Punahou has one of Hawai'i's largest dance academies for grades K-12. It offers not only a wide variety of dance styles, but also a range from introductory to the most challenging of levels, and all classes are open to the public. The Dance School features:

• After school classes in Ballet, Jazz and Street Dance, Musical Theatre and Tap
• Summer session featuring the popular Dance Awareness program for grades 1-6
• Three state-of-the-art dance studios
• An outstanding dance faculty

The program is serious and comprehensive, teaching students to love dance, whether their goal is to become a professional dancer or to seek careers unrelated to the performing arts. The discipline, perseverance and intelligence required to succeed in the performing arts serves the students well in other aspects of their lives, both in and out of the classroom. The Dance School cultivates and promotes these character traits, regardless of whether or not they intend to pursue a career in dance.

After School
The After School program is based on a three-year cycle. During the first year of this cycle, classes focus on dance technique. The second year includes part of the second semester teaching choreography, ending in an informal "pau hana" (end of work) concert on stage with simple costumes, but without sets or lighting. In the third year, students present a huge "triennial" recital, with an original story, elaborate costumes, full makeup, and professionally designed sets and lighting. The 2009-10 school year is a triennial year.

Summer School
Over a five-week period during the summer, the dance school offers the same dance courses as the regular school year. Classes are held earlier in the afternoon, and in the morning a survey course is offered for younger students called "Dance Awareness", which exposes them to ballet, jazz, musical theatre, tap and Polynesian ethnic dance.