Profile
Punahou School
2026 – 2027
Since its founding in 1841 by Protestant missionaries on lands given to them by Hawaiian chiefs, Punahou School has educated students to become the next generation of leaders and innovators. Now the largest independent school on a single campus in the United States, Punahou serves 3,782 students from kindergarten through grade 12, preparing them for success in college and throughout life.Through world-class academic and co-curricular programs, Punahou encourages students to cultivate their interests and talents, aim for their highest potential and become positive forces in the world.
Mission 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.
School and Community
3,782
76
808
91%
K – 12 Student Enrollment
Acre campus with unparalleled indoor and outdoor space
Faculty, Staff and Administrators
Faculty with Advanced Degrees
(1,745 in grades 9 – 12)
(Master’s and Higher)
91%
$11.1
150 +
70%
Students of Color
Million in Annual Financial Aid Budget
Athletics Teams in grades 9 – 12
Students Participate in Performing Arts in grades 9 – 12
Dr. Michael E. Latham President Gustavo Carrera Principal, Grades 9 – 12 Dr. Todd Chow-Hoy Principal, Kindergarten – Grade 8 Ryan Scudder Director of College Counseling 808.945.1328, rscudder@punahou.edu Deane Salter Grade 12 Class Dean 808.944.3570, dsalter@punahou.edu Gina Ahuna Academy Administrative Dean, College Counselor 808.944.5848, gahuna@punahou.edu Dr. Clint Anderson Grade 10 Class Dean, College Counselor 808.944.5892, canderson@punahou.edu Jennifer Baum Associate Director of College Counseling 808.945.1386, jbaum@punahou.edu Czarina Hutchins Associate Director of College Counseling 808.983.2904, chutchins@punahou.edu Wendi Kamiya Grade 9 Class Dean, College Counselor 808.944.5846, wkamiya@punahou.edu Marques Kaonohi Athletics Placement Coordinator, Associate Director of College Counseling 808.944.5818, mkaonohi@punahou.edu Jonathan Koshiba Associate Director of College Counseling 808.943.3616, jkoshiba@punahou.edu Grace Lopez Associate Director of College Counseling 808.943.3647, glopez@punahou.edu Dr. Melinda Moore Director of Theatre, College Counselor 808.943.3673, mmoore@punahou.edu Emily Silver Grade 11 Class Dean, College Counselor 808.944.5794, esilver@punahou.edu Robert Takao Adjunct College Career Counselor 808.944.5805, rtakao@punahou.edu
PUNAHOU SCHOOL College Counseling Office, Alexander Hall 210 1601 Punahou Street Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822 | collcounseling@punahou.edu 808.944.5804 | www.punahou.edu
Lynne Tsuda Associate Director of College Counseling 808.944.5869, ltsuda@punahou.edu Hikaru Yamaguchi Associate Director of College Counseling 808.944.5847, hyamaguchi@punahou.edu
Unique Leadership Opportunities Carnival Carnival is an annual, campus-wide initiative that builds leadership and community while raising funds for financial aid. Led by the junior class, the two-day event welcomes tens of thousands of visitors and involves thousands of student, parent, faculty, staff, and alumni volunteers. Together they raise more than $2 million, while juniors gain valuable experience in leadership and collaboration in support of financial aid.
Holokū
The Holoku- tradition highlights student leadership and cultural pride through a vibrant celebration of hula and Hawaiian heritage. Students coordinate rehearsals, design costumes, and manage logistics, strengthening teamwork skills while honoring their roots. This annual event fosters community and helps students carry forward leadership qualities that last well beyond Punahou.
Luke Leaders The Luke Leaders program supports Academy students who aspire to serve communities and confront injustice. Students design and lead projects, receive one-on-one mentorship, and connect with changemakers through group meetings. The program encourages them to identify local needs, engage with the community, and drive meaningful change.
Outdoor Education The Outdoor Education program cultivates leadership and self-confidence by connecting students to the land through inquiry-based, hands-on learning. Through experiences that meet physical, emotional, and curricular needs, students develop awareness of local and global environments while deepening their connection to Hawaiian culture.
Student Ambassadors Students in the I Ho‘okahi and E Pili Mai programs help incoming ninth graders transition to the Academy in complementary ways. I Ho‘okahi centers on culture, tradition and belonging, while E Pili Mai provides practical, campus-based orientation and peer support. Admissions Ambassadors develop leadership and communication skills by representing Punahou to prospective and newly admitted students and families through campus tours, events and other admissions activities.
