Common Questions

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

• Q: What makes my child an ideal candidate for Na Pua Keiki - Pre-Kindergarten Program?

  A child must turn 3 years old by July 31st and can remain in the Pre-K program through the age of 5 years old.  We look for early indicators of independence, social conversations, self direction, and initiative.  These beginning skills are essential for success in the early months of the school year since we are a Pre-Kindergarten program and not a daycare/preschool.  Our environment requires age-appropriate communication skills, initiative taking, and independence.  Children must be fully and independently potty trained, which includes all the steps of managing bathroom needs.

• Q: Why should I invest in an independent school education for my child?

  At a private independent school like Island School, there are high academic standards that nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, while fostering critical thinking. Often there is a larger percentage of students that enroll in honors courses at Island School than in public, parochial, and other local private schools. Smaller classes along with individualized attention, and lower student to teacher ratios encourage close connections with students. Excellent teachers, who are life long learners, teach in their areas of expertise and share their passion with students. Dynamic Autonomy allows for flexibility within the classroom and permits teachers to cultivate a greater understanding of the content learned. Teachers also take a personal invested interest in each student and seek to understand what motivates them in their quest for learning.

  
  Time and again students from Island School have demonstrated the ability to be accepted into competitive four year universities and colleges all across the country. These students, due to the preparation an Island School education has afforded them, have completed a range of bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees and even post doctorate degrees.

  
  Island School nurtures, not just students’ intellectual ability and curiosity, but also their personal and social growth and civic responsibilities. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, and school leadership experiences, educating the whole child. Island School maintains diverse and vibrant student communities and welcomes and respects each family. Island School is also comprised of 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.

• Q: What is the cost of tuition?

  For the 2025-2026 school year, Pre-K tuition is $13,937. K-12 tuition is $20,874.

• Q: How old does my child have to be to enroll in Pre-K at Island School?

  Children enrolling in Pre-K must be 3 years old by July 31st. Children enrolling in Kindergarten must be 5 years old by July 31st.

• Q: How does the school use tuition?

  Island School’s tuition ranks eighteenth in the state of Hawaii as compared with other independent schools. Roughly 70% of Island School’s budget goes toward employee compensation. Teachers in independent schools are paid 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 fundraising events, the Annual Giving Campaign and the Annual Auction.