Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions that we receive about the UHM SEED Academy program. If you don't find the answer to a question here, please contact us with your specific inquiry at 808-692-2765 or .

Home Schooling
The Online Learning Environment
Enrollment
Testing Requirements
On-Campus Activities at Kapolei High School
Curriculum
General Questions

Home Schooling

Is UHM SEED Academy the same as home schooling?

No — student enrolled in UHM SEED Academy are participating in a public, accredited program of Kapolei High School and the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. The curriculum is approved by the school district for earning high school credits that count towards a high school diploma through Kapolei High School.

UHM SEED Academy students take core courses, including AP courses, online — wherever they have internet access. In addition, they can also take on-campus STEM enrichment electives in science, technology, engineering and math.

What are "STEM" classes?

The STEM curriculum is designed for students seeking further enrichment and experience in science, technology, engineering and math. Classes are hands-on and project-based, designed to better prepare students for 21st century careers. Unlike other UHM SEED Academy courses, STEM courses are conducted on-campus at Kapolei High School.

My child has been doing regular home school up until now. He/she will be in 11th grade next year and we want him to graduate on time. How will UHM SEED Academy count his/her work done while in home school?

If your child is entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade from a home school environment, please contact us by phone at 808-692-2765 to schedule a consultation to develop an individualized academic plan for your student.

My child has an IEP and has been enrolled in Special Education in our home school district. Does UHM SEED Academy enroll students with special needs?

This is determined on a case-by-case basis. The main issue to be considered is whether or not the independent nature of online instruction will be the best fit for a student with special needs. Staff from UHM SEED Academy will discuss your child's situation with you. You may contact us by phone for more information.

The Online Learning Environment

We don't have a very good computer at home. Can my child participate in UHM SEED Academy?

Yes! Every full-time UHM SEED Academy student will receive loan of a computer while actively enrolled in the program. There is a $50 non-refundable fee for insurance.

Do we have to have high-speed Internet access to participate in UHM SEED Academy?

Yes, families are required to provide high-speed Internet access in their homes. High-speed Internet access definitely makes the experience of learning online much more satisfying. Note that we are currently negotiating with Oceanic Cable for UHM SEED students receive high-speed connectivity at $29.95 per month vs. $44.95.

What kind of safeguards are in place to keep my child safe while working on the Internet?

The main content of all UHM SEED Academy courses is available directly through our secure, online student classroom area. In some cases, links provided by teachers direct students to other websites so students can take advantage of the wealth of educational information available online. In addition to limiting the sites to which students must visit to do their coursework, we have added a piece of software on all student computers that filters out sites that are not appropriate for high-school-aged children to view. Beyond that, good parental supervision and setting guidelines for internet use that match with your family's values will go a long way in protecting your children from unwanted information on the internet.

Do I have to be at home all the time my child is doing schoolwork?

This is not required. However, it is important for your child to know that you are interested in how he/she is doing in school. It is unrealistic for most high-school-aged students to handle the total responsibility of an online learning environment without any parental involvement. The UHM SEED Academy program does not require students to do all of their coursework during the traditional school hours, so it may be beneficial for some families to schedule at least some of their "school time" during hours that parents are home to provide support.

How do I know if my child would be successful doing online learning?

Some of the qualities that we have seen in our most successful students are:

The ability to work independently.
The willingness to ask for help when needed. There are many opportunities to get help from teachers, other students, or technical support. Students should be willing to make use of those resources and let someone know if they don't understand something.
Some internal motivation to succeed in the program. Students who are forced into an online learning environment will be less likely to be successful.

See Tips for Successful Online Learning.

Our family travels quite a bit. Would that be a problem in the UHM SEED Academy at Kapolei High School program?

Students must have the permission of the Director of Operations before leaving on a trip during school days. When traveling, students are required to have internet access available at their destination site. Students must be able to log into UHM SEED Academy and get to their courses. For trips during which internet access may not be available, students must complete their coursework that would be due during their absence prior to their departure. Students should notify their teachers by email as well if they will be unable to access the internet for a period of time. If you are enrolled in the STEM electives during the time of your of extended absence, you will need to try and re-enroll in those electives next time they are available because those courses require that you attend classes on-campus at Kapolei High School.