Sustainability Fellowship Supported by the E.E. Ford Foundation, the Fellowship empowers Academy students and peers statewide to lead projects and internships advancing climate action. Fellows receive mentorship, attend workshops and build the skills to become leaders for a sustainable future.Transcripts will indicate when a Sustainability Fellowship is received.
Variety Show A tradition since 1952, the student-produced Variety Show brings together more than 300 seniors in a showcase of comedy, music, theatre, and dance. Seniors lead the writing, choreography, and direction, developing creativity and collaboration while producing a highlight of Carnival and a capstone experience for the class.
Advanced Schooling: Four Year History We take great pride in our graduates and their college choices. The range of institutions they attend reflects the diverse talents and interests of our vibrant student body. Virtually all members of the Class of 2026 pursued higher education, enrolling at 150 institutions worldwide. Of those attending college, 98% are attending 4-year colleges and 2% are attending 2-year colleges. The following list highlights institutions attended by two or more Punahou graduates over the past four years (2023 – 2026). American University...................................6 Amherst College .......................................10 Arizona State University..........................14 Arizona, U of ...............................................2 Azusa Pacific University ...........................2 Babson College...........................................7 Barnard College ..........................................3 Bates College..............................................2 Baylor University.......................................13 Boston College..........................................23 Boston University .....................................33 Brandeis University ....................................3 Brigham Young University (UT) ...............14 Brown University.......................................11 Bushnell University ....................................2 Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo ......................41 Cal State, Fresno ........................................2 Cal State, Fullerton ....................................2 Cal State, Long Beach................................5 Cal State, Northridge .................................2 Cal State, Sacramento ...............................3 California Baptist University .....................5 California Lutheran University ..................5 California State University Maritime Academy .................................2 California, U of – Berkeley ........................15 California, U of – Davis.............................13 California, U of – Irvine .............................73 California, U of – Los Angeles .................24 California, U of – San Diego.....................12 California, U of – Santa Barbara ..............24 California, U of – Santa Cruz .....................8 Carnegie Mellon University........................4 Chaminade University ................................5 Chapman University .................................49 Claremont McKenna College....................12 College of Southern Nevada ......................2 Colorado School of Mines ..........................3 Colorado State University .........................7 Colorado, U of – Boulder ..........................11 Colorado, U of – Colorado Springs............2 Columbia University .................................10 Concordia University (CA) ........................2 Connecticut College ...................................2 Cornell University .....................................12 Creighton University.................................42 Culinary Institute of America ...................2 Dartmouth College .....................................9 Denver, U of.................................................3 Drexel University ........................................2 Duke University...........................................3 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (AZ).....................................10 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (FL) .......................................3 Emerson College.........................................4 Emory University.........................................2 Fashion Institute of Technology ................2 Florida, U of .................................................4 Fordham University ...................................11
George Fox University ................................4 George Washington University ..................4 Georgetown University...............................6 Georgia Institute of Technology .................3 Gonzaga University ....................................5 Grinnell College ..........................................5 Harvard University ....................................13 Harvey Mudd College .................................5 Hawai‘i Pacific University ..........................3 Hawai‘i, U of Ma-noa.................................142 Hawai‘i, U of West Oahu .............................3 International Christian University.............2 Ithaca College .............................................2 James Madison University.........................2 John Cabot University ................................2 Johns Hopkins University ..........................4 Kapiolani Community College ..................3 Lewis & Clark College ................................4 Linfield University.......................................3 Loyola Marymount University...................37 Macalester College.....................................2 Massachusetts Institute of Technology .....4 Menlo College .............................................3 Miami, U of ..................................................2 Michigan State University .........................3 Michigan, U of – Ann Arbor ......................22 Middlebury College ....................................3 Montana State University ..........................2 Moorpark College........................................2 Nevada, U of – Reno....................................3 New York University ..................................25 North Carolina, U of Chapel Hill................2 Northeastern University ...........................22 Northwestern University ............................6 Notre Dame, U of ........................................4 