Head of School's Welcome

Timothy R. Cottrell, Ph.D.

Aloha,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to explore the vibrant community that is ‘Iolani School. We are honored to share that, according to NICHE.COM, ‘Iolani School has been recognized as the #1 Best K-12 Private School in Hawai‘i for the fourth consecutive year. This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and our dedication to providing an exceptional educational experience for students in grades K-12.

At ‘Iolani, we embrace both tradition and change to create a learning environment that best prepares our students for their future. Our campus reflects the commitment we have to innovation, collaboration, and imagination. Recent additions include the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership, the Residence Hall, the K-1 Community, the Kaneshiro Science and Innovation Center, the Sidney and Minnie Kosasa Performance Studios, and the Ai Family Learning Center. Each of these new buildings is a dynamic space intentionally designed for our students to explore, create and grow. 

We are also blessed to announce the upcoming Arrillaga Student Center, a 60,000-square-foot, three-story building set to open in Winter 2025. This new center will be a cornerstone of our campus, designed to promote community, culture, and connection. It will offer ‘Iolani students many opportunities.  

At the heart of our mission is the "One Team" ethos. "One Team" is the name we give to the culture and values by which we live as a community every day. Caring for each other, teamwork, gratitude and humility are the foundation on which the remarkable level of achievement associated with ‘Iolani unfolds. Our curricula emphasize a balance of intellectual rigor, spiritual growth, and personal development, fostering individuals who are not only academically adept but also compassionate and morally grounded. This is a true reflection of our Episcopal heritage. ‘Iolani is a place where every student can thrive, develop confidence and contribute meaningfully to the community. 

Our diverse student body is a rich tapestry of backgrounds, talents and perspectives. This diversity enhances our educational experience and prepares ‘Iolani graduates for active, informed and productive citizenship, both locally and globally. 

At ‘Iolani, we are "One Team" — rich in tradition, dedicated to each other and the community, and courageous in our embrace of the future. 

Mahalo for considering ‘Iolani School as a partner in your family's educational journey.

‘Iolani nō ka ‘oi!

Timothy R. Cottrell, Ph.D.
Head of School