What are you most proud of? "Our mission statement that explains our goal," said Kona Christian Academy Principal Nancy Begley.

"We work together with the parents and the church to provide a Christ-centered spiritual, academic and physical foundation that will produce individuals who will be biblical thinkers capable of serving the world for Christ."

What is your biggest challenge? "Probably one of the hardest challenges that we faced was getting a special-use permit and then building the actual school facility," Begley said. "The facility consists of nine classrooms; the office area and bathrooms were built by the parents. It was a time of pulling together and getting things done for our children."

Special events: International Day, when foreign countries and their cultures are celebrated. Also, a Christmas musical, May Day, and a science and history fair.

Alumni of note: Carrie Rose Aquino, a former Miss Kona Coffee; Jim Pitts, a Kona resident in this year's John A. Burns School of Medicine freshman class; Paul Gubser, Jon Stimac and Chris Stimac, members of the band Goodbye Elliott.

AT A GLANCE

Where: 74-4907 Palani Road, Kailua, Kona. The school's mailing address is P.O. Box 1179, Kailua, Kona, HI 96745

Grade span: Kindergarten through seventh grade

Enrollment: The school is at capacity with 150 students, with the exception of some openings in kindergarten class.

Race/ethnicity enrollment percentages: About 40 percent white; about 25 percent Pacific Islander; about 23 percent Asian; about 9 percent Hispanic; about 3 percent other.

Computers: Every classroom has at least two computers, and the junior high has a computer lab with 18 computers.

Principal: Nancy Begley, three years. School administrator is Thaddea Pitts.

School nickname: KCA

School colors: Purple and white

History: Kona Christian Academy opened in 1991. It is partnered with Makua Lani Christian School.

Web address: www.kona-christian-academy.com

Phone: 808-329-3093

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.