Kealakehe Elementary School is growing with a population at about 1,000 students and 200 employees. But along with that growth come challenges for the campus as well as an expansion of the opportunities for students.

Opportunities at the schools are being provided by the new 21st Century Learning Center, which began last quarter. It has initiated things such as community movie night, family craft classes and student homework center, said Nancy Matsukawa, school principal.

The afterschool program provides tutoring and tutorials in math and reading, all for free, she said. There's also a drama program and volleyball. And to ensure active participation by students, the 21st Century program is providing transportation home, she said.

"What we're finding is there's a lot of interest and we're serving a lot of kids who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity for extra tutoring, drama or other enrichment activity after school," Matsukawa said.

The school hopes to build up the learning center program by developing partnerships with community groups or individuals who can offer more options for students, families and the public. For instance, the Hawaii Police Athletic League is talking about providing golf and basketball clinics, and the 4-H Club has plans for a lesson in making healthy snacks, she said.

A five-year grant is funding the project, but the school will have to figure out how to continue the program after that, Matsukawa said.

"We've been thinking of ways to continue the program without adding additional financial cost to the families," she said.

The steady growth on the campus has placed pressure on the facility. With 20 portable buildings, two playgrounds and no building large enough for a schoolwide function, the administration and staff have had to be creative with schedules and resources.