Saint Louis School
Preparing Young Men for Leadership
Saint Louis School is Oahu’s premier institution for boys with a history rich in educational accomplishments. Founded in 1846, the school is known for its strong academic curriculum, proud sporting accomplishments and emphasis on building fine young men in the school’s Catholic Marianist tradition.
On average, 97 percent of Saint Louis School graduates are accepted to and attend college. This is more than twice the national average.
Recently taking the helm at this prestigious, all-boys school is former superintendent of Hawaii’s state Department of Education Pat Hamamoto.
What makes Saint Louis School the right school for your son? We sat down with Hamamoto to find out for ourselves.
IF: What experiences, knowledge have you brought to Saint Louis?
Hamamoto: The ability to adapt to the needs of our students is key. Technology has revolutionized student learning, the Internet provides unlimited resources that students can harness to address the economic, social and spiritual challenges we face today. At the same time, it is as important as ever to build character, responsibility, confidence, compassion and self-discipline.
IF: Do boys learn differently from girls?
Hamamoto: Yes, boys tend to gravitate more toward “hands-on” learning. For example, to teach our boys about speed and velocity, they build rockets. To learn trajectory, they build catapults. It’s also about minimizing distractions, which often happen in a coed learning environment.
IF: What is the school’s guiding mission?
Hamamoto: To educate and challenge students of various religious, ethnic and economic backgrounds that they may achieve a quality education and become men of character, reaching their individual potential through the Catholic tradition of spiritual, academic, physical and emotional maturity.
IF: How does Saint Louis give boys the guidance they need to succeed?
Hamamoto: The greatest strength of the school is the high quality of human relationships within it. We are fortunate in the caliber and generosity of spirit of our teachers and support staff.
IF: Can you name a few leaders that are products of a Saint Louis education?
Hamamoto: Former Honolulu Mayor Neal Blaisdell and Gov. John Burns; Herman Wedemeyer, Heisman Trophy runner-up, politician and “Duke” on Hawaii Five-O; Francis Keala, former chief of police; Walter Dods, former CEO, First Hawaiian Bank; Calvin Say, Speaker of the House; and James “Duke” Aiona, lieutenant governor.
IF: What’s special about the educational curriculum?
Hamamoto: We offer the full range of highly regarded educational courses from the sciences to languages, as well as opportunities for specialization and a focus on college prep.
In addition, freshmen are required to take leadership, civics and ethics courses to hone decision-making skills. Sophomores take public speaking, arts and culture to build self-confidence. Speech, debate, campus ministry, choral, drama and fine-arts courses produce caring leaders. There is a creative genius in boys and we encourage them to embrace it.
IF: Any changes on the horizon?
Hamamoto: We are excited about the Clarence T.C. Ching Learning and Technology Center opening. It will house our technology, business leadership, Hawaiian studies and community outreach programs.
We are also offering new electives such as marketing, oceanography, anatomy, physiology and entrepreneurship.
Investing in our future
Saint Louis School is a first-rate, quality education at an affordable price—a worthy investment in your son’s future. What parent doesn’t want the very best? Does your son have what it takes to be a Saint Louis man? Enroll today. Grades 6 to 12.
For more information, go to SaintLouisHawaii.org or call 739-4832 to inquire about a guided tour or shadow visit.
