FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HMLC part of the DOE? No, Hui Malama is a non-profit agency supported by funding from grants, donors, and HMLC agency fundraising efforts.

How long as HMLC been in operation? HMLC opened its doors in 1973 and founded by Diane Ho, HMLC was primarily established to serve teen mothers who dropped out of school and has expanded its programming over the years.

What types of programs do you have? HMLC offers a full Middle School, High School, and GED Prep Program, as well as tutoring services and enrichment programs.

What are your school hours? Middle/High School hours are from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday – Thursday and from 8:00 am – 12noon on Friday. If required, an additional hour of Language Arts Clinic/tutoring is scheduled until 4:00 pm Monday through Wednesday. GED is 11:45 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Thursday. Our Middle and High School follow the DOE’s calendar. Our GED program runs year-round.

What is GED vs. a High School Diploma? GED stands for General Education Development, a certification of a student successfully passing tests in all 5 major skills considered to be the outcome of a high school education.

How long does it take to get your GED? GED prep students must attend Hui Malama for at least 3 months in order to adequately prep for the GED tests and to plan for their future career goals. But it can take up to 1 year or longer depending on the student’s level. Hui Malama’s teaching staff will determine when a student is ready to successfully take the GED tests and when their future goals are concrete and achievable. At that time, HMLC staff will work with the student to schedule their testing appointments with the Maui Community School for Adults and help them apply for schooling, jobs and more.

Can I choose which program I want to enroll in? All students must schedule an appointment for an assessment test and intake interview with the HMLC registrar. Based on the test scores and interview, HMLC staff will place the student in either middle school, high school or GED prep based on their age, goals, maturity level and test scores. A student has the opportunity to move between programs depending on their performance, participation and evaluation, when HMLC staff makes the determination that they should be moved.

Where is HMLC located? Our school address is 375 Mahalani Street, Wailuku on Maui. It’s the green house above the Maui Memorial Medical Center.

What is the tuition cost? Middle and High School tuition is $200 per month. GED Prep is $100 per month. Tuition assistance is available. Tutoring is based time per hour and subject requirements.

Is tuition assistance available? Yes, no student is turned away due to their financial circumstance. HMLC tuition assistance forms are straightforward and uncomplicated.

How many students are currently enrolled? The maximum teacher / student ratio is 1:10 Maximum enrollment will be 24 students for both Middle School and High School. Once GED classes reach their maximum enrollment of 10 students, HMLC will open additional GED classes.

Who are the students attending HMLC? They come from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. There are any number of reasons why students are not successful in traditional schools on Maui and we fill the need for affordable, academic choices. We have a diverse student population who’ve chosen our Middle School, High School and GED programs that offer a safe, nurturing and positive learning environment.

How do I sign-up? Please call (808) 244-5911 to schedule an appointment.

How do I transfer from my current school to Hui Malama? Once you’ve been accepted and placed at Hui Malama Learning Center, our Registrar will help you with the paperwork required to officially transfer to our school. You will be need to be released from your current school using form 4140.

Can I go back to public school after I’ve attended Hui Malama? If you attend Middle School at Hui Malama Learning Center, you are able to return to a public school for Middle School and/or High School. However, if you attend High School at Hui Malama, you will most likely stay at Hui Malama until you earn your GED through our GED program. The reason for this is because if you return to a public High School after attending High School classes at Hui Malama, you will be required to start at 9th grade at the public High School as the Department of Education does not currently offer credit for Hui Malama High School classes. Your GED certificate that is earned through Hui Malama Learning Center, is however, issued by the Hawaii Department of Education.