Oberlin College...........................................4 Occidental College .....................................7 Olivet Nazarene University ......................3 Orange Coast College ................................4 Oregon State University...........................29 Oregon, U of ..............................................22 Pacific Lutheran University .......................4 Pacific University ......................................11 Pacific, U of the ..........................................7 Pennsylvania, U of ......................................6 Pepperdine University ................................6 Pitzer College............................................12 Point Loma Nazarene University ...............4 Pomona College ..........................................9 Portland State University...........................2 Portland, U of ..............................................6 Pratt Institute..............................................4 Princeton University...................................2 Puget Sound, U of .....................................18 Purdue University .....................................20 Redlands, U of .............................................2 Reed College...............................................3 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute...............5 Rhode Island School of Design ................4 Rice University............................................6
Rochester Institute of Technology .............3 Rochester, U of............................................2 Saint Martin's University ...........................4 San Diego State University .....................20 San Diego, U of .........................................28 San Francisco, U of ...................................18 San Jose State University .........................2 Santa Barbara City College .......................2 Santa Clara University .............................39 Savannah College of Art and Design .......2 Scripps College ..........................................3 Seattle University .....................................43 Seton Hall University .................................3 Skidmore College........................................2 Smith College .............................................3 Soka University of America ......................3 South Dakota State University .................2 Southern California, U of..........................23 Southern Methodist University..................5 St. Andrews, U of ........................................2 St. Mary's College of California.................4 Stanford University...................................10 SUNY at Albany .........................................2 Syracuse University....................................2 Temple University (Japan) .........................7 Texas Christian University.........................2 The New School .........................................3 The Ohio State University .........................2 The University of British Columbia .........10 The University of Montana ........................2 The University of Texas at Austin ..............2 Toronto, U of................................................3 Tufts University...........................................9 Tulane University ........................................3 U.S. Air Force Academy .............................3 U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School ...............................2 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy ................2 U.S. Military Academy ................................4 University College Dublin ..........................2 Utah State University .................................6 Utah Tech University...................................2 Utah, U of.....................................................9 Vanderbilt University .................................3 Vassar College............................................3 Villanova University....................................5 Waseda University......................................3 Washington State University.....................3 Washington University in St. Louis ................7 Washington, U of.......................................51 Wesleyan University ...................................3 Western Washington University ................3 Westminster University..............................3 Whitman College ........................................4 Whitworth University .................................2 Willamette University.................................8 William Penn University ............................2 Wisconsin-Madison, U of ...........................2 Yale University ..........................................14
National Merit Scholarship Program (2023 – 2026)
88 National Merit Semifinalists 35% Out of 248 in the State of Hawai‘i
Of total recipients in the state
Presidential Scholars Program (2023 – 2026)
96 Candidates
Out of 387 in the State of Hawai‘i
25%
Of total candidates in the state
View our Student Awards online: bulletin.punahou.edu/student-end-of-year-awards-2026
Class of 2027 Profile GPA and SAT Distribution This chart shows the GPA and SAT distribution for the Class of 2027 across the past six semesters, as of June 2026. The percentages indicate the proportion of students in each GPA band. SAT: 329 of 429 students.
GPA
Median Test Scores
Students
4.0 – 3.9
SAT ERBW: 710 M: 730
24.6%
3.89 – 3.8
SAT ERBW: 650 M: 660
20.4%
3.79 – 3.7
SAT ERBW: 630 M: 650
17.3%
3.69 – 3.6
SAT ERBW: 630 M: 610
11.2%
3.59 – 3.5
SAT ERBW: 600 M: 585
9.7%
3.49
SAT ERBW: 560 M: 550
16.7%
429 STUDENTS
Advanced Placement Performance In total, there are 20 AP Courses offered to students in grades 9 – 12, providing opportunities for both depth and challenge in their studies. While Punahou students are generally advised not to take more than two Advanced Placement courses simultaneously, many choose additional AP and/or Honors courses.
In 2026, 1,730 AP Examinations were taken with:
37% Scores of 5 77% Scores of 4 or 5 94% Scores of 3, 4 or 5
Grade Point Average The GPA is computed annually and cumulatively. Courses taken at Punahou, as well as Global Online Academy (GOA) and School Year Abroad courses that receive a letter grade, are used to determine the GPA. Conduct grades are included in the GPA. Advanced Placement and Honors courses are not given additional point values. Rarely does a student graduate with a 4.0 GPA. Punahou School does not rank its students.
