Merger creates new pre-K-12 Christian school

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Two West Hawaii schools have merged to create Makua Lani Christian Academy. The decision was made at a recent meeting of the boards of directors for the 115-student pre-kindergarten through seventh-grade Kona Christian Academy and Makua Lani Christian School, a high school with an enrollment of 85.

Two West Hawaii schools have merged to create Makua Lani Christian Academy. The decision was made at a recent meeting of the boards of directors for the 115-student pre-kindergarten through seventh-grade Kona Christian Academy and Makua Lani Christian School, a high school with an enrollment of 85.

“The creation of Makua Lani Christian Academy offers parents and students an exciting new opportunity for pre-K-12 college preparatory education in a Christian setting,” said Dylan Mabuni, board chairman.

“The merger will strengthen the interaction between two faculties that have already worked in close contact,” said Head of School Thaddea Pitts. “There are many advantages to the education experience of each group when older students interact with and work alongside younger students. The older students benefit from opportunities to develop a greater sense of responsibility for their younger peers, and the younger students gain positive role models.”

“As we look at the pre-K-12 model, we see both operational efficiencies and programmatic advantages to merging the schools,” Mabuni said. “We also have the additional advantage of being the more affordable choice.”

The mission of the merged schools is to “work together with parents and the church to provide a Christ-centered, spiritual, academic and physical foundation that will produce individuals who will be Biblical thinkers capable of serving the world for Christ.”

The long-term vision for the school is to be integrated on one campus. Until then, elementary students will continue to meet at 74-4907 Palani Road in Kailua-Kona, while eighth through 12th grades will continue to meet at 74-4947 Mamalahoa Highway in Holualoa.

Applications for fall 2013 enrollment are available. Call 329-4898 for admissions information and forms. For more information, visit makualani.com.