Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘Iolani eSchool?
‘Iolani eSchool is an online educational program offered by ‘Iolani School to high school students living in Hawaii. It delivers quality instruction by master teachers in a technologically-rich and supportive environment.
Who can enroll?
Currently enrollment is limited to high school students living on Oahu. Typically students entering grades 11 and 12 are eligible to apply for Advanced Placement courses although exemptions can be made for highly qualified students entering tenth grade.
Summer PSAT and SAT prep courses are open to students entering grades 10, 11, and 12, and the summer writing class is open to all high school students.
Why would I want to enroll?
‘Iolani eSchool provides classes that may not be available at your high school. It offers the opportunity for rigorous advanced placement college coursework at a flexible and individualized pace. If you are home-schooled, you have access to teacher-taught classes through your internet connection at home.
How do I enroll?
Admission information and the online application are available by clicking on the links at the left. Students registering for an Advanced Placement course must satisfy all the prerequisites and be accepted to the class before enrolling.
Applications for the 2009-10 school year are available in September, 2008, and registration closes as soon as a class is full.
Students applying to AP courses are admitted on a rolling basis. Once we receive all the required documents, the application is reviewed. Students receive an email response within three weeks letting them know if they have received approval to take the course(s).
What courses are offered?
Classes are listed in the Course Catalog. Be sure to read the course requirements before completing the online application.
How expensive are online courses?
There is no application fee for Summer School, PSAT/SAT prep or writing courses. The fee to apply to eSchool Advanced Placement course(s) is $50. It is non-refundable and allows a student access to ‘Iolani eSchool courses for one school year. The tuition for a year-long Advanced Placement course is $1,300 and includes the fee for the AP exam and headphones. Textbooks are not included. Tuition varies for semester courses.
Limited financial aid is available. For more information, click on Tuition and Fees link and the Financial Aid.
How does an online course compare to a regular course?
Being in an online class is like being in a face-to-face class because you complete assignments, quizzes, tests, projects and participate in discussions. Communication occurs using online tools such as e-mail, chats, threaded discussions, and online meetings. It is different than a face-to-face class because you don’t physically see your teacher or the other students on a regular basis. For the most part, you don’t have to be online working at the same time.
The rigor of an Advanced Placement online course is no different than the rigor of an Advanced Placement course taught at ‘Iolani. There is significant difference, however, in the flexibility the online course offers.
How long will I have to complete a course?
Advanced Placement courses usually run 36 weeks, or two semesters. Students must maintain a minimum pace and meet their deadlines to remain in the course.
Summer School classes last 6 weeks.
What if a I have questions or problems while taking a course?
At the beginning of each semester, teachers post their virtual office hours. They can be reached by e-mail or during threaded discussions and online chats.
Technical support is available 24/7 at the Helpdesk.
What if I am unable to complete the course?
It is important that you communicate any difficulty you are having with the instructor as soon as possible. If after working closely with the instructor, you find that you are unable to meet your commitment or that the work is too difficult, you can drop the course. Please consult the Refund Policy for specifics.
