Understanding 'Iolani School Tuition Costs: A Comprehensive Guide

'Iolani School, located at 563 Kamoku Street in Honolulu, Hawai'i, is a co-educational, college preparatory school with a rich history spanning over 150 years. Founded in 1863 on Christian values, it serves over 2,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Renowned as one of the top college preparatory schools in the United States, 'Iolani embraces students from around the world, fostering academic excellence and personal growth in a challenging, yet nurturing environment. This article provides a detailed overview of the tuition costs associated with attending 'Iolani School, along with related financial information.

Overview of 'Iolani School

'Iolani School is known for its dynamic and personalized instruction across various disciplines. It aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared for college and ready to contribute as active, moral citizens. The school emphasizes ethnic and cultural diversity, creating an environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive, share their cultures, and form lasting friendships.

'Iolani School provides opportunities for the whole child, allowing students to pursue their passions and discover new aspects of themselves. The Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership, a 40,000-square-foot facility, is dedicated to teaching innovation, leadership, applied technologies, research science, design, computer science, and communications. Outside the classroom, students can participate in over 90 clubs, organizations, and community service initiatives, and compete on more than 100 teams at various levels.

Grades and Enrollment

'Iolani School offers education for students in grades K-12 for day students. The school has a total enrollment of 2,200 students. The average class size is 16 students, providing a conducive learning environment.

Tuition Costs

Tuition costs at 'Iolani School vary depending on whether a student is a day student or a boarding student.

Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students)

For boarding students in grades 9-12, the yearly tuition is $70,100.

Yearly Tuition (Day Students)

Information on yearly tuition for day students was not provided. Tuition for the 2025-26 academic year is $31,150.

Tuition for International Students

Tuition for international students is $31,150.

Payment Plans

'Iolani School offers several payment plans to accommodate different family needs:

Annual Plan

Full payment for the Annual Plan is due on July 31, 2025.

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Semester Plan

Tuition is payable in advance in two installments:

The first installment of one-half of the tuition is due on or before July 31, 2025.
The second installment of the balance of the tuition is due on or before January 5, 2026.

Monthly Plan

Tuition is payable in advance in 10 installments:

Each installment of one-tenth of the tuition is due by the last business day of each month, beginning July 31, 2025, and ending April 30, 2026.
This option includes a $350.00 payment plan fee, payable in 10 installments.

Important Dates and Fees

The first payment, minus the $500 tuition deposit, is due by July 31.
The second payment is due by January 11.
Nine additional payments are due by the last business day of each month through April 30.
Payments received after the last business day of the month are subject to a $25 late fee.
A fee of $30 is assessed for returned payments.

Additional Fees

In addition to tuition, an annual Technology Fee of $525 is required of each student and is due with the first payment.

Tuition Refund Plan (TRP)

'Iolani School offers the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) to all families. The TRP provides insurance coverage if a student must withdraw from 'Iolani during the school year. TRP coverage is optional for families selecting the annual and semester payment plan. The Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) provides tuition insurance coverage for parental death or should your child not complete the school year.

Financial Aid

'Iolani School has an endowment size of $233.3 million. They provide financial aid to a percentage of their students, with an average financial aid grant of $40,000. Merit scholarships are not offered.

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KA‘I Programs

Since 2010, KA‘I has fostered a strong community partnership between ‘Iolani School and Pālolo Valley, serving more than 200 students each year from preschool through postsecondary education, all of whom are first-generation high school and/or postsecondary graduates. The KA‘I Programs are made possible by the enduring support and collective generosity of our community. The KA‘I Programs are independently funded through educational grants and the generous support of donors.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for 'Iolani School is January 31 with rolling admissions.

Diversity and Global Perspective

'Iolani School prides itself on its diverse student body, attracting students from various cultures around the world. This diversity enriches the learning environment, providing local students with diverse perspectives and worldviews. The boarding program enhances learning by allowing students to live and learn in a community with people from all over the world.

Boarding Program

'Iolani School revived its boarding program in 2019 after a 60-year hiatus. Boarding students at Iolani School live in semi-private rooms with shared social spaces. The strategic goal is to bring students from cultures around the world to Iolani so that our local students will have more diverse perspectives and worldviews with which to interact in their classes.

Famous Alumni

The school’s most famous alumnus who boarded there is Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a revolutionary and China’s first president. Then known as Tai Cheong (or Tai Chu), he was just 13 and unable to speak English when he arrived on the Honolulu campus.

Academic and Extracurricular Opportunities

'Iolani School offers a wide range of AP and advanced courses. The school provides opportunities for students to engage in various clubs, organizations, and community service initiatives. '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.

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