In The Beginning
Central Union Church Preschool and Kindergarten (CUPS) was founded on October 16, 1928, through the vision of fourteen members of Central Union Church. Since that time, as a ministry of the church, it has provided quality early childhood education to Hawaii’s keiki for more than eight decades.
In the 1990s the church began planning to renovate the preschool campus to better serve its families. Renderings of an “Educational Village” were accepted in February of 2008 and work began on the five-phase project.
Unique in concept and design, the Educational Village was envisioned to balance the past, present and future of CUPS by paying homage to the rich history of the Church while being prepared to serve future generations of students.
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Building The Dream
Phase I, which was completed in December 2012, ahead of schedule and on budget. It is comprised of a Town Hall (administration building, library and music room) and two cottage style classrooms. The structures received LEED Silver certification for its energy efficient design and an “Excellence in Design” award at the prestigious Kukulu Hale Awards.
Strategically designed to look like a home, the warm and inviting cottages have modern technological features that enhance CUPS program of learning through play. Active and quiet areas allow for both child-initiated and teacher-directed activities and covered outdoor lanai areas, and open grassy fields give keiki a place to learn and discover while playing and benefiting from fresh air and a beautiful natural environment.
Since 1928 CUPS has been providing early childhood education that has evolved over the years based on research findings that are implemented by an outstanding and talented faculty and staff. I am excited that the beginning of Phase II will be another step forward toward the evolution of the campus facilities into classrooms and outdoor environments that reflect research-based designs for young children and compliment the program.
I remember stepping into the new blue cottage at the completion of Phase 1. For once I was speechless, words cannot describe the feeling of gratefulness. Building a new school has been a dream come true for many. It is time to start the second phase of our dream school. We value our children and their families and they deserve the best. After all, they are the leaders of tomorrow.”
After many years in room 5, I am looking forward to Phase II which will replace my current classroom. Two brand new cottages will be added to our campus. Our school-wide goal is to get the whole campus updated and remodeled to benefit all the children and families of CUPS Ohana.
Continuing The Legacy
We need your help to complete our educational village. Construction will proceed in phases to minimize the impact on children and families while allowing the program to function.
The next phase will allow the Church to build two new cottages to replace a few of the buildings that have existed since the 1920s and will include more future outdoor spaces for research, play and discovery. It will also be built with sustainability and functionality for current student needs.
