NAPILI — A group of parents interested in the growth and development of Maui Preparatory Academy have banded together to form the “Pueo Pilots.”

MPA Director of Development Peggy Harmon explained that the members — who wish to remain anonymous — will provide funds to offer full-tuition, four-year scholarships to Maui Prep.

Scholarships are open to students entering grades 9-12 in the 2011-12 school year who do not currently attend Maui Prep.

Up to five scholarships will be awarded

“In addition to the scholarships, the group plans to support other school academic and infrastructure needs as well,” Harmon explained.

Individual members of the group are each pledging to contribute between $25,000 and $50,000 every year for four years.

Pueo Pilots Scholarships will be awarded to well-rounded students who demonstrate leadership potential in academics and a desire to make a positive impact in other areas of the school, including fine and performing arts, community service, athletics and student government.

In talking about the scholarships, Headmaster George Baker said, “We are incredibly honored by the generosity of this amazing group of donors. What a fantastic way they have chosen to nurture and support the dreams of Maui’s young people. We are deeply grateful for their generosity.”

The scholarship application deadline is May 1, 2011. Interested students are urged to contact Admissions Coordinator Cathi Minami at 665-9966 or cminami@mauiprep.org for more information on the program or to receive an application.

Maui Preparatory Academy is an independent college preparatory day school for students in preschool through grade 12 located in Napili.

It is fully accredited by the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Forty percent of the school’s students receive tuition assistance. The national average for private schools is closer to 20 percent.

“Since the founding of the school, the Board of Trustees has made a commitment to the larger community to provide significant funding for financial aid,” Harmon noted.

“Maui Prep has always made it a priority to offer tuition assistance to great kids who might otherwise be unable to attend the school.”

Applications are now being accepted for all grades for the 2011-12 school year.