Upper School (7-12)

Many extracurricular and athletic opportunities are available.

Students in grades 7 and 8 build the social and academic skills that help them succeed in the 9 -12 academic program.

Upon entering ninth grade a student's formal college-preparatory course work begins. Grades earned during the final four years at Iolani compose the transcript that is sent to colleges.

As students mature, they are given increasing control over their free time. They learn the rewards of using their free periods wisely to study, conduct research and seek help as needed.

What's New - stories and articles of interest regarding Upper School Academics at Iolani

For specific adademic areas, please explore the links in the left-hand column.  For general information, please see below:

Course of Study
A Typical 6-Year Program
Diploma Requirements
Provision for Gifted and Accelerated Students
Examinations and Reports
Honors and Advanced Placement
Independent Study

Course of Study

The curriculum of Iolani is designed to meet the entrance requirements of leading colleges. At the same time, it is sufficiently flexible and broad of scope to meet individual needs.

Minimal requirements for a diploma (see below) are supplemented by electives which depend on the aptitudes and interests of each student. Each student makes up a course of study annually in consultation with parents, counselors, the Dean of Upper School, and the appropriate department head.

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Diploma Requirements

Students take a minimum of four courses each semester, not including art, music, and physical education. Five courses are encouraged, and no student will be allowed to take more than six courses. See current catalogue for specific details.

Sixteen units are required for a diploma. They must include the following:

1. Four years of English.

2. Three years of the same foreign language and through the sophomore year.*

3. Three years of math through Algebra II and math through the junior year.*

4. Three years of history including History of the Modern World in Grade 9 and U.S. History in Grade 11.

5. Two years of science, one of which must be biology and the other a choice of chemistry, chem com, physics, or conceptual physics.

6. Required courses in art, music, religion, guidance, and physical education.

* A grade of C- or higher is required for placement in the next sequential level.

The rest of a student’s courses may be selected from a wide range of electives to bring the total to sixteen.

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Provision for Gifted and Accelerated Students

Iolani accommodates students of all ability levels. Just as extra help from teachers and peer tutors assists those having trouble with a subject, a variety of provisions is also available for gifted and accelerated students.

Advanced Placement courses are offered in 15 different subject areas, from English and history to calculus and all three major sciences. Languages, computer and art also offer advanced placement courses culminating in AP exams which may earn a student college credit while still in high school. Students may also accelerate in math, computer and languages commensurate with their talent and background.

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Examinations and Reports

Final examinations are held at the end of each semester and test the work of terminating courses. The grade received on the final examination is averaged as 20% of the final grade for the semester or year.

Reports are sent to the parents of all students at the end of each quarter (see School Calendar). In addition, mid-quarter reports are mailed to parents if a student is having academic difficulty.

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A Typical Six-Year Program

The following six-year program will serve as a general guide for entering students:

* One quarter each subject, meeting every day.
** Two quarters each.
One semester of Religion must be taken in Grade 10, 11, or 12.

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Honors and Advanced Placement Expectations

Students are expected to maintain an average of 80 or better in honors and advanced placement courses. Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP examination. Failure to do so without prior administrative approval will result in a failure for the course.

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Independent Study Program

Seniors and second semester juniors are eligible to present a proposal for independent study in a subject not offered as a regular course at Iolani. A student may request honors or regular weighting or a pass-fail grade. The proposal must be approved by the Dean of Upper School; interested students should see the Dean for information.

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