Established in 1863, and located in Honolulu, Hawai'i, 'Iolani School is a culturally diverse, co-educational, college preparatory school for over 2000 students in grades K-12 founded upon Christian values.
We are recognized as one of the top college preparatory schools in the United States and have more than 150 years of history embracing students from around the world.
Academic excellence and personal growth flourish in an atmosphere that is challenging and competitive, yet caring and nurturing.
Through dynamic and personalized instruction in a multitude of disciplines, 'Iolani develops liberally educated, well-rounded individuals who are well prepared for college and ready to assume their responsibilities as active, moral citizens.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: (Boarding Students) 9-12
- Grades: (Day Students) K-12
- Enrollment: 2,200 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $66,125
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Iolani School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 280 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Resources
Offering Breadth
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
8-12
Grades Offered (Day)
K-12
PK-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1863
1906
Campus Size
25 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
2200 students
315 students
% International Students
5%
20%
% Students Boarding
10%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
32
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
80%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$233.3 million
$28 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$66,125
$66,250
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,600
% Students on Financial Aid
17%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$40,000
$25,000
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Jan. 31 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Director of Admissions
Kim Nguyen
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
32
18
Courses
Applied Research, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Capstone: AP Research, Capstone: AP Seminar, Chemistry, Chinese Language & Culture, Computer Science & Principles, English Literature, European History, French Language & Culture, Government & Politics
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
23
16
College Matriculation
Year:
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
- A unique location within the United States, Hawai'i stands apart as a true cultural polyglot - we speak and celebrate the languages of many cultures. This spirit infuses student life at 'Iolani School. Ethnic and cultural diversity are the very face of our school and this empowers students from many different backgrounds to be who they are, share their culture and form friendships that will last a lifetime.
- At 'Iolani School, we provide opportunities for the whole child, so that all students can pursue their passions and discover bigger parts of themselves. This is a safe place for trial and error, as well as intellectual risk-taking.
- 'Iolani is a world leader in teaching innovation. The Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership is a 40,000 square foot facility dedicated to teaching innovation, leadership, applied technologies, research science, design, computer science and communications.
- Outside the classroom, our students are engaged in 90+ clubs, organizations, and community service organizations and compete on more than 100 teams at the intermediate, junior varsity, and varsity level.
- Iolani School accreditations: WASC, HAIS, NAIS, TABS
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1882) - Chinese philosopher, physician, politician, served as first president of the Republic of China
- Guy Kawasaki '72 - Venture Capitalist, Author, Former Chief Evangelist of Apple
- Angela Aki '96 - Singer/Songwriter
- Bobby Webster '02 - General Manager for the Toronto Raptors
- Kawika Shoji '06 - Team USA Olympic Volleyball Medalist
- Shenan Brown '99 - Lead vocalist of pop band 'Def Tech"
- Aaron Kandell '01 - Screenwriter and producer
- Jordan Kandell '01 - Screenwriter and producer
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Iolani School cost?
Iolani School's tuition is approximately $66,125 for boarding students.
Who are famous alumni from Iolani School?
Iolani School famous alumni include: Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1882), Guy Kawasaki '72, Angela Aki '96, Bobby Webster '02, Kawika Shoji '06, Shenan Brown '99, Aaron Kandell '01 and Jordan Kandell '01.
What sports does Iolani School offer?
Iolani School offers 23 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Diving, Football, Golf, Kayaking, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Surf Team, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo and Wrestling.
What is Iolani School's ranking?
Iolani School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Large student body (number of students), Large financial endowment and High # of AP/advanced courses offered.
When is the application deadline for Iolani School?
The application deadline for Iolani School is Jan. 31 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 31 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Recent Articles
Boarding School Myths
This article debunks common myths about boarding schools, addressing misconceptions about wealth requirements, diversity, student life, school types, and family communication. It provides valuable insights for families considering boarding school education and highlights the modern realities of these institutions.
A Partnership of Three
This article explores the three-way partnership between the school, parents, and students in boarding school education. It outlines the obligations and responsibilities of each party, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and commitment to ensure a successful boarding school experience.
Admissions Checklist For Boarding School Applicants
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed checklist for boarding school applicants, covering key aspects of the admissions process such as testing, recommendations, interviews, and financial aid. It also includes additional information for international students applying to U.S. boarding schools.