Senior Class Setting Standards For Future IPA Students

Alana Folen
Wednesday - April 07, 2010
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Island Pacific Academy’s Class of 2010 will be the Kapolei private school’s first graduating class in May. Photo courtesy Island Pacific Academy.

Island Pacific Academy is currently having a landmark school year, as the Kapolei academy will graduate its first class this May.

Founded in 2004 by headmaster Dr. Dan White, his wife Judy and friend Larry Caster, IPA began as a pre-kindergarten through grade 7 school with a student enrollment of 191. Today, six years later, the count is at 650 students, with a full high school to boot.

“People in West Oahu really wanted a school, and we believed we could make that happen,” White said. “Our primary purpose is to prepare kids for college, and we put a strong emphasis on the power of human kindness and the generosity of spirit.”

White takes pride in the fact that all 45 members of the Class of 2010 have applied to college. The students also have formed close relationships with each other and with those in the lower grades as well.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve done. The whole community has really come together, and connectedness is central to our school,” White stated, adding, “There’s an intimacy with small numbers. Every student is known by every faculty member. There’s a great benefit in having a tight-knit ohana.”


Judy White takes on the responsibilities of the school’s fundraising, marketing and advancement duties and is working hard once again to bring the IPA ohana and the community together to host the school’s sixth annual Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser, set for 6 to 11 p.m. April 24 at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa.

The event, which benefits the school, will feature a New Orleans-inspired buffet, Big Easy entertainment from Rakes on the Bayou and Ginai & Friends, casino-style games, and live and silent auctions. Items up for bid include a LOST autographed script, various resort stays, restaurant gift cards, helicopter tours, whale-watch cruises and more. Individual tickets cost $100, and corporate tables of 10 start at $3,000 and include wine service.

“The community plays a big part in IPA, and it’s a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy an evening of camaraderie, dancing and fun,” White said.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call 674-3523, ext. 520, or 674-3528, or visit http://www.islandpacificacademy.com. The RSVP deadline is April 16.


In five years’ time, White hopes to see IPA become certified as an international baccalaureate world school and be viewed as a key community player in education and the growth of Kapolei as a whole.

It seems that vision is off to a promising start: “The Class of 2010 has the opportunity to set traditions and standards for those to follow. We are West Oahu’s own.”

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