What makes the middle school years such a powerful time for growth? In this episode of the Hawaiʻi Preparatory Podcast, we take a closer look at Middle School at HPA and how this stage is intentionally designed to support curiosity, confidence, and connection.

Hosted by Middle School Principal Michael Cservenak and Assistant Director of Admission Stephanie Stewart, the episode explores HPA’s mission and values, academic planning, arts programs, advisory and capstone experiences, and the school’s experiential learning framework. The conversation also highlights Mālama Kaiāulu, community connections, leadership development, and how HPA creates a supportive, phone-free environment where students can truly engage in learning.

With practical insights into scheduling, communication with families, athletics, and transition support, this episode offers a comprehensive view of how HPA’s middle school program helps students thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Hosts

• Michael Cservenak, Middle School Principal
• Stephanie Stewart, Assistant Director of Admission

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions
• 1:04 – Middle School fast facts
• 1:37 – Mission, values & vision
• 2:44 – A place to learn like nowhere else
• 3:23 – Performing, music & visual arts
• 4:32 – The wonder of being a learner
• 5:13 – Mālama Kaiāulu
• 5:53 – Academic planning & pursuit of excellence
• 7:26 – Community connections
• 8:33 – Advisory program
• 10:24 – Capstone program
• 13:03 – Theme week
• 15:39 – Experiential learning framework
• 17:09 – Middle school team
• 18:16 – Schedule
• 22:05 – Phone-free campus
• 23:53 – Questions to consider
• 25:25 – Admission key dates & next steps
• 27:41 – Middle school athletics
• 29:39 – Family communication & student progress
• 31:46 – Parent involvement opportunities
• 34:20 – Supporting transfer students
• 36:40 – Leadership opportunities
• 38:31 – Homework
• 41:21 – Exposure to the upper school campus