We are children of Ka Punahou, the new spring. From under the hala tree, we weave a mat that seats many, our home to dream and discover our purpose and kuleana to Hawai‘i and the world.
Watch this welcome video and learn more about a Punahou education for your child.
APunahou education celebrates diversity and inspires excellence, recognizing the unique strengths and identities of each
child
It is a place where every student, regardless of background or experience, feels valued and empowered to thrive. Instilling in students a true passion for learning is the ultimate goal of a Punahou education, while also ensuring that all individuals find their place and voice in our community.
Students move through their path from kindergarten through grade 12 in developmentally appropriate ways with care from teachers and staff that help make a large school feel smaller.
At Punahou, students are supported through self-discovery and develop character traits and habits of mind that prepare them to make a difference in the world.
Punahou’s Junior School, encompassing kindergarten through eighth grade, is comprised of three varied learning environments: Omidyar K – 1 Neighborhood, Kosasa Community for Grades 2 – 5, and Case Middle School, for students in grades 6 – 8.
Developing a love for learning – whether it be through play, personalization or exploration – along with becoming respectful, empathetic, collaborative members of a larger community, is at the heart of our students’ experience in kindergarten – grade 5.
60,000
50 New students join the class in fourth grade
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2 28
classrooms Teacher per class with a shared assistant teacher with neighboring studio Playgrounds, one for grades 2 – 3 and one for grades 4 – 5 K – 1 By the Numbers: Grades 2 – 5 By the Numbers: 150
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6 –
8
As students transition into grades 6 – 8 in Case Middle School, they are eager for more independence, freedom and choice, and at Punahou we try to give them opportunities to choose a path as much as possible.
Middle School is also a time where many new students begin their Punahou journey. New students are offered a free summer orientation program so they are familiar with the campus, routines and teachers before their first day of school.
Watch this video to learn more about Grades 6 – 8 at Punahou.
5
Music choices
Band, Orchestra, Choir, Music Explorations (6 – 7), Hawaiian Music (8)
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Punahou's team space model plays a significant role in helping all of our middle school students feel known and cared for in a smaller, more attentive learning environment. In sixth grade, students are assigned to a four-teacher team with an English, math, science and social studies teacher. It is within these team spaces that students have the freedom to move around physically while they build close relationships and familiarity with each other. One dean oversees each grade level within Case Middle School and that dean moves with their class as students progress from sixth through eighth grade.
Language choices (7 – 8)
French, Hawaiian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish
As students move from eighth grade into the Academy, they leave with a set of skills and competencies that will help them through the Academy and for the rest of their lives: time-management, organization, being able to prioritize. And most importantly, middle-school is a time where students can really figure out what it is they love and where their deepest interests lie both academically and outside of the classroom.
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Enrichment Courses
Art, Culinary Arts, Design Technology and Engineering, Digital Photography, Gardening, Health, ‘Ike Hawai‘i Library, Theatre, Woodcraft
Case Middle School Courses: English, math, science, social studies, music, P.E. and language will meet year-round, while Enrichment courses meet every quarter or semester.
9 – 12
Academy students have increasing levels of choice during the four high school years. They select courses from an extensive catalog, personalizing the mix of classes in a modular schedule.
With the student at the center of the Academy curriculum, the goal is to provide students an environment and variety of experiences that will enable them to develop the skills and attitudes necessary for success as independent learners prepared to contribute to their community and make a difference.
As Punahou continues its longstanding excellence in core areas like math, English, and science, our experienced and caring faculty also prepares students for lifelong, adaptive learning. Our students will graduate into a world that is very different from the current landscape. Our goal at Punahou is to prepare them for jobs, professions and careers that do not yet exist.
College preparatory graduation requirements include credits in English, language, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and visual and performing arts.
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39
Honors and Advanced Placement Courses Offered in the Academy
Academy students are assigned two dedicated deans and an advisor who stay with them throughout their four years in the Academy.
157
Number of different institutions enrolled in by the Class of
99% Of students in a graduating class go to college
College Counseling
Punahou seeks to provide both students and parents with the best information on college choices and admission requirements to aid in the application process.
An extensive exploratory college conference is scheduled for each junior. Follow-up conferences are available to expedite college planning and application procedures.
Punahou college counselors maintain a collegial relationship with the administrative and admission officers of local and mainland colleges and universities. Academy deans and college counselors frequently visit colleges which have major appeal for Punahou students to maintain a close working association and improve communication about our applicants. These visits often include talks with alumni who are enrolled in college about their college choices, courses and activities.
