The primary focus of the Journalism class in the High School division is producing the award-winning Ka Leo, the Academy’s monthly newspaper produced entirely by students. In 2000, the Ka Leo was named Best High School Paper in the state and shared the award with Farrington High School in 2003.
An off-shoot of traditional English classes, the Journalism Class focuses on teaching students essential writing skills needed to produce a quality paper, including learning how to effectively conduct an interview and to write accurately and creatively. All staff members, reporters and editors alike, write several articles per issue.
In order to create a quality piece, staff members also learn to take quality photographs and create pleasing page layouts. They rotate all other production tasks to become competent in all facets of Journalism. Also, students in their second and third-year on staff serve as page editors and edit copy for their fellow staff members.
In addition to attending several school and community workshops to improve their Journalism skills, staff members host a workshop for aspiring High School journalists from throughout the state which features well-respected professionals in the local field, including staff from both the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and the Honolulu Advertiser.