I attended Punahou from 6th through graduation. I noticed that the lower-rated reviews cite Kamehameha and Iolani as having better athletics, academics, activities, and a superior social environment. This is largely incorrect. For the past two years, Punahou has won an untouchable 13 and 16 state titles,
... Read more respectively, and in 2008 was rated by Sports Illustrated as the #1 high school athletic program in America (Kamehameha/Iolani were not on the list.) As for academics, Iolani pushes harder, but at the expense of a well-rounded education and self-motivation. At Punahou, students are encouraged to excel, but also to cherish the concept of ideas and the learning process. I was middle class and I had no problem fitting in. If you can't afford a Lexus, nobody (worthwhile) cares. As for activities, Punahou Carnival, anyone?? I've been on campus on every single day of the year and there's always something going on. Go Puns! Read less
Punahou is a good school because it offers alot of opportunities for its students, especially for college. Its one of the best in the state for athletics in high school and the academics are great for college prep. While others say Kamehemeha and Iolani are better schools, I disagree because I think
... Read more Punahou does a better job in the development of a child. Some people think that all Punahou students are 'stuck-up', but that is obviously the opinion of those who don't know us. All schools have students that feel superior to their fellow classmates or others in the community because of social or economic background. Its okay for us to have pride, just like any other school would, but because our parents or whoever paid for it, most of us are grateful. Read less
Posted by a student on 09/02/09
I really felt like I needed to set some things straight here after reading the reviews of Punahou. I'm writing this as a graduate who attended Punahou for 13 years. Money & Materialism: while many Punahou families were very wealthy, most kids did not flaunt their wealth. I was a scholarship student and
... Read more I did not feel any socio-economic discrimination. Secondly, Punahou is WAY BETTER academically than Kamehameha. Third, to this day I list Punahou on my resume and it has gotten me in the door of countless recruiters on my college campus. In fact I have been offered jobs simply because I went to Punahou. Lastly, Punahou is one big family. The teachers are outstanding, the campus is beautiful and you get one heck of an education. Read less
Posted by a other on 06/04/09
I have been attending Punahou since kindergarten. Overall, I love the campus, the teachers, the courses, the opportunities, and the diverse student body. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I have not noticed much emphasis on materialism and economic status, especialy not from the school. The teachers
... Read more and students are all from diverse social and economic backgrounds. If anything, the students who come from difficult social or economic backgrounds are admired for their perseverance and love of learning. Of course, just like at any other school, there are a few slacker students, a few not-so-kind students, and a few not-so-great teachers. However, you will find that there are many more students who love learning and giving back to the community, and many more teachers who love teaching and their students. Read less
Posted by a student on 05/10/09
While I agree Punahou has outstanding teachers, curriculum and facilities, it saddens me that there is too much emphasis and competition between students on materialistic & socio-economic status. You are all there for a common cause - to get a good education. Don't flaunt your money or wealth - it's
... Read more not polite and shows how shallow you are. Have some compassion as your fellow student may not be as fortunate. Read less
Posted by a other on 04/10/09
Great school. Very big & huge offering for gifted & talented scholars & athletes. Great arts program tool
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Posted by a parent on 03/25/09
You better have money to attend this school, otherwise you won't fit in. Parents focus on money and kids often group according to economic background.
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Posted by a student on 03/13/09
I am single parent, working hard and making a lot of sacrifices, to allow my son to study at Punahou School. They have a solid history of producing and nurturing their students to be involved, well-rounded, active and contributing leaders in their global community. The culture is one of a big family,
... Read more where attention is paid to the children's physical health, social well being, as well as intellectual development. My son and I are so happy to be a part of the Punahou School family. Read less
Posted by a parent on 03/06/09
While I agree that Punahou is a greatg school, I believe that it has been highly overrated lately with the current president-elect Obama, having went graduated from that school. I would also agree that Iolani and Kamehameha exceed Punahou as far as academics, sports, speech and debate, and their college
... Read more prepatory program. Read less
Accounting, Keyboarding/Typing, ROTC, Phys Ed, Word Processing
Arts
Art
Music
Band, Choral, Music, Orchestra
Computer Science
Computer Programming, Computer Science
Fine Arts
Dance, Drama
Special Education
Early Childhood Special Needs, Gifted Students
English
Speech/Debate
Math
Trigonometry
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Honolulu schools — Punahou School is located at 1601 Punahou St, Honolulu HI 96822. 1601 Punahou St is in the Manoa neighborhood and 96822 ZIP code in Honolulu, HI Punahou School is a Private school that serves grade levels K - 12.
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Test Score Ratings
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experience, academic programs, extracurricular activities, resources for special needs students, etc. These ratings are
not provided by the state Department of Education, which may have their own rating systems.