= 4.000
B– = 2.667
D+ = 1.333
A– = 3.667
C+ = 2.333
D
B+ = 3.333
C
A
B
= 3.000
= 2.000
= 1.000
D– = 0.667
C– = 1.667
GPA is based on the traditional 4-point scale.
Punahou School Course Offerings for the Class of 2027
Full course catalog available at www.punahou.edu/curriculum-detail
Graduation Requirements: A minimum total of 22 credits. In any semester, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of five or a maximum of six half-credit courses. Four courses must be taken on a graded basis. Semester courses earn 0.5 credit and year courses earn 1 credit. Students are limited to 1 credit per summer. AP: Advanced Placement; BCP: Basic College Prep; GSD: Global Sustainability by Design; H: Honors; ID: Interdisciplinary Subject and Requirements.
Grade 9 (2023 – 24)
Grade 10 (2024 – 25)
Grade 11 (2025 – 26)
Grade 12 (2026 – 27)
English 4 credits required Students must earn 2 credits total in English in their junior and senior years.
English I English I (ID)
English II English II (ID)
English III/IV English III/IV (ID) English III (H)
English III/IV English III/IV (ID) English IV (H)
Algebra II/Trig (BCP) Algebra II/Trig Pre-Calculus w/Limits Adv Pre-Calculus Adv Pre-Calculus (H)
Pre-Calculus (BCP) Pre-Calculus w/Limits Adv Pre-Calculus Differential Calculus AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC
Additional Grade 10 electives: Literary Seminar, Global Sustainability by Design: Asian Studies (ID)
Every student must take at least one American Literature course. Mathematics 3 credits required Mathematics is offered in the Academy at three levels: Honors (H), Regular and Basic College Prep (BCP). The level of study for each student is determined by past performance in mathematics courses.
Algebra I (BCP) Algebra I Geometry Geometry (H)
Science 2 credits required from yearlong laboratory courses
Biology Biology (H) GSD: Science & Engineering-Sci (ID)
Geometry (BCP) Geometry Algebra II/Trig Algebra II/Trig (H)
Electives: AP Statistics (Grades 10, 11, 12), Money Management / Applied Mathematics (Grades 11, 12), Independent Inquiry: Mathematics (Grade 11), Independent Study (Grade 12) Chemistry Chemistry (H) Bio & Geo of Hawai‘i Principles of Physics
Grade 10 Classes plus: AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science AP Physics I
AP Physics I & II AP Physics C: E & M AP Physics C: Mechanics
Electives for Grades 10, 11 and/or 12: Anatomy and Physiology, Anthropology, Astronomy, Neuroscience of Learning, Culinary Chemistry / Applied Chemistry, Environmental Problem Solving, Marine Biology, Oceanography, Independent Research, Research Experience in Science, Physics (ID)
Social Studies 3.5 credits required
Two Semester Options: Intro to Social Studies Plus one of: Contemporary Issues, Hawaiian Culture, Medieval History Yearlong Options: Intro to Social Studies: Malama Honua, World Civilizations GSD: Place, Perspective & Partnership (ID), GSD: Product Design for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (ID), GSD: Science and Engineering for Sustainability (ID)
East Asian History Asian History GSD: Asian Studies (ID)
US History AP US History American Studies (ID) Bias in America (ID)
European History European History (H) AP European History
Ke Kilohana Requirement
Electives for Grades 10, 11 and/or 12: AP US Government & Politics, AP Art History, Anthropology, Bias in America (ID), Contemporary Issues, Economics, Gender Studies, Hawaiian History, Interdisciplinary Courses Spanish I-V, Spanish II-V (H), AP Spanish V Hawaiian I-V, Hawaiian II-V (H) Electives: Language Teach Asst, Independent Study, School Year Abroad in France, Italy, or Spain (Grade 12)
World Language Two credits from two consecutive levels of a single language
Languages offered for Grades 9 – 12: French I-V, French II-V (H), AP French V Japanese I-V, Japanese II-V (H), AP Japanese V Mand Chinese I-V, Mand Chinese II-V (H), AP Mand Chinese V
Physical Education 2 credits required
Lifetime Fitness is a required course. Grades 9-12 students may earn their additional required credits through 4 categories: In School (ISPE), After School (ASPE), Summer School, or Athletics (ILH). List of options available at www.punahou.edu/curriculum-detail
Visual and Performing Arts 2 credits required
Visual Arts courses are offered in Visual Arts, Visual Arts (ID), Independent Art Studio. Music courses offered in Guitar, Hawaiian Music, Rhythm, Creative Music Studio, Orchestra, Band, Choral Ensembles, Independent Study. Selective Enrollment by Audition: Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chorale. Theatre courses offered in Intro to Theatre, Art of Theatre, Acting, Musical Theatre, Theatre Production, Theatre Technology and Design, Independent Study
Psychology and Well-Being
Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning, Positive Psychology, Performance Psychology, AP Psychology
Design Technology and Engineering
