Since its founding in 1841, Punahou School has educated students to become the next generation of leaders and innovators. Learn about our rich history, visionary leadership and guiding principles.
Start your Punahou journey with our simple, supportive admissions process – designed to get to know your child as a whole person. From application to assessments, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
To begin your journey with us, please submit an application along with a non-refundable fee. The application asks for some basic information about your child and family, helping us get to know you better. It’s a simple first step, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Teacher References give us insight into your child’s learning style and classroom experience, helping us to see your child through the eyes of those who know them in a school setting. We kindly encourage families to give teachers at least one month to complete the forms; this allows them time to provide thoughtful reflections while balancing their many responsibilities.
As part of our holistic admissions process, we aim to get to know your child through a variety of age-appropriate assessments, in a thoughtful and well-rounded way. These may include individual and group activities, standardized tests, and interviews. We understand that your child shines in their own way, and this is just one opportunity among many for us to see their unique strengths.
We ask families to submit their child’s report cards as part of the application. These help us understand your child’s academic progress and growth over time. Don’t worry, we know that every child is on their own learning journey, and we view report cards as just one part of the bigger picture.