What tools are available for students to communicate with each other?

We have a feature on our secure, online student classroom area called Blackboard, which enables students to participate in discussion boards with other UHM SEED Academy students. Topics of discussion may include music, books, movies, politics, sports, etc. These discussion boards are monitored by UHM SEED Academy staff and provide a great way for students to talk about their talents and interests.

What role do the teachers play in UHM SEED Academy?

The teachers play an important role in the UHM SEED Academy program by meeting the individual learning needs of all students enrolled in their courses. Teachers have "office hours" and hold weekly sessions during which students can ask questions and hold discussions with their teacher and classmates. Teachers are also available by phone using a toll-free access number and via email, and encourage students to contact them with questions. Teachers respond to student questions within 24 hours, and return assignments they receive within 3 days.

As a parent, how can I check on my son/daughter's progress in UHM SEED Academy?

Parents are assigned an Observer login and password to enter the UHM SEED Academy site. By using this login, parents can go directly to their child's classes and see what assignments have been completed and what their child's grades are at any time.

Enrollment

Once we start the school year, can we still change our minds and go back to our home district?

Although we work very hard to make UHM SEED Academy a positive experience for all of our students, if you feel that UHM SEED Academy is not the best choice for your child you always have the ability to return to your local school or to regular home schooling.

Is UHM SEED Academy a private school?

No. UHM SEED Academy is a public high school. It is a program of Kapolei High School and the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa.

What is a full-time student?

A full-time student is one that is completing all their high school course requirements with UHM Seed Academy and not concurrently enrolled in another high school program.

What student ages qualify for the UHM SEED Academy high school program?

The UHM SEED Academy high school program accepts students of high school age.

Testing Requirements

Is there required participation in state standardized testing?

All students who enroll in UHM SEED Academy will be required to take all Hawai`i-state-mandated tests, proctored by UHM SEED Academy staff.

On-Campus Activities at Kapolei High School

Can UHM SEED Academy students participate in extracurricular clubs and activities at Kapolei High School?

Yes, UHM SEED Academy students can enjoy all the benefits of the Kapolei High School campus, including participating in service, academic, and special interest clubs.

Can UHM SEED Academy students participate in team sports at Kapolei High School?

Only students who reside in the Kapolei district can participate in school sports.

Can UHM SEED Academy students have access to the Kapolei High School campus during school hours?

Yes, UHM SEED Academy students may access the Kapolei High School campus to participate in school club meetings and activities.

Curriculum

What courses are available to UHM SEED Academy students?

UHM SEED Academy students can choose from an online curriculum of core, AP, and elective courses, which can be taken anytime, anywhere they have internet access. See our course list for more information.

Students may also take an on-campus curriculum of STEM enrichment electives in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

What are "STEM" classes?

Do you have to take the STEM Curriculum to graduate from UHM SEED Academy?

Yes, in order to graduate from UHM SEED Academy with a diploma from Kapolei High School students must earn four of their six elective credits from the STEM-centric catalog. All students are required to select one STEM elective per year.

When and where are STEM classes held?

Students take STEM enrichment electives on the Kapolei High School campus scheduled Monday through Friday from 2PM to 6PM.

General Questions

How do we know if UHM SEED Academy is the right school for us?

We invite you to contact us and learn as much as you can about what UHM SEED Academy has to offer you and your child. Getting as much information as possible is the best way to make an informed choice.

How much time does it take to complete a one-credit course?

The school year is comprised of four 9-week "blocks." A one-credit course is designed to take two 9-week blocks or about 120 hours. As a general guideline, in addition to the time you spend online, you should also count on spending time reading, completing assignments, and studying for tests and exams. Therefore, you may need to spend approximately 120 hours to complete a course. This time is a guideline and will vary according to course, study habits, etc. You can assume that a half-credit course will take half as much time as a one-credit course.

How will I be evaluated on my performance?

Progress is measured through quizzes, exams, written essays, assignments, projects, and semester exams.

How do I get help from my teachers if I am having difficulty with my course(s)?

Your teachers will provide feedback on any assignments or projects you complete. You can also contact your teacher via email or through the course message center. In addition, each teacher has regularly scheduled online office hours. During scheduled time, students interact with the teacher and other students in a virtual classroom.