40 HAWAII PARENT May/June 2025 (WASC), and Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA). Many colleges are looking for students with diplomas from accredited high schools – so be sure that your private school choice will allow your child to pursue higher education if they so desire. COST Hawaii’s private schools range from $2,000 a year to over $20,000 a year. But do not necessarily rule out a school that may appear out of your budget. Though you may wince at the sticker price, financial aid could be readily available. You never know what assistance you might be eligible for if you don’t apply. That said, do not put all your eggs in one basket; apply to more than one school, including those within your price range. While you should not bank on the notion that you will receive financial aid, you do not want to discredit the idea either and miss an opportunity. TEACHERS AND FACULTY Each private school is sure to have different standards and educational requirements for their teachers. These requirements also differ from the standards and requirements at many public schools. The Department of Education may require head teachers to have a specific degree and amount of experience, but a smaller school may use volunteer members as classroom aides. While a degree is not always indicative of a passion for teaching, you should feel free to ask about the qualifications that are important to you. Some private schools may have even stricter requirements for their staff members, as they may be able to offer higher salaries. In order to make the best decision for your child and family, sit down and make a list of what you are looking for in a private school – and then prioritize that list. It is not always possible to find a school that HALE KEIKI SCHOOL At Hale Keiki School, we are dedicated to providing an integrated academic program that nurtures the whole child. Our curriculum prepares students to thrive socially, emotionally, academically, morally, aesthetically, and physically. Recognizing that each child is unique, our faculty uses differentiated, rigorous, and hands-on lessons to promote individual growth. We emphasize a variety of teaching strategies that support the total development of our students, helping them build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Our experienced faculty and staff foster a nurturing, engaging environment and help students develop confidence and a love of learning. The curriculum includes core subjects such as math, science, creative arts, social studies, physical education, and library skills, along with basic computer instruction from first through fourth grade. We also offer enrichment programs and clubs—including Spanish, chess, drama, art, and soccer—that allow students to explore their interests. Our summer enrichment programs provide fun, hands-on experiences that build academic and social-emotional skills. At Hale Keiki, we value strong partnerships with families. Our Parent Teacher Organization supports the school community, which includes both military and local families. We invite you to discover the Hale Keiki difference—schedule a tour and see how our commitment to excellence can benefit your child.
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