Admission

Tuition

Tuition does not reflect the full cost of a Punahou education, which is partially underwritten by the school’s endowment and by generous gifts from the school community.

In its annual tuition review, Punahou strives to balance the need to keep any increase to a minimum with the need to sustain the overarching excellence of its teachers and programs.

Tuition for the 2020 – 2021 school year for Kindergarten – Grade 12 is $26,975.

What Tuition Covers

List of 2 items.

  • Kindergarten – Grade 8

    In addition to the broad curriculum and fully integrated access to technology, tuition also includes certain counseling costs, classroom supplies, manual arts and art courses, student government activities, publications, drama fees, field trip fees and Na ‘Opio, the Junior School yearbook. A book rental fee is included in Kindergarten – grade 6.

    A testing fee at each grade level is also included, covering all group testing.

    • Grade 4 tuition includes the two-day, on-island exploration trip.
    • Grade 5 tuition includes a three-day exploration trip to the island of Hawai‘i.
    • Grade 6 tuition covers the four-day Camp Timberline experience, part of the regular curriculum.
    • Grades 6 – 8 tuition includes admission to all regularly scheduled interscholastic contests in which Punahou is competing, a book locker, athletic locker and towel service.
    • Grade 8 tuition includes a three-day Camp Mokuleia experience, part of the regular curriculum

    Lunches and snacks are not covered by tuition.

  • Grades 9 – 12

    In addition to the broad curriculum and fully integrated access to technology, tuition also includes the Oahuan (the Academy yearbook), a monthly (roughly) copy of Ka Punahou (the Academy newspaper) and the literary magazine Ka Wai Ola, as well as athletic locker and book locker, towel service, certain counseling costs and activities support for events authorized by the student government.

    Admission to all regularly scheduled interscholastic contests in which Punahou is a competitor (with the exception of League and State championship events) and all Punahou dramatic productions (except Variety Show) are included.

    Tuition also covers a group testing fee at appropriate grade levels, including College Boards for juniors. Students in grade 12 take various tests, including Advanced Placement examinations, which are charged individually.

    Lunches and snacks are not covered by tuition.

Payment

Upon a student's enrollment, the payment of tuition and fees for the full academic year is an unconditional obligation.

No portion of tuition or fees paid or outstanding will be refunded or cancelled notwithstanding the absence, withdrawal or dismissal of the child from Punahou School during the academic year. This obligation may be cancelled by notifying Punahou School in writing on or before June 30 preceding the school year that the child will not enroll.

Tuition is payable annually, by the semester, or monthly:

  • Annual payment is made in a single installment in July.
  • Semester payment is made in two installments, one in July and one in December.
  • Monthly payments are made in 10 installments beginning in July.
    ** An additional charge is added to cover handling costs.
 
There is a charge of 1% per month on all unpaid student account balances at the end of each month. Parents are reminded the student will be charged to repair or replace all damage to property, deliberate or due to negligence. No senior will receive a diploma or detailed record of work at Punahou until the account is paid in full.

Tuition Insurance

Punahou offers a Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) which provides assistance in meeting a family's tuition obligations in case of withdrawal, dismissal or extended medical absence.

Participation in the TRP is required of families who choose the monthly or semester payment options, as well as families who receive financial aid.
  • Consider Applying for Financial Aid Consider Applying for Financial Aid
    Over 900 students received almost $10.2 million in need-based aid last year. A family’s financial status and application for financial aid are not part of Punahou's admission criteria.

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