Engineering: Engineering and Robotics I-II, Engineering III, Engineering IV, Engineering V, Engineering Proj I (ID), Engineering Proj II (ID), Independent Study Global Sustainability by Design: Science & Engineering for Sustainability (ID), Product Design (ID), Global Issues (ID) Elements of Design, Understanding AI Coding: Virtual and Augmented Reality Projects I-II, Intro to Computer Science, AdvTopics in Comp Sci, Advanced Projects in Comp Sci, Intro to App Development, Intro to Programming, Virtual Worlds: Game Development, Adv Virtual Worlds: XR, Independent Study, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A Voyaging: Intro to Social Studies: Malama Honua, Hawaiian Voyaging, Na Kelamoku, Voyaging Kilohana Capstone - He Wa'a He Moku, He Moku He Wa'a
Other Electives
ROTC I – IV, Ind Proj –Transdisciplinary, GOA (Global Online Academy, List of options available at www.punahou.edu/curriculum-detail)
Punahou School offers 20 AP and 28 Honors courses. (Noted in bold)
Additional Exceptional Programs AP Physics I & II The AP Physics I & II course at Punahou is a one year class that teaches the entirety of the AP Physics I material and the AP Physics II material: all topics within both courses are covered. The students are well prepared for both exams at the end of the school year. This combined course is for the small subset of students who want a much faster pace than the one-year AP Physics I offering.
Centers Distinctions This four-year program honors exceptional achievements in knowledge, skills, and dispositions within the Wo International Center, Luke Center for Public Service, Kuaihelani Center for ‘Ike Hawai‘i, CASE Accelerator for Student Entrepreneurship, Civic Education, and Design, Technology and Engineering. Students earn distinctions by demonstrating focused study and skill aligned with Center competencies, culminating with a Distinctions Defense, during which students will present their portfolio to a panel of Centers leaders. Students may only pursue one Center Distinction. Transcripts will indicate whether a Center Distinction is “expected” and later “received.”
Explorations This program offers an immersive opportunity for students to explore unique and authentic topics in a supportive learning environment. Each course is open to interested students whose schedules allow for participation. While student growth is assessed, the focus is on learning and exploration rather than traditional grading, and no graduation credit is assigned.
Global Online Academy The GOA offers diverse and rigorous credit-bearing courses to students in member schools around the world, ensuring that learners can engage deeply with the material at their own pace. All GOA courses have both synchronous and asynchronous components, allowing for meaningful live interactions alongside flexible independent study.
Interdisciplinary These courses combine the key concepts and crucial skill sets from at least two disciplines into one course. Students practice exploring ideas or solving problems through the lenses of each discipline, while also striving to construct a lens that transcends the individual disciplines. Various interdisciplinary (ID) courses are offered in grades 9 – 12. Global Sustainability by Design (GSD) courses are offered for 9th and 10th grade students interested in tackling sustainability issues of global and local significance. These courses provide credits from more than one discipline.
Ke Kilohana This Social Studies course enables students to apply their skills and knowledge in service to a community of practice. In their senior year, students select from various Ke Kilohana courses that emphasize applied learning across disciplines. They engage in collective service opportunities and identify a community need to create an individual service project, culminating in a public product, presentation, or performance. This is a semester-long course worth half a credit and satisfies the Social Studies graduation requirement.
School Year Abroad To support rigorous academic study abroad, Punahou partners with certain institutions to offer a diverse range of semester and yearlong study programs, enabling students to immerse themselves in different cultures while pursuing their academic goals.
CEEB-ACT Code: 120085 Punahou School is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS). Punahou School is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and complies with its Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission. Punahou School is also a member of the Hawai‘i Association for College Admission Counseling (HACAC), the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS), and the College Board. Punahou School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability in administration of its educational or admission policies, financial aid programs, athletic and other School-administered programs or in its employment practices.