American Renaissance Academy is a private college-preparatory school in Kapolei serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. ARA combines college preparation with an emphasis on performing arts and specialty sports and athletic programs. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ARA provides a rigorous, individualized, comprehensive college-preparatory education that develops critical thinking, creativity, artistic growth, and lifelong learning.

ARA offers small class sizes, a close-knit ʻohana environment, and an extended school day from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Learning Lab is built into the school day. Performing arts and musical theatre begin in Kindergarten, while students in Grades 6-8 can participate in a specialty sports program. ARA also has a competitive swim team and an Olympic-size pool on campus. The swim team has traveled to an international swim meet representing Team USA.

Families may choose ARA for its small, nurturing environment, small class sizes, extended school day, built-in Learning Lab, caring and dedicated faculty, Kindergarten-through-Grade-12 education, performing arts involvement, and sports and athletic training opportunities.

ARA may be a good fit for students who benefit from smaller classes and individualized attention and enjoy actively participating in their learning. Students interested in the arts, creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning may appreciate ARA's educational environment. The school may also appeal to students interested in focused sports and agility training, including swimmers who enjoy competition.

ARA serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.

ARA continues to accept enrollment and transfer applications throughout the year, so enrollment changes over time. Contact the school for current information.

ARA's supplied information lists a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 16:1. Contact the school for additional information about typical class sizes.

ARA's reported student-to-teacher ratio is approximately 16:1.

ARA provides rigorous, individualized, comprehensive college preparation. Its educational philosophy emphasizes critical and creative thinking, student-directed learning, the arts, and educating the whole child.

ARA's ʻohana reflects a safe and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests, take chances, learn from mistakes, serve others, and develop into the best version of themselves.

Begin by connecting with the Admissions team before applying. Families can submit an online inquiry or call the school to arrange a campus visit.

1. Submit an inquiry or schedule a campus visit.
2. Complete the online application and pay the application fee.
3. Complete the additional online questions.
4. Submit the required supporting documents to Admissions.
5. Distribute the appropriate teacher-reference forms.
6. Complete the required admissions assessment. Admissions determines whether an interview is also needed.
7. Receive the admissions decision.
8. If accepted, receive the enrollment contract through SignNow.
9. Create an online FACTS account.
10. Arrange the deposit and tuition payment schedule through FACTS.
11. Receive a follow-up email with additional next steps.
12. Obtain access to the Parent Portal.

Yes. Families can contact Admissions to arrange a campus visit by appointment.

Contact Admissions at (808) 682-7337 or submit an online inquiry through arahawaii.org.

Student visits and shadowing opportunities are considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact Admissions to discuss your student's situation.

ARA accepts enrollment applications throughout the year.

Yes. ARA accepts applications year-round. Admission and placement depend on the school's review and available space.

Families can begin by completing the online application at arahawaii.org. No supporting documents are required simply to begin the application. Additional supporting documents may be requested during the admissions process. Follow the instructions provided by Admissions.

The application fee is $100. Early-bird specials or other discounts may occasionally be available. Contact Admissions to confirm any current offers.

An admissions assessment is required. Admissions determines whether an interview is also needed based on the student's supporting documentation and assessment. Students are assessed in Reading, Comprehension, Writing, and Math at the grade level for which they are applying.

ARA reviews and considers every document submitted as part of the student's application file.

The process is estimated to take approximately two to four weeks from start to finish. The timeline depends on how quickly supporting documents are submitted and the assessment can be scheduled.

After acceptance, the family receives a “Next Step” email with further instructions to help prepare the student for school.

The student may be placed on a waiting list. If a space becomes available, the family will be notified.

ARA offers sibling discounts for families enrolling multiple children. The discount amount depends on the number of siblings enrolled. Contact Admissions for current details.

• Kindergarten-Grade 5: $17,300
• Grades 6-12: $18,300

Contact ARA to confirm the applicable tuition for the intended enrollment period.

For families choosing the two-payment or eleven-payment plan, tuition includes Tuition Refund Plan Insurance.

• Lunch and snacks: Not included in tuition. Students may bring lunch and snacks from home.
• School supplies: Required supplies vary by grade level. Students receive a list of required items.
• Books: Textbook and workbook costs vary by grade level and course selection.
• Resources and production fees: Additional academic materials purchased on behalf of students and expenses associated with annual performances.
• Uniforms: Daily school uniforms are required.
• Laptops: All students are required to bring their own laptops to school.
• After-school enrichment programs: Offerings and costs vary by semester. Separate registration fees and tuition apply.
• Field trips and other activities: Costs vary depending on the activities offered, including Kids Night and Teen Night.

ARA offers one-payment, two-payment, or monthly payment options.

ARA offers financial aid to qualified applicants. Special scholarships may also be available from time to time. Contact the school for current information.

Families can apply for financial aid online through arahawaii.org.

ARA offers sibling discounts for families enrolling multiple children. The amount depends on the number of siblings enrolled. Contact Admissions for current details.

Learning Lab is built into the regular school day and gives students additional time to work on homework and academic responsibilities while they are at school. This provides students with support during the day while preserving more family time in the evening.

Any work that a student does not complete during Learning Lab must be completed at home. The amount of homework varies depending on each student's ability to complete assigned work at school in a timely manner.

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 take an introductory foreign language class each year. The language offered varies from year to year. Students in Grades 9-12 can select one language and continue studying that language throughout their remaining high school years.

