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 Facts (2026)
- Grades: (51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students) 9-12
- Grades: (Day Students) K-12
- Enrollment: 2,200 students
- Yearly Tuition (51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students): $70,100
- 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 275 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Resources
Offering Breadth
Offering Breadth
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (51³Ô¹ÏÍø)
9-12
8-12
Grades Offered (Day)
K-12
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1863
1907
Campus Size
25 acres
130 acres
School Motto
One Team
Student Body
Enrollment
2200 students
315 students
% International Students
5%
21%
% Students 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
10%
66%
Average SAT Score
1340
(Out of 1600)
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academic Profile
Saturday Classes
No
No
Average Class Size
16 students
12
* National Avg. »
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
31
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
80%
73%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Accreditations
The Association of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Schools (TABS)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS)
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
31
18
Courses
African American StudiesApplied Research
BiologyCalculus AB
Calculus BCCapstone: AP Research
Capstone: AP SeminarChemistry
Chinese Language & CultureComparative Government and Politics
Computer Science & PrinciplesEnglish Literature
European HistoryFrench Language & Culture
Government & PoliticsJapanese Language and Culture
LatinMacroeconomics
MicroeconomicsMusic Theory
Physics 1Physics 2
Physics C: Electricity and MagnetismPhysics C: Mechanics
PsychologySpanish Language and Culture
StatisticsStudio Art: 3-D Design
Studio Art: DrawingUnited States Government and Politics
United States History
Tuition & Financial Aid
Endowment Size
$233.3 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students)
(51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students)
$70,100
$69,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$38,700
Tuition international students
$31,150
$58,300
% Students on Financial Aid
17%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$40,000
$25,000
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 31 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Director of Admissions
Kim Nguyen
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
25
17
Colors
White, Black, Red
School Mascot
ʻIo (Hawaiian Hawk)
College Matriculation
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.
- 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 $70,100 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 25 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Diving, Esports, Football, Golf, Kayaking, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Surf Team, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo and Wrestling. Iolani School is ranked as one of the top boarding schools for most sports offered.
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, Most sports offered 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 ).
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