Iolani School

In our 155th year of tradition and excellence in education at ‘Iolani School, the foundation of academic excellence that was set in 1863 remains strong, as we have evolved into a vibrant and innovative 21st century place of learning. We are creating a dynamic atmosphere and student-driven learning environment from which will come the next intellectual pioneers in our community.

Our Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership is just one piece of the pie in our student-driven learning initiative that encompasses our mission here at ‘Iolani School. The cutting edge technology that our students have access to is truly the very best in the world. As a result, students of all ages are becoming complex and perceptive thinkers skilled in thinking critically, insightfully and creatively with an ethical and respectful use of technology.

It is clear that we are a place of people and relationships and this is something that will never change. However, what is changing are the needs of Hawai‘i and the world as we progress even further into the 21st century. At ‘Iolani School, we will continue to teach and nurture our world's future leaders while serving as a community resource and partner. We are One Team, rich in tradition, dedicated to one another, and embracing the future.

To foster academic excellence and personal growth, a school must be challenging and competitive yet compassionate and humane. The 'Iolani motto "One Team" expresses the spirit of unselfish cooperation and mutual support among faculty, staff, coaches, parents and students. 'Iolani School is committed to the following ideals:

• An education which reflects its Episcopal Church heritage and provides a spiritual foundation for the development of personal values and moral integrity
• An exemplary college preparatory curriculum with small classes, personalized instruction and frequent occasions to speak, listen, think, and write
• The development of individuals who are creative and inquisitive, who can analyze and synthesize information to solve problems, and who conduct themselves with confidence, discretion, tolerance, and compassion
• A student body diverse in cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds who bring the best combination of intellect, talent, character and leadership to the school
• Programs which offer students ample opportunity to develop their ability and confidence in intellectual, spiritual, social, aesthetic and physical pursuits
• A balance of commitment to personal growth with concern for others
• Lifelong learning and active, informed, productive citizenship in the local, national and global communities

The term "academics" covers an incredible range of experience ... everything from kindergarten to advanced calculus, student publications to library access. At ‘Iolani, academics come first. High grades bring not only self-respect, but also the respect of teachers and classmates. Making the Honor Roll, winning academic contests, and gaining admission to good colleges make students feel happy, successful and competent.

‘Iolani offers a complete K-12 educational experience and a broad spectrum of academic activities from pumpkin patch visits and third grade musicals, to senior orchestra trips to Carnegie Hall, London and Australia. Roughly a quarter of the senior class began its education in ‘Iolani's kindergarten. Students in the Upper School may earn college credit for their work in Advanced Placement courses in English, mathematics, science, history, foreign language, psychology, computer science and fine art.

Small classes are essential to the 'Iolani academic experience. We maintain a 10:1 student to teacher ratio, with an average class size of 16 students. We also recognize that academic demands vary according to the age and ability of the student. Extra help from teachers, counselors and peer tutors is always available.