Great Teachers Make Great Schools

Photo: Courtesy of HAIS

Each year, as we prepare to welcome new families into Hawai‘i’s vibrant community of independent schools, I am reminded of what makes our schools truly exceptional: the people at their heart. While missions, programs and facilities all play important roles, it is the teachers—dedicated, passionate and endlessly creative—who most powerfully shape the lives of students.

Across HAIS member schools, teachers engage students through innovative and inspiring teaching practices, modeling integrity, resilience and empathy. These exceptional educators spark curiosity, foster confidence, and cultivate a love of learning that can last a lifetime. Great teachers foster personal and academic growth, while often tailoring their practices to meet the diverse needs of each child. They exemplify the values and mission of their school communities, while building strong relationships with students and families alike. They create learning environments that are inclusive, collaborative, joyful and nurturing—places where young people feel seen, supported and empowered to reach their potential.

It’s no exaggeration to say that teachers are the soul of a school. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, influencing not only what students know, but who they become. Educators at HAIS member schools don’t just teach content—they transform lives.

This is the 23rd year that the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) has partnered with HONOLULU Magazine to offer this Private School Guide to families across the state, and we are especially grateful to Altres for sponsoring this year’s guide. These enduring partnerships make this valuable resource available to families considering independent and parochial schools in Hawai‘i. Their generous support ensures that parents and students have access to key information as they navigate one of the most important decisions in a child’s life.

The guide includes a comprehensive listing of Hawai‘i’s licensed and/or accredited private schools. The HAIS website—hais.us—also provides a searchable database of the 99 HAIS member schools, each with detailed profile pages to support your school search.

Choosing the right school is a deeply personal decision. We hope this guide serves as a helpful first step as you explore school communities where your child can thrive—with the guidance and care of the exceptional educators who make our schools so special.

Warm regards,

Deanna S.T. D’olier
Executive Director, HAIS