Describes four core elements of the Wai'anae High School Hawaiian Studies Program (HSP): contextualization of instruction within students' backgrounds; joint productive activity between teachers, students, and community mentors; detracking of students; and teaming and looping of teachers. The HSP is a community-based, culturally contextualized program for the school's predominantly Native Hawaiian, low income students, which promotes retention, motivation, civic responsibility, and a sense of belonging among students. (SM)