Dedication of Building Ushers in a New Era for Pacific Buddhist Academy

After 14 years of seeing 100% of its students accepted into colleges and universities, Pacific Buddhist Academy began its 15th year with the dedication and grand opening of a new $9 million campus on the slopes of Punchbowl on Sept. 8. The new campus will enable the school to double its enrollment to 140. Community and church leaders attended the events on September 8, including His Eminence Monshu Kojun Ohtani, Head Minister of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji denomination and the 25th-generation descendant of Shinran Shonin to head the Hongwanji.

thumbnail image of PBA building dedication in the Star-Advertiser 09/09/17
The PBA new building dedication received significant coverage in the Star-Advertiser. View article »

Architects have incorporated open spaces with natural lighting. Rather than remain in one room, teachers will use various classrooms to fit their lessons. The building offers 12,000 square feet of flexible learning space, featuring:

  • 8 New classrooms
  • A science lab designed for microbiology and physical science applications
  • Fine arts, music, and film making studios
  • Tea room
  • Rooms with retractable walls to incorporate flexible learning spaces
  • An outdoor natural amphitheater that can be turned into a learning space or gathering area

“This new learning environment dramatically enhances our ability to provide students with leadership skills in the service of peace in Hawaii’s communities,” said Pacific Buddhist Academy Head of School Josh Hernandez Morse. “We thank our many community partners and donors for their commitment to helping PBA meet 21st-century needs with a 21st-century school.”

About Pacific Buddhist Academy: An inclusive high school accredited by the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges, PBA offers teens of all faith traditions, socioeconomic backgrounds, and learning styles a student-centered, college preparatory curriculum. While Buddhist values are an important part of its educational program, neither students nor staff need to be Buddhist, nor does PBA seek to convert members of its community to Buddhism. Situated near the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin on Pali Highway, PBA was the first accredited Buddhist high school in the United States and is the only one in Hawaii.

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Leadership…Intellect…Spirit…In the Service of Peace
1710 Pali Highway, Honolulu, HI 96813
PH 808-532-2649 • www.PacificBuddhistAcademy.org

This news item is based on a PBA press release about the dedication event.