At ‘Iolani, you are known

The Lower School experience offers each student individualized attention, a sense of unconditional belonging, joyful friendships, rich experiences and the foundation for an enduring love of learning.

Along with stellar academics, ‘Iolani Lower School (grades K-6) also provides students with continuous physical, social, emotional, artistic and spiritual development. They develop tenacity, persistence and humility, embracing challenges with resilience and celebrating accomplishments with grace. Regular communication and progress reports keep parents informed, and our dedicated faculty collaborates to help each child unlock their full potential.

Infused throughout is our “One Team” ethos of mutual cooperation, as students learn to take care of their community, practice collective responsibility and understand that true achievement comes from supporting one another.

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Academic Programs

LANGUAGE ARTS

The Lower School Language Arts program guides students on a journey to become confident communicators, instilling a genuine love for reading and writing that lasts a lifetime. Beginning in kindergarten, instruction is balanced across phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension to ensure early reading mastery. As students grow, they confidently shift past the stage of learning to read the words, and instead, wholeheartedly use reading as the pathway to understand new ideas and acquire a richer vocabulary. Writing is taught as an integrated practice, serving as the voice for learning across other disciplines, as well as communicating their thoughts and ideas.

MATH

‘Iolani Lower School believes that math is an integral part of everyday life that should be approachable, exciting and empowering for all students. We emphasize the "why" behind mathematical concepts and encourage students to understand and explain their reasoning, develop a strong number sense, and feel confident and successful in their mathematical endeavors. We foster a growth mindset and encourage perseverance, embracing challenges and trying new things. Our early elementary math journey emphasizes hands-on, interactive, experiences that allow for various pathways to understanding. With understanding firmly in place, the program shifts toward strengthening computational fluency and problem-solving through structured practice and real-world applications, building a strong foundation for abstract thinking in the upper grades. At ‘Iolani, everyone is a mathematician who can approach mathematics with confidence and a strong foundation.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The K–6 Social Studies program lays a strong foundation for students to grow as informed, compassionate and culturally aware citizens. In grades K-3, students explore their own identities, family stories and communities, building empathy and a sense of responsibility through essential questions, Hawaiian cultural practices and the "Habits of Mind." As they progress through grades 4-6, students deepen their understanding of the world through historical inquiry, civic engagement, geography and economics. They examine local and global perspectives — beginning with Ancient Hawai‘i and moving through U.S. history and early world civilizations — learning to connect the past to the present and reflect on their role in shaping a just and sustainable future. Across all grades, our Social Studies program fosters critical thinking, curiosity and a deep appreciation for the diverse stories that shape who we are as individuals and as a global community.

SCIENCE

The Lower School Science curriculum fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world. Through hands-on exploration, inquiry-based learning, outdoor learning experiences and age-appropriate investigations, students develop foundational scientific concepts and critical thinking skills. Our program emphasizes observation, experimentation and data analysis, encouraging students to ask questions, formulate hypotheses and draw conclusions. Students explore a diverse range of topics, including life sciences, physical sciences, earth and space sciences, and environmental stewardship. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of science and equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex and technologically advanced world.

 

Cocurricular Programs

MUSIC, DANCE, VISUAL ART, DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY, Library, and PERFORMING ARTS

All K-3 students enjoy weekly classes in Visual Art, Music, Dance, Library, and Design & Technology. These enriching classes are led by world-class faculty in state-of-the-art facilities. Students in grades 4-6 continue to participate in Visual Art and Design & Technology, while also choosing a Performing Arts Department (PAD) course in which to specialize.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The PE curriculum highlights physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship, while fostering goal setting, perseverance and lifelong wellness habits. Beginning in first grade, students participate in swimming, which continues through the Lower School and into the Upper School, helping them build water safety, confidence and endurance. Students learn motor skills and then apply skills in team games that emphasize strategy, collaboration and fair play. In grades 5-6, students demonstrate their developing athleticism and stamina by participating in a swim and run biathlon, celebrating effort, progress and achievement.

RELIGION

Religion class is a component of the Lower School curriculum designed to uphold the school's Episcopal identity and ethos, and to develop a deepened inner life by engaging students in a reasoned exploration of faith and spirituality. The aim of the Lower School Religion class, which occurs once a cycle, is to nurture the growth of well-rounded individuals and responsible global citizens. The program supports the school's efforts to foster social and emotional health, ensuring the religious instruction strengthens the welcoming and nurturing atmosphere of the community.

COUNSELING AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Lower School counselors support students in kindergarten through sixth grade by fostering their academic, social and emotional development in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Each counselor provides individual and group support as needed, while collaborating closely with teachers, parents and administrators to monitor and respond to student needs. We also play a key role in helping new students transition into the school, facilitating community-building activities and working alongside the Chaplain’s Office and the Director of Social and Emotional Health to ensure students receive well-rounded care. Through these efforts, Lower School counselors help create a strong foundation for student well-being and success throughout the K-6 years.

Additionally, through the Caring School Community program, each K-5 classroom offers activities, resources and curriculum designed to foster a sense of belonging among all students. Starting in sixth grade, students participate in an advisory program that focuses on age-appropriate topics related to social and emotional wellbeing.