`Iolani School is a co-educational, college preparatory day and boarding school for grades K12 established in 1863 after a request by King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma to the Church of England. Founded upon Christian principles, the school is dedicated to developing liberally educated, well-rounded individuals who are well-prepared for higher education and for responsible, moral citizenship. .
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked HI School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 2,023 students
- Yearly Tuition: $25,325
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 1
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Iolani School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
ACT Score
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1863
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in n/a
Student Body
Total Students
2,023 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
85%
State avg.: 72%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
218 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
40%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
29 courses
Average SAT score
1400
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
33
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 1
Yearly Tuition Cost
$25,325
Tuition Notes
Financial aid is available
Admissions Director
Kelly Monaco
Admissions Associate
Raquel Leong
Sports
Total Sports Offered
25 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
6 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
clubs, Esports Club, Key Club, Student Newspaper
Arts and Music Programs:
performing arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
CSAL
clubs, Esports Club, Key Club, Student Newspaper
Arts and Music Programs:
performing arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
CSAL
School Notes
- The culture of `Iolani is rooted in the ethos of One Team, which embodies humility, service over self, empathy, mutual respect, and working together for a common cause. This philosophy began in the school`s athletic program but over the decades has become part of all aspects of school life.There are approximately 2,028 students currently enrolled. This fall 2019, the school welcomed 72 returning and new boarding students who reside in the new dormitory on campus. There are 192 full-time faculty with a 10:1 student teacher ratio. The average class size is 16, and students enjoy a 10:1 average student-teacher ratio school-wide. There are 357 total full-time employees.
- The school`s mission is to develop liberally educated, well-rounded individuals who are well prepared for higher education and for responsible moral citizenship.The school is located on a 25-acre campus in Honolulu, minutes from Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. The school`s flagship building is the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership, which is a 40,000-square-foot facility housing fabrication and design workspaces, robotics, flexible project spaces, a wet lab, multimedia design students, student publications, the library and archives, and a rooftop garden. In addition, St. Alban`s Chapel is one of the school`s oldest buildings and serves as a place of worship. Several classroom buildings, an art building, a field house, labs, counseling offices, tennis courts, an Olympic size swimming pool, two gymnasiums, dance and athletic rooms, a football field and soccer field, and track are among the school`s well-maintained facilities.
- This year, the school opened its new K-1 Community with nearly 200 kindergartners and first graders enjoying natural playgrounds and wide, open classrooms with spaces to learn and move. Focused on the first years of primary education, the K-1 Community incorporates a unique blend of natural and man-made features stimulating creativity, imagination and curiosity. The classrooms were inspired by the idea of hale (houses) to be places that nurture, grow and provide a life-giving environment for students. Each classroom is designed with movable furniture which can be rearranged to accommodate interactive and collaborative activities and dynamic groupings for different styles of student learning.
- The expansion of `Iolani`s K-1 Community increases the number of spaces for kindergarten from 72 students to 96, in doing so providing more local students the opportunity to attend `Iolani School. The school is currently constructing a new Lower School Science and Innovation Center as well as a Dance and Music Studio schedule for completion by summer 2020.
- `Iolani School is a caring and thriving place where alumni and parents serve as important and valued members of the community. Many give back to the school as volunteers. `Iolani also offers a growing K-12 summer program, which is open to students throughout the community and from around the world.
- A Residential Summer program is also offered so that students may reside on campus while attending summer courses and experience life in a dormitory with Residential Assistants, House Parents, and Heads of House.
- A few of `Iolani`s notable alumni include: Apple Evangelist and Author Guy Kawasaki `72, Screenwriters and producers Aaron and Jordan Kandell `02, Hokulea navigator Jenna Ishiii `02, Japanese pop star Angela Aki `96. Def Tech music star Shen Brown `99, Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann `72, Toronto Raptors General Manager Bobby Webster `02.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1882) - Chinese philosopher, physician, politician, served as first president of the Republic of China
- Guy Kawasaki '72 - Venture Capitalist, Author, Former Chief Evangelist of Apple
- Angela Aki '96 - Singer/Songwriter
- Bobby Webster '02 - General Manager for the Toronto Raptors
- Kawika Shoji '06 - Team USA Olympic Volleyball Medalist
- Shenan Brown '99 - Lead vocalist of pop band 'Def Tech"
- Aaron Kandell '01 - Screenwriter and producer
- Jordan Kandell '01 - Screenwriter and producer
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Iolani School cost?
Iolani School's tuition is approximately $25,325 for private students.
What schools are Iolani School often compared to?
Iolani School is often viewed alongside schools like Punahou School by visitors of our site.
Who are famous alumni from Iolani School?
Iolani School famous alumni include: Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1882), Guy Kawasaki '72, Angela Aki '96, Bobby Webster '02, Kawika Shoji '06, Shenan Brown '99, Aaron Kandell '01 and Jordan Kandell '01.
Does Iolani School offer a summer program?
Yes, Iolani School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Iolani School offer?
Iolani School offers 25 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Drill Team, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Kayaking, Martial Arts, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Iolani School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for most sports offered.
What is Iolani School's ranking?
Iolani School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Iolani School?
The application deadline for Iolani School is Dec. 1.
In what neighborhood is Iolani School located?
Iolani School is located in the McCully Moiliili neighborhood of Honolulu, HI. There are 2 other private schools located in McCully Moiliili.
School Reviews
5 1/31/2022
I am a current student at Iolani School and I love it here, it`s just a really nice school in general. The boarding program is very nice and there`s a lot of culture and diversity here. It is a lot of work with homework and preparing for class, but it`s worth it because I know that this is helping to prepare me for college and life in general. There are so many opportunities here- sports, clubs, theatre, robotics, pretty much whatever you`re into you can find here. The technology classes are interesting, and they`re even building a working plane right now. There are also many options for taking AP and Honors classes, for this quarter I was able to get a 4.1 GPA even with a B in my math course because of taking AP/Honors in language and history. Overall just a really great school that I would definitely recommend attending.
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