Kamehameha Schools has announced a groundbreaking change to its tuition policy, declaring that starting in the 2026-27 school year, students will no longer be required to pay tuition. This decision, conveyed in an email from the Board of Trustees and CEO on December 23, reflects the institution’s commitment to its foundational values of education and community service.
In a significant move, the educational costs for Kamehameha preschools and K-12 campuses will be supported entirely through the endowment established by Ke Aliʻi Pauahi. The school emphasizes that the shift aligns with a deeper understanding of Pauahi’s intent and the values embedded in its educational philosophy. The communication stated, “With a deeper understanding of Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s intent, E Ola!, and aliʻi–lāhui relationships, it has become clear that tuition no longer reflects either the reality or the values of a Kamehameha Schools education.”
Highlighting the philosophical underpinnings of this decision, Kamehameha Schools indicated that the traditional notion of tuition creates a transactional dynamic that contradicts the school’s mission. Instead, it seeks to foster relationships based on aloha and ancestral connections, which are the true essences of its educational approach.
Moreover, Kamehameha Schools reassured its community partners that its dedication to serving the broader lāhui will remain steadfast despite the policy change. Funds collected as tuition for the current school year will be redirected to the Kaiāulu Fund, ensuring that the resources continue to benefit the community as a whole.
This transformative decision reflects Kamehameha Schools’ ongoing commitment to accessibility in education and the nurturing of relationships that extend beyond the classroom. In a time where education costs often limit access, this initiative encourages a hopeful vision for future generations.