Hawaii Classical Academy in Midweek - Voice Windward

“This is the third summer program we’ve put on and we’ve also done three winter programs. And this is the most students we’ve ever had. They were a joy to teach,” states HCA board president Lila Marantz. 

The curriculum covered the content of the Bill of Rights — such freedoms as religion, speech, keeping and bearing arms, due process of law and a jury trial. Additionally, students studied why the Constitution originally lacked a Bill of Rights and the historical origins of these rights.

The instructors, presenter and staff of the Hawaiʻi Classical Academy’s summer program Bill of Rights for kindergarten through 12th grade students gather for a photo.  The program took place July 14-16 at St. Ann’s Catholic School in Kāneʻohe.

(Top) Hawai’i Classical Academy board president Lila Marantz, dressed as George Washington, teaches students in kindergarten through second grade about the Bill of Rights in the academy’s summer program. (Above) State Rep. Garner Shimizu addresses the high school and middle school students about efforts in the state Legislature to protect the First and Second Amendments in Hawai’i. PHOTOS COURTESY HAWAI’I CLASSICAL ACADEMY

Nearly 60 elementary, middle and high school students spent three days in Kāne‘ohe in July studying the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights. Lasting three and a half hours each day, the program, administered by Hawai‘i Classical Academy and based on Hillsdale College’s 1776 Curriculum, took place at St. Ann’s Catholic School.

“This is the third summer program we’ve put on and we’ve also done three winter programs. And this is the most students we’ve ever had. They were a joy to teach,” states HCA board president Lila Marantz.

The program was free, and all instructors were volunteers. Students came to Kāne‘ohe from as far away as ‘Ewa Beach. The program was divided into four classes: kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grades, sixth through eighth grades, and ninth through 12th grades.

The curriculum covered the content of the Bill of Rights — such freedoms as religion, speech, keeping and bearing arms, due process of law and a jury trial. Additionally, students studied why the Constitution originally lacked a Bill of Rights and the historical origins of these rights. The program also started off each day with students gathered on the outdoor basketball court to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. The high school and middle school classes also listened to a presentation one day from state Rep. Garner Shimizu about efforts in the state Legislature to protect First and Second Amendment rights.

At the conclusion of the three days, each class put on a five-minute program for the other students and parents. For instance, the kindergarten through second grade class sang a song about the First Amendment set to the tune of Mary had a Little Lamb. The third through fifth grade class also sang, but their song covered all 10 amendments included in the Bill of Rights.

The middle school class presented a debate between the two main political groups when the Constitution was adopted — the Federalists and Anti-Federalists — presenting arguments from that time about whether to include a Bill of Rights in the Constitution from such figures as Alexander Hamilton and George Mason. In addition, the high school students each presented one right they would add to the Constitution that isn’t currently included in it.

HCA’s website states that its vision is “to develop a citizenry worthy of the legacy of our country’s founders and the continuation of our American experiment, through a classical, great books curriculum designed to engage the student in the highest matters and the deepest questions of truth, justice, virtue and beauty.”

Brigham Young University- Utah professor James Phillips co-taught the high school class with Timothy Morrill.

Phillips states, “That’s what makes this country great — people don’t wait for the government to do something but come together and pitch in when they see a need. And for our republic to continue and flourish, the next generation needs to understand and appreciate our nation’s Constitution — the oldest written national constitution in the world still in use.”

Erin Gayer, a mom of six who homeschools her children, states, “My keiki attended the HCA summer program for the very first time. They absolutely loved it. The teachers were patient and very knowledgeable. The Bill of Rights seminar was an amazing embellishment to my children’s United States history lessons!”

HCA plans another similar program on a different topic related to the Constitution this winter.

For more information, interested parents can email hca.questions@gmail. com or call 808-590-8454.

“This is the most students we’ve ever had. They were a joy to teach.”

WINDWARD O‘AHU VOICE STAFF. "Students Study Bill Of Rights*MidWeek – Voice Windward*, August 13, 2025. Link