Independent West Oahu
school gets accreditation

After just one year in operation, Island Pacific Academy in Kapolei has earned interim accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges as well as the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools.

"Such early accreditation action is unusual," Headmaster Dan White said Tuesday. "It is a marvelous affirmation of the efforts of the faculty, staff, parents and students of our young school."

He said the reports praised the school for its "positive and uplifting school culture entirely focused on teaching and learning" as well as its academic standards, student behavior, parent involvement and tuition assistance program.

Island Pacific Academy opened in 2004 as the first independent elementary and middle school in West Oahu, and plans to build a high school. It can now use the phrase "fully accredited" by both associations.