‘Iolani School
Photos: ‘Iolani School
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Dr. Timothy Cottrell
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Founded upon Christian values, ‘Iolani School is an independent, college preparatory school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. ‘Iolani School fosters educational excellence and personal growth in an environment that values collaboration, humility, and respect for all community members.
Academic Excellence
‘Iolani School offers a range of academics that prepare students for college and beyond. The K-12 learning experience is personalized in small classes featuring a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. The state-of-the-art Sullivan Center gives students space to innovate and discover their passions through creativity and problem solving. Academic excellence and personal growth flourish through a dynamic curriculum, which includes courses such as Economics & Entrepreneurship, Video Game Design, and Robotics.
Social and Emotional Wellness of Students
To foster confidence and compassion, ‘Iolani also makes time to address non-academic skills. Small class sizes allow teachers to make great connections with students, and for peer-to-peer relationships to form. Students in 6th through 8th grades take advisory courses with curriculum that focuses on positive peer interactions, study skills, and digital citizenship.
“One Team” Culture
A global community, ‘Iolani’s “One Team” philosophy started in the 1930s by football coach Father Kenneth Bray, who instilled in his players that team is more important than self. Today, “One Team” is seen through every aspect of school life, from classrooms to athletics. It promotes a culture of caring for others through mutual support, humility, and determination while working to achieve success.
Raider Ready!
With the disruption of the pandemic and academic life for students, ‘Iolani created a Raider Ready! Program in which all newly enrolled K–12 students can take summer courses for free. This summer program provides an opportunity for students to get acclimated with campus, meet fellow classmates, and prepare academically for the year ahead.
Service to Community
For over 10 years, ‘Iolani School has partnered with schools in Pālolo Valley to bring underserved youth educational opportunities that support and empower them. The KA‘I, or Kūkulu Alaka‘i ‘Iolani (meaning “Creation of Leaders”), programs include summer school for 7–12th grade students, keiki classes, tutoring, and postsecondary support. ‘Iolani students take part in the service programs by tutoring many of the students. This speaks to the “One Team” philosophy of supporting the greater community. Additionally, the ‘Āina-Informatics Network engages ‘Iolani School students in real world problems through modern genomics and bioethics. This work expanded across the Islands into a hui of schools, whose students collectively participate in citizen science.
Financial Aid
Committed to enrolling qualified students from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, ‘Iolani also supports an extensive financial aid program to assist students in their desire to attend ‘Iolani School. Currently, 25% of the student body receives aid, totaling $7.3 million in financial aid funded by generous donations. The average award is $12,700 per child.
563 Kamoku Street, Honolulu, HI 96826 | (808) 943-2222 | Iolani.org