The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) broke ground today for the first phase of its new East Kapolei Middle School located on Maunakapu Street across from The Salvation Army Kroc Center Hawaii. The groundbreaking ceremony began as students from Ho'okele Elementary sang the national anthem and Hawaii Pono'i, followed by a presentation of colors by Kapolei High School's JROTC. 

"East Kapolei Middle School will be a great addition to our Campbell-Kapolei Complex Area as the population rapidly grows in size due to nearby housing developments in this community," said Dann Carlson, assistant superintendent, Office of School Facilities and Support Services. "It will help to alleviate the number of students attending Kapolei Middle School, which is currently exceeding planned enrollment capacity."

The $59 million first phase for West Oahu's new middle school includes an administration building, library, cafeteria, classrooms, covered and open play courts, and a music building. The first phase is scheduled to be completed and open for the 2020-2021 school year.

The second phase will include health and physical education facilities as well as two additional classroom buildings, pending additional funding.

Upon completion of the master plan, the 21st-century learning campus is designed for an enrollment of 1,050 students in sixth to eighth grades, with plans for expansion to accommodate an additional 350 students in the future.

The 18-acre parcel of land will house a campus designed to support student innovation and collaborative learning. Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and art classrooms will be highly visible focal points of the school, with ample areas for indoor and outdoor learning and events.