Description: PUKA is a Hawaiian word that refers to a small hole or hollow such as a nest that a mother foxes hollows out for her babies. In our school, the word PUKA refers specifically to the areas (child-sized and child-centered) where activities enhancing the growth and development of our children take place. In a larger sense, PUKA refers to the spirit of the whole school – that of providing a safe, healthy environment where children can grow with support and love.
PUKA School was founded in May 1973. It was incorporated as a not-for-profit educational corporation in 1974 and received tax-deductible status from the Internal Revenue Service in 1978. PUKA is classified as a 501©3.
I am an alumni of Puka circa 1976. I attended five days a week, basically all day. I loved it and credit the Puka program with helping make me the independent and always curious person I am today. I am a degreed licensed professional. I can’t thank my wonderful Puka teachers enough. I remember them as being so cool (it was the 70’s in Carbondale) and I always felt safe and taken care of.
I know it's been a bit since I attended, but the whole Puka concept totally works. The structure is there, the centers are there, and the kids are learning to do it for themselves. They don’t need to be constantly told what to do by teachers in order to learn. From my perspective, I think it might be a particularly good fit for gifted kids and/or kids with ADD. I loved it! Thank you Puka ♥?
This is a day care facility that doubles as a preschool for 4yr olds prior to kindergarten. However, there is little structured learning (never knew of “circle time” or “letter of the week”). Children are bussed in from other schools throughout the day when their program is over. Some children are there 5 days a week from 7-5 and others twice a week for just a few hours.
Meals are provided - Salisbury steak is common and unpopular. Special diet options are provided if needed.
Children do a lot of free play and are basically just watched not interacted with (in our experience)
The staff seems irregular and difficult to approach.
Facility was outdated and old as of spring 2017, but they had plans to do improvements.
The neighborhood and surrounding area is so rough that they don’t have a park to walk to.
They do have mobile dental visits and Kids are able to participate in student teaching (from surrounding colleges) projects/interviews/tests.
They spend a lot of time outside but will apply sunblock if requested. The “school day” often ends at 3 with new people coming in to wrangle the children until pickup.
Nap time every day.