This private coed school is one of the finest in the USA. It retains small classes, has an excellent faculty and adminstration and meets their vision and goals year after year plus their sports teams are often underated and a small student body, but end up winning island and state championships every yr. I know of no other private school that offers such an oustanding education for their students.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2013
My daughter is involved in plays, the school newspaper, orchestra and is a national merit finalist. This school is providing an excellent education. Her teachers are there when she needs them (and when I need them). I couldn't have hoped for a finer setting for my child.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2013
Iolani is the best school in Hawaii. My daughter is well-balanced, frugal, happy, engaged, worldly and well-educated. She has friends who are respectful and honest. Her teachers have always been there for her when she encounters something that is difficult for her. I am very pleased with her education!
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2013
My son attended from K-4. Grade 4 became stressful for him and Iolani didn't seem to be concerned. I spent 3 trying to sort it out. No help from cousolors, principle.My son refused to attend classes because of the stress. I withdrew him and he is now at at the finest private school on the island with 14 students and 2 teachers!! Iolani only cares about academics not social/well being and it will show in your child. Watch out for some of the children. They are bullies. His new school cares about emotional well being as well as academics. This will help him in the long run-not a burnt out child like these students at Iolani.
Submitted by other on January 31, 2013
Most reviews focus on 'Iolani's academics, but it is important to note that the visual and performing art electives are exceptional. The art building is filled with quirky teachers dedicated to not only providing the best technical instruction while maintaining individual freedom, but also to teaching life lessons. The facilities and supplies are abundant and 'Iolani charges no extra fees for this! Our theatre program pushes students to their full potential as actors, and the 'Iolani Dramatic Players is a student driven club that allows kids to learn how to work backstage and make a large production work. Our band and orchestra electives breed extremely adept musicians, and every year the higher levels are traveling somewhere, nationally or internationally, to displays their talent. For the intellectual student who also needs a creative outlet, 'Iolani is certainly a great option, although it may take time and effort to balance the enormous workload with artistic projects.
Submitted by other on November 23, 2012
As a young alumni (and now, ivy league student), I have to say that 'Iolani fully prepared me for college. At times, the school work was immensely overwhelming, especially with 6 AP classes during senior year. 'Iolani gives you ALL the resources and support you need to succeed. My first year in college was significantly easier than my senior year at Iolani, in terms of work load. I've had some really amazing teachers that challenged and supported me 150%. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am now. I was very lucky to have some of the most incredible teachers/mentors at Iolani, and only 2 really bad ones (I don't know why they are still teaching; they're tarnishing Iolani's reputation). To the students: it's really what YOU choose to make out of the experience - by being either "chill" with your academics, which is completely fine if you want to attend a state school, or be determined to be the very best and attend the best colleges in the nation. Looking back, I am so thankful that my parents and Iolani gave me the opportunity to study here for 7 years. As for all the parents who are uncertain whether Iolani is right for your kids, you don't need to look any further.
Submitted by other on October 29, 2012
I'm a current student and 12th grade is just bad luck. A new building means a humid, makeshift tent to replace the senior hangout area which was in the old building. The tent was set up very far away from the buildings that seniors often have classes in. There was a plan to reform the technology on campus by giving iPads to the JUNIORS. What was their reasoning? The school said we are "leaders" so we must be good role models, humbly turn down the offer, and let the juniors have them. What kind of reason is that? Also, seniors had practically no say in A PLAN THAT WAS MADE BY SENIORS FOR SENIORS. Guess what? That plan GOT APPROVED and the iPads will arrive around springtime. There was even a plan to trash the senior class' role in a 50 year old tradition this year (in fact, the tradition is mainly for seniors). Some seniors were outraged and petitioned to keep it the same. The activities adviser listened to us and decided to revert to the old ways NEXT YEAR, WHEN WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE CLASS THAT PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN THAT TRADITION, ARE GONE. Someone please explain this school's disturbing excuses! The administration at Iolani has too much power and too little sympathy or equality.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2012
'Iolani School is a perfect place for a gifted child to be his/her best in an academically challenging yet still caring environment. The teachers are excellent and dedicated, the class sizes are small, the campus is beautiful. The One Team philosophy of the school helps every student to succeed. I have two children at the school and we are so happy to be part of the 'Iolani ohana.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2012
I have 2 sons who studied at Iolani, It is without a doubt the best school in the Islands (including Punahou) and one of the top in the US. Iolani's graduating class (about 210) is half the size of Punahou (about 425) yet they have more Merit Scholars every year. My older son finished in 2007 Iolani had 34 scholars to Punahuo had 21(state total of about 77). Iolani is also a top school in athletics.
Submitted by other on May 17, 2012
I am currently attending iolani school. its a very good school academically. as students move up a grade, it gets harder and harder. after 9th grade, it gets VERY hard and we have so much homework and tests. there is not a single day that we don't have homework atall. i get stressed out a lot because i have to so much stuff.i start homework after school at 4 pm and i go to sleep at 12 am or 1am. not even kidding. its ridiculous at times but overall iolani prepares you for college very well and its one of the top schools in the state of hawaii.
Submitted by other on November 07, 2010
I am attending Iolani School now and am very grateful to go there. Iolani gives me everything I could ever want. The programs there are amazing and teachers are always there to give you the extra time. Also, class sizes are small (16 students) which allows teachers to personally help every student.