Last June, Academy of the Pacific (AOP) announced that they would cease academic operations after serving the community for more than five decades. For the last several months, AOP has explored the possibility of a full transfer of assets to Assets School. The negotiations are in the final stages. This is indeed exciting news for Assets. The acquisition of the beautiful AOP Alewa Heights campus will enable us to grow our high school program and serve many other young people deserving of an Assets education.
In looking ahead, our plan is to redevelop our existing campus at One Ohana Nui Way as a K-8 facility with both teacher training and outreach programs to be included on this site.
Effective Summer of 2015, we will be moving all high school students to the Alewa Heights campus, which is very conveniently located for Windward families as well as parents working downtown. Over the next year, we will be preparing the AOP site for the transition that will take place in 2015.
Our future plans for the high school include the addition of a 13th and 14th year to our program, to be developed over the next several years. These two extra years would allow our students to spend a little more time preparing for the transition to a four-year university, while accumulating college credits at Assets. Our expectation is that the additional two years will be the equivalent of a community college program.
It is our belief that our existing program is the best college prep program in Hawaii for our population of students and others that fit the Assets profile.
Academy of the Pacific, for over 50 years, developed a legacy of serving unique, creative students, many of whom came to them feeling lost, uncertain about their identities or their future, but deserving of an educational setting that would respect their unique individualities and provide them with unconditional acceptance. AOP was there for them. Through this gracious gift of a new campus, we will strive to honor the legacy of AOP, which will live on in our work and our mission.
As Board Chair John Morton stated, "It is our sincere hope that through this merger, Assets School will continue to ensure that the needs of children requiring a creative alternative to traditional learning environments are met. Over the years, both of our organizations have worked to change the landscape in terms of how these students are identified and perceived within the community. I'm confident that Assets will continue to address their challenges, and at the same time showcase their unique talents and gifts, thus giving them the very best opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. We are fully committed to respecting and maintaining the legacy of AOP."
I look forward to providing you with future updates about this very exciting new chapter for Assets.
Sincerely,
Paul Singer
Head of School
