Island School at a Glance: Common Questions
Why should I invest in an independent school education for my child?
High academic standards. Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at independent schools are enrolled in honors courses than in public, parochial, and other private schools. Small classes and individual attention. Independent schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage close connections with students. Excellent teachers teach in their areas of expertise and are passionate about what they do. With more autonomy within the classroom, teachers are able to develop a full understanding of how each student learns and what interests and motivates each individually. Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor's degree or graduate degree. Education for the whole child. Independent schools nurture not just students' intellectual ability and curiosity but also their personal and social growth and civic conscience. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, and school leadership experiences. Inclusiveness. Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family. A community of parents who actively participate in their children's education. Independent schools promote regular communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals for the student. And most important: An education that will pay dividends for a lifetime.
Where is Island School located?
Island School is centrally located near Lihu'e, on the east side of Kaua'i, directly behind Kaua'i Community College in Puhi. For directions, visit out google map HERE
Why does tuition seem so high?
Island School's tuition ranks tenth in the state as compared with other independent schools. Roughly 80% of Island School's budget goes toward faculty and staff. Salaries for teachers in independent schools are notoriously lower than in the public system, yet keeping class sizes at optimum levels with top quality teachers, results in a significant line item in our budget. Tuition would be even higher if it weren't for our two major fund raising events, the Annual Giving Campaign and the Annual Auction. The goal of these two events is to raise the additional 20% needed to balance our budget each year.
How can I find out if I qualify for financial aid?
Families who feel they have financial need may pursue the Financial Aid application process. Families who qualify will receive up to half of tuition reduction. All Financial Aid is confidential and need based. Island School is proud to support approximately 43% of students currently attending with some financial assistance. If an application for financial aid is complete and submitted in a timely manner, payments due will be adjusted by the award received. Click HERE for application
My child is advanced in certain subjects and has not been challenged at school. How do you address this with your students?
Island School is committed to supporting all students in their efforts to reach their highest potential. Not advancing students fast enough can lead to problems. To address this, Island School students are assessed at the beginning of the school year and periodically thereafter to check on their progress. Each student is placed in a class setting consistent with his or her level of achievement in math and reading; also, the student's social adjustment is considered.
My child has difficulty with certain subjects. What kinds of remedial assistance do you offer?
Individual assessments are designed to place students in the appropriate classes that address academic performance issues before they become a serious problem. Students who demonstrate the need are offered tutoring by faculty members as well as by members of the National Honor Society. Courses that cover fundamental skills may be assigned to a student to address any weaknesses in specific subjects.
Is bullying a problem at Island School?
Bullying manifests itself differently depending on the age of the child. In order to combat bullying, our students learn about this behavior as part of their regular curriculum. Resources such as the STEPS to RESPECT program are used as educational resources to help students identify and deal effectively with bullying behaviors. Students learn strategies to not only defend themselves against bullies, but to help build a climate of positive social interactions.
How can parents get involved?
As mentioned above, parent involvement is one of the key components of an independent school education. Parents are seen as valuable resources on many levels: they are welcomed classroom volunteers, chaperones for school events and field trips, mentors and guest teachers, active members of the Parent Association, Auction volunteers, energetic workers around campus, donors, board members, even faculty and staff members. But most of all, parents are one of three essential elements, along with teachers and students, in the building if a solid educational foundation.