset. Projects also focus on the exploration of ʻIke Kūpuna and the importance of moʻolelo and storytelling as a foundation for the technical camera skills in this course.

Class periods will consist primarily of lectures, demos, hands-on learning with cameras and editing programs, as well as critiques to share and discuss projects. Most units will revolve around a series of photographic and video projects, helping students build portfolio materials and explore different techniques, artists, and genres.

The ability to visually document and communicate an idea is a versatile skill. Skills gained in this class are also useful for other Visual Arts courses (like Digital Photography or Photography) or media courses such as Ka Naʻi Aupuni (yearbook), Kā Mōʻī (the school newspaper), Puka Mai Ka Lā, and Video Production. Students considering the fields of the fine arts, photography, computer graphics, advertising, marketing, business, journalism, or communications will find this course valuable.