Connections - New Century PCS

Connections New Century Public Charter School (CNCPCS), located in Hilo, Hawaii, is a K-12 public charter school known for its commitment to a personalized, project-based learning environment. Unlike traditional schools that rely heavily on standardized testing and rigid academic structures, Connections focuses on developing the "whole child." The school emphasizes strong community relationships, student-led inquiry, and a curriculum that integrates academic rigor with social-emotional growth, aiming to prepare students to be critical thinkers and contributing members of the local and global community.

The school is particularly noted for its small, intimate setting, which fosters close mentorship between students and faculty. By utilizing a "community-as-classroom" approach, CNCPCS encourages students to engage with the unique cultural and environmental landscape of the Big Island. Through hands-on projects, multi-age grouping, and a focus on student voice and choice, the school seeks to dismantle traditional barriers to learning, providing an inclusive space where students are empowered to take ownership of their educational paths and long-term goals.