80 Hawaii Military Guide • Summer-Fall 2026 YOUTH EDUCATION since these institutions typically set their own age requirements. More than 97 percent of Hawaii’s five-year-old keiki already attend kindergarten voluntarily. Under the Enrollment tab, select the Quick Start section and click on Military Families. There, you’ll find helpful information on School Liaison Officers, Transition Centers, Federal Impact Aid, and answers to frequently asked questions. All information is designed to support military-connected families navigating the school system. PRESCHOOL OPTIONS Oahu offers a wide range of preschool options to fit different family needs, schedules, and educational styles. Families can choose from private preschools, faith-based programs, Montessori and play-based schools, as well as community and non-profit centers centers that focus on social-emotional and early academic development. There are also free public pre-kindergarten programs available through the Executive Office on Early is divided into seven districts, with each district subdivided into complex areas. Each complex area is a regional grouping of two to four complexes that include high schools, plus the middle and elementary schools feeding into them. Schools follow national guidelines administered by the DOE. The State of Hawaii has no DoD schools. All children ages 5-18 must attend school unless approved for Homeschooling. Under the Enrollment Tab of HawaiiPublicSchools.org, go to the Learning Opportunities column and click on Home-school for details on this education option. Middle and high schools are required to provide 990 hours of instruction annually, or an average of 5.5 hours per school day. Hawaii’s education laws require that children turning five years old on or before July 31st enter kindergarten in the upcoming SY. For example, children who turned five on or before July 31st are required to enroll for the 2026-27 SY. The law does not make the July 31st cut off mandatory for private schools CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Christian Academy is a private Christian school which offers classes from preschool through high school. Christian Academy is a fully accredited (ACSI/ WASC) preschool to 12th grade school with a secure, air-conditioned campus, conveniently located just minutes from Fort Shafter, Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam, and Camp Smith, with easy access to the H-201 and H-3 freeways. Since 1981, we’ve partnered with families to nurture young hearts and minds, helping students grow into servants, stewards, scholars, and statesmen with a mind for truth and a heart for God. Our preschool to 12th grade programs foster whole child development in a structured, nurturing environment, grounded in Biblical principles. The academy believes the Bible as the only foundation for sound learning and reasoning by principles in every subject that forms the basis for a biblical worldview and life. For more information or schedule a tour, visit www.capatriots.org or call 808-836-0233. THE COLE ACADEMY The Cole Academy provides Hawaii’s finest early education. Features at The Cole Academy include low student-to-teacher ratios and small class size, high-tech security, exquisite surroundings with private outdoor playgrounds, art and music facilities, large class areas in serene settings, and health and safety features including infrared automatic faucets throughout, in addition to brand-new facilities, materials and toys. The Cole Academy’s whole-child philosophy fosters academic, social and emotional development at an age-appropriate pace specific to each individual child in our care. Our advanced curriculum is consistently updated to ensure it’s adapting to the latest developmental research and proven models. Our curriculum highlights include motor skills, movement, music, social skills, and kindergarten readiness. Military subsidies are accepted. Call 808-531-4500 to schedule a tour or visit www. TheColeAcademy.com.
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