Your Child’s Education, a World of Possibilities

Welcome to the latest edition of HONOLULU Magazine’s Private School Guide. The main purpose of the Private School Guide is to provide parents with a “one-stop shop” to learn more about the phenomenal independent schools in Hawai‘i. To further support this guide, I urge you to attend the annual Education Fair, to be held Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.

On behalf of the proud members of the Hawai’i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), it is with enormous gratitude that I thank First Hawaiian Bank for its sponsorship, and for its deep commitment to Hawai’i’s children and their future. I would also like to thank HONOLULU Magazine for its collaboration, insight and collegiality.

The title of this letter, “Your Child’s Education: Beyond Academics,” is a reflection of the cover story about Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs in schools. There is no question life has become more unpredictable. Schools are now concerned with their student’s ability to handle the stress and pressure around them. In this issue, you will read about how HAIS schools are investing more time, professional development and planning to add SEL programs to their programs.

The benefits of independent schools in Hawai‘i are numerous:

Tuition fees are well below those of many other states;

Most offer financial assistance or scholarships;

Class sizes are generally smaller, with a lower adult-to-student ratio;

Schools are able to offer relevant curriculum and programs, constantly responding to a rapidly changing world.

The Vision Statement of HAIS asks us to “support member schools, and other organizations, in preparing all students for the challenges of life and social responsibility.” Besides contributing to the Private School Guide, HAIS provides schools with professional development opportunities; three
annual conferences; a reflective and rigorous accreditation process; a global issues student leadership program; an informative education fair; and much more.

We encourage you to visit our website at hais.us, email us at info@hais.us, or call (808) 973-1540 for more information on HAIS member schools, our services, programs and other
valuable resources.

Mahalo,