Counseling

The Counseling Department promotes student success by supporting and maximizing academic achievement and by fostering personal and social development.

Counselors at ‘Iolani School help students understand themselves and the challenges they face. Further concerns may be addressed by the Director of Social and Emotional Health.

There are four counselors in the Lower School (K-6) and counselors for each grade level in grades 7-12. Two support counselors are also available for day students (grades 7-12) and boarding students (grades 9-12). There are seven college counselors, who advise students in grades 9-12. The student/counselor ratio in grades K-6 is 225 students per counselor, in grades 7-8 is 137 students per counselor and grades 9-12 is 90 students per counselor.

The counselors meet individually with all students in their grade level during their first year together. New students and students with academic, personal or developmental concerns receive additional attention.

Counselors work closely with each other, parents, the faculty and the administration to ensure that special concerns are handled appropriately and consistently.

‘Iolani offers a Guidance program for all students. In grades K-6, all students have guidance lessons throughout the year. All seventh graders take a nine-week Guidance course that covers self-esteem, friendships, assertiveness, the changes of adolescence, and etiquette. Counselors teach lessons on course planning, GPA and the American Education System, during ninth grade Advisory sessions, as well as preparation for course registration. The college counselors also meet during Advisory to introduce college counseling and the college admissions process.

In August, new students come to ‘Iolani to meet school personnel and other new students and to tour the campus. Counselors meet with small groups of new students in September to answer questions about academic and extracurricular activities.