W Hawaii Explorations Academy Public Charter School in Kailua Kona, Hawaii on DonorsChoose

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Without you, we'd be relying on our modest paychecks to provide these. \r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1758444548516,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-tier-1/9525615/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Tier 1","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Freitas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9378977"},{"teacherId":9378977,"projectId":9197043,"letterContent":"We are enjoying using our professional oven and pizza oven in our culinary project class! So far we have been studying salt, the different kinds, how they are made/mined, when to use each and for what and how to cook like a chef. We have baked salt that we harvested from the lava rocks near the ocean to dry it out for our classroom use. We used our hydrometers to test it's salinity versus kosher and iodized salts. Without the oven, we would have had to have laid it out in the sun to dry over a long period which may have contaminated our salt or even gotten it rained on!\r\n\r\nWe are looking forward to baking chicken in it later this week and baking breads, meats, pizzas and more for our continued education on the science of cooking and baking. \r\n\r\nWe couldn't have done this project without you!","fullyFundedDate":1742948441039,"projectUrl":"project/baking-ovens-for-middle-school/9197043/","projectTitle":"Baking Ovens for Middle School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Freitas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9378977"},{"teacherId":9969487,"projectId":9174149,"letterContent":"The resources you provided have had an incredible impact on my students, and the students we have visited in the community. Using the materials that were provided, my students were able to design and laser cut custom jigsaw puzzles and shark team pins, which were then decorated. These items were then taken to visit 5 different schools in our community where they were gifted to students. The reactions for both my students and the students we visited was so great to witness. \r\n\r\nGiving is such a joy, and the students who were able to create and gift these items were able to really feel that joy. The excitement generated by students receiving these items ignited a new level of pride in my students and it will certainly feed into the Robotics project in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1742498971724,"projectUrl":"project/robotics-outreach-for-elementary-schools/9174149/","projectTitle":"Robotics Outreach for Elementary Schools; Iterations and Design Inspiration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9969487"},{"teacherId":9610179,"projectId":8886843,"letterContent":"I cannot express enough gratitude for your kindness and support in making this project a reality. Your generosity has had a direct and meaningful impact on my students, providing them with essential resources that enhance their learning experience and overall well-being. \r\n\r\nOne of the most significant components of this project is providing food incentives to my students. I have seen firsthand how access to food can boost motivation, improve focus, and encourage attendance. Many students come to class hungry, whether due to skipping breakfast or other circumstances beyond their control. When students are hungry, it becomes difficult for them to concentrate, engage, and retain information. Thanks to your support, I can now offer them something as simple as a snack, which makes a world of difference in their ability to participate in class. These food incentives not only serve as a reward system that encourages academic engagement but also as a much-needed source of nourishment that helps students feel cared for and supported. \r\n\r\nIn addition to food, your contributions have also allowed me to provide sensory fidgets for my students. These tools have proven to be invaluable in my classroom, especially for students who struggle with focus or anxiety. Sensory fidgets give students a manageable outlet for their energy, helping them self-regulate and stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. Many of my students benefit from having something tactile to interact with, which enhances their ability to process information and participate actively in lessons. Because of you, my classroom is now a more inclusive and supportive space where students can learn in a way that best suits their needs. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has also helped me with a practical but essential classroom necessity—black ink for my printer. As a teacher, having a working printer in my classroom is incredibly important. It allows me to print worksheets, lesson materials, and additional resources for my students without having to leave in the middle of instruction. This might seem like a small thing, but in reality, it greatly improves classroom efficiency and ensures that students always have access to the materials they need to succeed. Your support has directly contributed to making my classroom a more organized and effective learning environment. \r\n\r\nEvery day, I strive to be the kind of teacher who supports my students not only academically but also emotionally and physically. Because of your generosity, I am better able to meet their needs and create a space where they feel valued, supported, and capable of success. 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About this school

W Hawaii Explorations Academy Public Charter School is a rural public school in Kailua Kona, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District. It serves 286 students in grades 6 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.9:1. Its teachers have had 23 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades 6 - 12

286 Students

18 Teachers

73-4460 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy #105

Kailua Kona, HI 96740 View local requests

https://www.whea.net/

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

W Hawaii Explorations Academy Public Charter School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mrs. Freitas

Ms. Mira

Mrs. Pele

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W Hawaii Explorations Academy Public Charter School Demographics

18%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

22%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

W Hawaii Explorations Academy Public Charter School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.