Frequently Asked Questions
Why the name "SEEQS"?
SEEQS, pronounced "seeks", is our shorthand name for the school, because "the School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability" is, quite frankly, a mouthful. While our full name is indeed a long one, each word describes something fundamental to the school, reflecting our purpose, our approach, our essence, and our lens.
Where is SEEQS located?
SEEQS has had several homes, and we are currently located at 1728 Nuʻuanu Avenue. For more information, visit our "Contact" page.
Is there tuition?
No! SEEQS is a public charter school, and as such is free to students. Some fees may apply, including field trip fees, lunch fees, and t-shirt uniforms, but there is no tuition.
Who can attend SEEQS?
SEEQS is open to any student in the State of Hawaii who is eligible for the grade levels we serve: 6th through 8th grade, with a vision of expanding to 6th through 12th grade in the long term. SEEQS is for families who believe in, and want to help manifest, our vision: "SEEQS graduates will be stewards of planet Earth and healthy, effective citizens of the world."
How can my child attend SEEQS?
SEEQS admits a full class of students entering Grade 6 each year. SEEQS also fills any spots that may become available Grades 7 and 8. Enrollment information, process, and timelines are available on the "Enroll" page of our website.
How many students does SEEQS serve?
The current SEEQS student body is approximately 180 students total in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Once SEEQS is able to add high school grades, at full enrollment, it will serve ~400 students, 50-60 students per grade level in sixth through twelfth grades.
Does SEEQS follow the DOE school year calendar?
Generally, yes, though each break tends to be 1-2 days longer for students, allowing for additional work days and Professional Development for SEEQS teachers. Admitted and enrolled families receive formal SEEQS school-year calendars as soon as they are available each year.
How can I work at SEEQS?
SEEQS looks for passionate people who love learning and who have the energy and drive to be part of an innovative, mission-driven school. To learn more about what we look for, see the "Work at SEEQS" page of our website.
Has there been any press about SEEQS?
Yes! SEEQS has been in the news a number of times through the years. Check out our Press page.
How can I be involved with SEEQS?
Contributions from community members are essential to SEEQS's vision and purpose. SEEQS works closely with community volunteers who are willing to share their time and expertise with students and faculty members. Opportunities for community involvement within the school day include our morning physical activity blocks, our afternoon Essential Questions of Sustainability (EQS) courses, and more. Additionally, community members may help provide structured activities and/or supervision for students before- or after-school, when students are on campus but class is not in session. If you would like to partner with SEEQS in any of these ways, please contact us and tell us what you have in mind; we look forward to hearing from you. Mahalo!
What do you mean by "sustainability"?
The word "sustainability" is used extremely often these days and in many contexts. It has come to mean many different things to different people. Here is what we mean: the ability of the planet to support life as we know it, for humans and for other living species. While the concept of the school is based primarily on sustainability viewed through an ecological lens, we understand that sustainability isn't just environmental, but encompasses social and economic dimensions as well. This is why students at SEEQS closely examine Essential Questions of Sustainability during dedicated blocks of time for interdisciplinary project-based learning, working with teachers who are content experts in a variety of subjects. We believe that a comprehensive examination of sustainability issues requires multiple lenses, with due attention paid to understanding topics from a wide range of perspectives.
What is a charter school?
A charter school is a public school. As such, it is free to all residents of the State; there is no tuition. Charter schools offer families educational choices within the public school system. Authorized by the State Public Charter School Commission, charters operate with substantial flexibility and autonomy in comparison with standard public schools. Charter schools have the freedom to select innovative curricular materials, alternative school structures, and hire staff members that align with their instructional model. Along with this autonomy, charters are held accountable to the State in three major areas: academics, finances, and operations. There are two types of charter schools in the State of Hawaiʻi: 'conversion' charter schools and 'start-up' charter schools. Conversion charters are former Department of Education schools that applied for a charter to gain autonomy from the State; conversion charters retain their school facilities and responsibility to serve the students in their geographic area; they may also serve a large number of students who have applied for geographic exemptions. In contrast, start-up charters serve students from the entire State: no geographic exemptions are necessary; start-up charters are responsible for finding and paying for their own facilities. SEEQS is a start-up charter school. To learn more about charter schools in Hawaii, watch this 8-minute video.
Does SEEQS serve students with Special Needs?
Yes. SEEQS' model is inclusion, which means that students with Individualized Education plans (IEPs) participate in the general education setting for all classes, with support from both the general education teachers and trained Special Education teachers. Students with 504 plans are also in the general education environment and receive accommodations from the general educators, as overseen by our Coordinator of Student Support and Counselor.
The SEEQS curriculum is both highly rigorous and hands-on; students work independently as well as collaboratively to learn academic content and to design their own projects. Students with special needs work towards these same goals, with scaffolds provided according to their IEP. Historically, 15-25% of enrolled SEEQS students have IEPs or 504 plans. We work closely with the District Education Specialist (DES), Resource Teachers, and specialists for our complex area to provide services for students according to their needs.
Families of students with special needs who are considering enrollment should attend an Open House Informational Session to learn more about our program and determine if it may be a fit for their child. If the family elects to enter the lottery, and the child's name is selected, then the family will be asked to provide further information about their student, including any IEP or 504 plans that exist. Further informational meetings, which may include transition meetings with the child's current school, can then be arranged.