Pearl City High School (Hawaii)

Overview

• Type: Public, co-educational
• Location: Pearl City, Hawaii
• Mascot: Charger
• Operated by: Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE)
• Established: 1971
• Principal: Joseph Halfmann
• Faculty: 97.00 (FTE)
• Grades: 9-12
• Number of Students: 1,418 (2023-2024)
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 14.62
• Campus: Suburban
• Colors: Purple and white
• Athletics: Oahu Interscholastic Association
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), National Academy Career Coalition (NCAC)
• Newspaper: The Messenger
• Yearbook: Hali'a Aloha
• Website: pchs.k12.hi.us

History

• Groundbreaking in May 1970; opened in September 1971.
• Initial development funded by $2.8 million released by then-Governor John A. Burns.
• Started with 9th-grade only, expanded to grades 10-12 in the following year.
• First graduating class in 1974.
• Underwent multiple expansions: Buildings C through F, K, L, and M added over time.
• 1977 fire caused $60,000 in damages.
• 2016 saw the resurfacing of the track and field to artificial turf.
• Recent developments include a baseball field upgrade and the renaming of the auditorium to Michael D. Nakasone Performing Arts Center.

Academics

• Utilizes career academy models based on Smaller Learning Communities.
• Three academies: Culinary Arts & Health Sciences, International Business & Design, Technology & Design.
• Graduation requirements include credits in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, World Language/Fine Arts/CTE, Physical Education, Health, and Personal Transition Plan.

Extracurricular Activities

• FIRST Robotics and VEX Robotics programs.
• Charger Marching Band with notable performances in international parades and festivals.
• Offers a wide range of music programs as part of the HIDOE Learning Center program.

Facilities

• Features Edwin "Bino" Neves Stadium with artificial turf, press box, and bleachers.
• Baseball and softball fields.
• The Michael D. Nakasone Performing Arts Center, formerly Pearl City Cultural Center.

Notable Alumni

• Kevin Asano, Olympic Silver Medalist in Judo.
• David Ige, 8th Governor of Hawaii.
• Jason Scott Lee, actor and martial artist.
• Mark Takai, former U.S. House Representative.
• Jordan Ta'amu, quarterback for Kansas City Chiefs.

Enrollment and Demographics (2023-2024)

• 1,418 students.
• Diverse student body with multiple racial backgrounds.
• Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch programs.

Achievements and Recognition

• Ranked 12th in Hawaii and 4,034th nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
• Received a bronze medal for national ranking in 2016.

Art and Culture

• Campus artwork includes sculptures "Moon Beyond the Fence" by Satoru Abe and "Kua Kua Lua" by Donald M. Page.

Conclusion

Pearl City High School is a well-established educational institution known for its robust academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and notable alumni. The school continues to uphold its motto "Excellence with Honor" through its commitment to student growth and community engagement.