AMERICAN RENAISSANCE ACADEMY

ABOUT ARA

Founded in 2007, American Renaissance Academy (ARA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, independent, co-educational, and fully accredited college preparatory school founded on the principles of offering small class size, individualized attention, the incorporation of technology, and a strong emphasis on the performing arts.

FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS

Guiding Principles

OUR VISION

To enable our students to achieve their fullest potential prepared to compete and lead in an evolving global society.

Empowering young minds through individualized mentorship and transformative academic rigor.

OUR MISSION

American Renaissance Academy provides students a rigorous, individualized, and comprehensive college-preparatory education. This is accomplished by challenging students to think critically and creatively while instilling in them a passion for artistic growth and life-long learning.

Cultivating intellectual curiosity, expressive confidence, and high moral character in every scholar.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & WHOLE-CHILD PHILOSOPHY

Student Learner Outcomes

The Academy's foundation centers around dynamic small classes. The ability to individualize curriculum delivery, while nurturing student-directed learning, provides boundless opportunities for performance excellence.

The Academy builds a solid educational foundation by focusing on targeting specific competencies, literacies, requirements, standards, and skills at each grade level while supporting the Academy's Student Learner Outcomes. This ensures that our students are prepared for the future.

Our families and the greater community are essential partners in the educational equation as we reach and teach the whole child.

01 : OUTCOME

Quality Producer

  • Creates products and works that reflect thought and originality with the highest standards.
  • Is self-directed with the abilities to set priorities and achievable goals as evidenced by good planning, organization, time management, collaboration, and completion of tasks.
  • Demonstrates the capacity to recognize and produce quality performances, services, and outstanding products.

02 : OUTCOME

Critical Thinker

  • Recognizes and takes proactive initiative to solve real-life challenges and complex problems.
  • Remains creative, inquisitive, and genuinely open to innovative perspectives.
  • Identifies and methodically pursues personal goals that are both ambitious and attainable.
  • Demonstrates a versatile capacity to apply acquired knowledge to an evolving world.

03 : OUTCOME

Effective Communicator

  • Confidently conveys complex ideas through oral, written, artistic, and technological communication modes.
  • Exhibits exemplary skills in collaboration, negotiation, conflict resolution, active listening, teamwork, and compromise.
  • Expresses ideas clearly, creatively, and with respect for socially appropriate behavior across diverse languages.

04 : OUTCOME

Principled Citizen

  • Contributes meaningful time, energy, and talents to improve school, community, country, and the world.
  • Is culturally minded with an authentic appreciation for our diverse global society.
  • Demonstrates unyielding personal integrity, perseverance, empathy, and environmental stewardship.
  • Understands and upholds the responsibilities of a productive global citizen.

05 : OUTCOME

Technologically

Literate

  • Utilizes a comprehensive range of technologies and digital media to access information and demonstrate mastery.
  • Demonstrates a profound understanding of legal, ethical implications, and expectations of technology use.
  • Critically evaluates the contextual validity, authority, and reliability of digital and internet resources.

06 : OUTCOME

Balanced Lifelong Learner

  • Understands the vital importance of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional balance to achieve enduring well-being.
  • Seamlessly applies classroom learning to real-life situations and real-world impact.
  • Sets ambitious short-term and long-term learning goals while taking disciplined initiative.
  • Prioritizes commitments, time, and resources with wisdom and clarity.

DISTINCTIVE EXCELLENCE

Experience The
Griffin Difference

Three core pillars define the daily student experience at American Renaissance Academy, fostering academic rigor, creative exploration, and authentic community.

01

Extended School Day

8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.

Learning Lab is built into the school day, giving students additional time to work on homework before they leave campus, leaving more time for family in the evenings.

On-campus after-school programs allow students to transition directly from the school day into enrichment activities without the need for additional school pick-up and activity drop-off.

02

Focus on Academics & the Arts

As a college preparatory school, students experience rigorous and relevant learning experiences in Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science.

Students are encouraged to develop well-rounded interests through the incorporation of the Arts, including visual arts, acting, dance, and music.

The Academy works with professionals in the music, television, and film industries to bring unique experiences and opportunities to students.

03

Safe & Nurturing Environment

The Academy prides itself on being an 'ohana, a family, that provides a safe environment for students to try new things, learn from their mistakes, and be of service to others.

INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRITY & RECOGNITION

ACCREDITATIONS

American Renaissance Academy is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization operating as an independent, accredited college preparatory school with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The Academy is an institution in good standing with the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). We are members of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Accredited College Preparatory Institution

HAWAIʻI DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Institution in Good Standing

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Active Member Institution

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS


Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)


American Counseling Association


National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)


National Honor

Society


National Junior

Honor Society

GET TO KNOW ARA

About ARA: Where Every Student Can Grow

Discover what makes American Renaissance Academy distinctive, from individualized college preparation and a close-knit ʻohana environment to opportunities in the performing arts and athletics.

How would you describe American Renaissance Academy?

American Renaissance Academy is a private college preparatory school in Kapolei serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Accredited by WASC, ARA provides a rigorous, individualized, and comprehensive college preparatory education that develops critical thinking, creativity, artistic growth, and lifelong learning. The Academy also places an emphasis on performing arts and specialty sports and athletic programs.

What makes ARA different from other private schools on Oʻahu?

ARA combines small class sizes and a close-knit ʻohana environment with an extended school day from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Learning Lab is built into the school day, giving students additional time for academic responsibilities.

Performing arts and musical theatre begin in Kindergarten, while students in Grades 6–8 can participate in a specialty sports focus program. ARA also has a competitive swim team and an Olympic-size pool on campus. The swim team has traveled to international swim meets representing Team USA.

What grade levels does ARA serve?

ARA serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, allowing families to find a college preparatory education within one school community.

What is ARA's typical class size and student-to-teacher ratio?

ARA's supplied student-to-teacher ratio is approximately 16:1. The school emphasizes small classes and individualized attention to support students in their learning.

What does it mean to be part of the ARA ʻohana?

ARA's ʻohana environment encourages students to explore their interests, take chances, learn from mistakes, serve others, and develop the best version of themselves in a safe and nurturing setting.

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