The journey to a Kamehameha Schools education starts here. Select one of the applications below to begin the admissions process to one of our 30 preschools, three K-12 campuses or other community education and campus-specific programs.
Today more than ever, we remain committed to the health and safety of our keiki, ‘ohana and community. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and continue to adhere to recommendations from leading health organizations and guidance from state and county officials, based on current conditions in our communities. We will make the necessary adjustments to the admissions process at the appropriate time and communicate that to all of our applicants and their ‘ohana.
Preschool
August 15, 2022 – January 31, 2023
K–12
August 15, 2022 – September 30, 2022
Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i
January 3, 2023 – February 15, 2023
Summer School
January 3, 2023 – February 15, 2023
Kamehameha Schools aims to develop ‘ōiwi leaders for tomorrow who contribute to their communities, both locally and globally. An education with Kamehameha Schools means being part of an engaging community which embraces the best practices of innovative learning, helping keiki become the best ʻōiwi leader they can be for the lāhui and beyond.
Princess Bernice Pauahi was a devout Christian ali‘i wahine (noble woman). Her deep faith in Ke Akua moved her to create a school for young Hawaiians, giving them the knowledge and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. Along with that gift, she sought to share with our haumāna a foundation of Christian values to shape their character and guide their actions.
We are Protestant in tradition, non-denominational in practice, and loving in all things. We believe that Kamehameha Schools, as a Christian institution, has a responsibility to practice and perpetuate the Christian faith as exemplified by Ke Ali‘i Pauahi.
Learn more about our Christian values and commitment »Kamehameha Schools admits children who show potential and who are able, in a timely and satisfactory manner, to meet all academic, physical and religious activities requirements which together comprise the fundamental nature of a Kamehameha education. Kamehameha admits children on the premise that they have the intent and ability to graduate from Kamehameha.
Kamehameha’s policy on admissions is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
| Grade | Program | Campus | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool | Full day | All | $3,916 |
| Preschool | Modified day | All | $2,610 |
| Kindergarten-5th Grade | Hawai‘i and Maui | $5,046 | |
| Kindergarten-6th Grade | Kapālama | $5,046 | |
| 6th Grade | Hawai‘i and Maui | $5,194 | |
| 7th-12th Grade | Day | All | $6,208 |
| 7th-12th Grade | Boarder | Kapālama | $11,016 |
The tuition costs for preschool are for the 2023-2024 school year. All other tuition costs are for the 2022-2023 school year, and updated tuition will be published once it becomes available.
A majority of a 15-judge appeals court panel upheld Kamehameha’s admissions policy in Doe v. Kamehameha on Dec. 5, 2006. The panel majority ruled that Kamehameha has a legal right to offer admissions preference to Native Hawaiian applicants as a way to remedy past harms and current imbalances suffered by the Indigenous people of Hawai‘i as a result of Western contact. The panel majority also found that Congress has recognized it has a special trust relationship with Native Hawaiians and in furtherance of that relationship, has enacted more than 85 statutes supporting programs designed to improve Hawaiian well-being.
The competitive nature of admission to Kamehameha Schools is due to the increasing numbers of Hawaiian children seeking enrollment. Admission standards have not changed. Each year the number of applications received exceeds the number of available spaces anywhere from a ratio of 3:1 to 17:1, depending on the campus and grade level. The use of test scores and report cards have been part of the admissions process at Kamehameha Schools for decades.
Kamehameha is committed to enroll a diverse student population that represents a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, islands and communities, ability levels, talents and life experiences. Kamehameha looks for students who have already demonstrated that they have the motivation, attitude, character and work habits necessary to successfully graduate from Kamehameha Schools’ K-12 program.
Absolutely! There is so much more to Kamehameha Schools than our three campuses! Kamehameha actually offers many innovative educational programs. Offerings include a variety of summer programs; distance learning; community-based family education; mentoring programs and more. KS also operates 29 preschools statewide, has formed partnerships with public charter schools, and offers post-high school financial aid for students.
Of particular interest to the parents of Pre-K-12 children is the Pauahi Keiki Scholars program, which offers need-based financial assistance to help children attend other qualifying non-KS preschools, and the Kīpona Scholarship program which offers need-based financial assistance to help children attending private K-12 schools other than Kamehameha.
Yes. Students in this category are sent notifications advising them that they are placed in a wait pool. These notifications need to be acknowledged and responded to, or the applicant will be withdrawn and not included in the wait pool process. The terms and length of wait pools vary by campus and grade level.
Kamehameha Schools’ Direct Mail List (DML) is an easy way for you to receive the information and updates on programs, services and events that are important to you. Kamehameha Schools’ DML is a convenient way to receive customized updates based on your interests and profile information provided.
Phone:
(808) 534-8080 or 1-800-842-IMUA and press 3 (Neighbor Island/Continental U.S.)
Email:
ksrc@ksbe.edu
Schedule help:
bookings.ksbe.edu/ksrc
