Volcano School of Arts & Sciences - A Community PCS

Hawaii Department of Education
99-128 Old Volcano Rd
Volcano, HI 96785
Charter School 325 Students
Other Pre-K - 12th
School Overview
The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences (VSAS) is a tuition-free public charter school located in the unique, rainforest environment of Volcano, Hawaii. Serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the school is deeply rooted in the local community and utilizes its proximity to Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park as a primary "living laboratory." Its educational philosophy emphasizes place-based learning, where students engage with the rich natural history and cultural heritage of their surroundings to foster a sense of stewardship, curiosity, and academic excellence.

The school is well-regarded for its integrated, project-based curriculum that balances rigorous academic standards with the arts and environmental education. By prioritizing small class sizes and a hands-on pedagogical approach, VSAS encourages students to become active participants in their own learning process. The institution functions as a community hub, maintaining a strong connection between families, educators, and the local Volcano village to support the holistic development of every student.
325
Total Students
40.2
Full-Time Teachers
8.1
Student/Teacher Ratio
43.4%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics
  • Pacific Islander
    89 (27.4%)
  • White
    85 (26.2%)
  • Hispanic
    70 (21.5%)
  • Two or More
    70 (21.5%)
  • Asian
    5 (1.5%)
  • Black
    4 (1.2%)
  • American Indian
    2 (0.6%)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: Other
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Charter School
Virtual Instruction: No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status: No
District: Hawaii Department of Education
Phone: (808)985-9800
Grade Range: Pre-K - 12th
Total Students: 325
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 40.2
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 8.1
NSLP Participation:1 Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Qualified Free Lunch: 141
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 0

* Charter Schools: A public charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently under a legislative contract (or "charter") with a state, school district, or designated authorizing entity. Charters grant these schools greater operational flexibility over curriculum, staffing, and budgeting in exchange for strict accountability to achieve performance standards established in their charter agreement.

1 National School Lunch Program (NSLP): The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to eligible children each school day based on household income thresholds or community eligibility options (CEO).

Title I Program Overview: Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) allocates federal financial assistance to local educational agencies and public schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Grades Taught
Kindergarten 24
Grade 1 26
Grade 2 21
Grade 3 28
Grade 4 25
Grade 5 30
Grade 6 29
Grade 7 34
Grade 8 30
Grade 9 20
Grade 10 19
Grade 11 20
Grade 12 19
Gender Ratio