ARA provides opportunities for students to explore future college and career paths. Seniors are required to complete 40 hours of internship experience in a career related to the field they are considering pursuing in college.

Students also attend local college fairs to explore different institutions. Swim team trips to mainland states may include college visits, giving participating students opportunities to explore colleges outside Hawaiʻi.

The regular school day runs from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

• Breakfast Club: 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM for an additional cost.
• After-school programs: Various programs are offered on different days of the week for additional costs. Availability and fees may vary.

Additional-cost opportunities include swim lessons, swim teams, surf lessons, hip-hop, jazz, cheer, ballet, hula, and private voice lessons. Sports, agility, performance, and strength training with Phase 1 is also offered on site. Program offerings, schedules, availability, and fees may vary.

The ARA Xcell Program is a college-preparatory program for serious student-athletes who aspire to compete in high school and at the collegiate level while maintaining their academic preparation.

Lower School: Students begin with an extended language arts block and morning break, followed by 55-minute classes before and after lunch, an afternoon break, one final class, and Learning Lab. Subjects include language arts, math, social studies, science, arts, and movement electives.

Upper School: Students follow a rotating block schedule. Four days a week include three 80-minute classes, breaks, lunch, two 55-minute classes, and Learning Lab. On the remaining day, students attend six one-hour classes followed by Learning Lab.

Middle School Xcell: Students begin with a 6:30 AM workout, attend core academic classes, and take part in mindset training, a second workout, or recovery before finishing at 2:30 PM.

Standard drop-off begins at 8:00 AM. Morning options include swim starting at 6:15 AM and Xcell workouts. Families who need an early drop-off option can sign up for Breakfast Club, which begins at 7:00 AM.

Lower School students generally have outdoor breaks on the playground or front lawn. Lunch is scheduled by grade level and takes place indoors in classrooms or the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR), followed by outdoor recess. Upper School students use the MPR for lunch, snacks, and social time.

Homework varies by grade level and by how much classwork students complete during class or Learning Lab. Students are expected to finish any outstanding assignments at home and spend additional time studying for assessments or completing projects as needed.

Learning Lab takes place near the end of the school day and provides approximately 30 minutes, depending on grade level, for students to finish coursework, get additional help, or collaborate with classmates.

Student independence depends on classroom expectations and lesson goals. Students also have opportunities for independent work and socializing during morning breaks, lunch, and Learning Lab.

ARA offers a close-knit, collaborative environment where students receive personal attention from faculty and staff. Stable peer groups help students build lasting friendships, while shared spaces and multi-grade opportunities encourage connections across grade levels.

Classes are collaborative, interactive, and dynamic, balancing group work, direct instruction, and independent practice.

Smaller classes allow teachers to engage students more directly, recognize individual progress, and create an environment where students' voices are heard and relationships can grow.

In ARA's small-school environment, teachers pay attention to students' academic progress, strengths, areas for growth, and overall well-being so they can provide timely support.

Teachers work to identify challenges early and adjust classroom strategies as needed. Students can also use Learning Lab for work time and extra guidance. When further support is needed, teachers communicate with parents about the student's progress.

Teachers can offer more complex problem-solving and independent extension tasks within the curriculum, helping advanced learners explore topics in greater depth rather than simply doing more work.

Teachers often recognize when students need support and offer guidance. Students are also encouraged to ask questions and advocate for themselves during class and independent work time.

This varies by course, teacher, and learning goals. Teachers may incorporate group projects, interactive exercises, and practical applications alongside direct instruction and independent practice.

Technology use depends on grade level and subject. Younger students primarily use screens during Digital Explorations classes. Older students may use e-textbooks and online enrichment, while upper grades can explore practical media courses such as video production, digital media, and social media marketing.

ARA emphasizes connection, inclusion, and accountability. Stable peer groups help students learn to collaborate, appreciate different personalities, and work through differences in a close-knit community.

New students may be paired with peer buddies who help them learn schedules, find classrooms, and join lunch and break activities. Teachers also pay attention to classroom dynamics and help new students feel included in routines and group projects.

Students connect across grade levels in shared spaces, during breaks and lunch, through mixed-grade courses, and in reading buddy programs. Older students may also mentor or help younger students.

Students can connect through after-school opportunities such as swim, dance, and cheer programs, the annual school musical, and athletic programs offered on campus with Phase 1 Sports Hawaii.

ARA's teachers aim to build positive relationships based on trust, respect, and encouragement. Their familiarity with students helps them support academic progress and individual needs in a professional learning environment.

ARA's extended school day includes enrichment, electives, and opportunities for social connection. Additional opportunities throughout the year may include the annual musical, dance and music programs, swim clinics, cheer, and athletic training with Phase 1 Sports Hawaii. Offerings may vary.

ARA integrates arts into the school day and gives students opportunities to participate in the annual musical, on stage or behind the scenes. The close-knit environment also encourages students to explore interests, take initiative, and contribute to the school community. Xcell students follow a modified schedule.

Students help prepare and carry out school events and performances. Seniors and NHS/NJHS students lead service initiatives for the school and local community, and upper school students often organize activities for lower school students.

Formal opportunities include Class President, NHS/NJHS officer roles, and student Stage Managers for events and productions. Students also build leadership skills through group projects, helping younger peers, and taking initiative in class.

Students often value ARA's welcoming community, cross-grade friendships, and opportunities to participate in the annual musical, lead events, and explore creative media projects in a supportive environment.