Richard Schaffer
High School Principal

HIGH SCHOOL: A DIFFERENT APPROACH

At Mid-Pacific Institute, when we look at a student, we see more than a test score, a GPA or one particular talent. We see a child, with original ideas and perspectives, with dreams, emotions, tastes and insights in unique combination; we see a student who deserves a holistic education that celebrates the many characteristics that define who they are and how they learn.

STRONG ACADEMICS. BROAD OPPORTUNITIES.


Mid-Pacific was created through the 1908 merger of two extraordinary and historic Hawai‘i schools—Kawaiaha‘o Seminary for Girls (1864) and Mills Institute for boys (1892)—forming one of Hawai‘i’s most dynamic and forward-thinking schools, dedicated to preparing students from around the world for success in life and responsible global citizenship. Today Mid-Pacific is a selective educational institution, offering a complete continuum of learning, from preschool through grade 12.With small classes and a world-class faculty and staff, we nurture, guide and challenge each student’s full development— intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual. Mid-Pacific takes pride in offering every student the opportunity to thrive and succeed. High school students enrolled in our academically rigorous college prep program may take Advanced Placement and honors courses. For our most ambitious scholars, Mid-Pacific is the only school in Hawai‘i to award the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma. While all of our students study the arts, those with special interests in music, dance, theatre, visual arts and media may receive intensive, conservatory-caliber instruction at the Mid-Pacific Institute School of the Arts. Sports? Our teams are diverse and competitive, and we make sure every student gets the chance to play, compete and excel. Students find the resources and the support they need to grow beyond academics—whether they join some of our many clubs and organizations, participate in community service projects, study hula, or work on our daily televised newscast.

EXCELLENT FACILITIES. IDEAL LOCATION.

Many people consider our 34 acres in Manoa Valley the most beautiful campus on O‘ahu. It’s also one of the most advanced and best-equipped campuses anywhere. Computers and SMART Boards in many classrooms and a new, state-of-the-art technology complex accelerate learning and prepare students for our tech-driven world. We’ve designed our brand new preschool and elementary site to offer young children stimulating, age-appropriate learning resources. You’ll also find theatres, dance and visual arts studios, a cafeteria, sports playing fields, and modern fitness and training facilities throughout our campus. Visit Mid-Pacific and we think you’ll agree: it’s different here. Students read—for fun. Teachers remember parents’ names and greet them in the hallways. High-schoolers smile. That’s because Mid-Pacific is more than a campus. It’s a community of lifelong learners, filled with the spirit of ‘ohana.

High school at Mid-Pacific is a time of exploration, advanced learning and preparation for the challenges of the real world. We offer students as many opportunities as possible for exploration and self-discovery, critical analysis and integrative thinking, advanced skill building and understanding what it means to be a global citizen. Knowing the possibilities and realities the future can hold helps students dream big—and plan realistic steps toward achieving those dreams.

Of course, a crucial factor in any child’s education is the quality of his or her teachers. Mid-Pacific high school faculty members are highly trained in their subject areas and dedicated to challenging each student to transcend familiar perspectives. Many of our teachers graduated from top universities and all bring diverse experiences to the classroom. With support from the deans, they guide students through the personal, social and academic challenges of high school. Our team of college and career counselors also help students and their families make academic choices that maximize future opportunities. Our new technology complex and digitally equipped SMART classrooms make truly advanced scientific study an everyday reality at Mid-Pacific. We also use technology as a communication tool within our school community. EdLine, an online resource for teachers, students and parents, puts homework responsibility squarely with the student. Forgot the math assignment? Look it up on EdLine.

Our rigorous college prep curriculum includes:

• 4 years of language arts
• 3 years of a foreign language
• 3 years of science
• 3 years of mathematics
• 3 years of social studies
• 2 years of performing and visual arts
• 3 semesters of physical education
• 1 semester each of health, speech, career and religious studies, technology and thinking strategies
• 4 years of electives

ADVANCED STUDY OPTIONS.

Mid-Pacific provides opportunities for college-level scholarship and advanced study that are distinctive in Hawai‘i. Approximately 50 percent of our students participate in honors courses or the highly respected Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum. In addition, we are the only school in the state certified to confer the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the world’s gold standard for excellence in high school scholarship. For students with a passion for the arts, the Mid-Pacific Institute School of the Arts offers conservatory-caliber instruction in a number of disciplines, from dance and drama to music and the visual arts (see page 11 for details).

WELL-ROUNDED HUMAN BEINGS.

Mid-Pacific graduates aren’t just ready for college—they’re ready for life. High school students have numerous opportunities to compete in interscholastic sports. They attend chapel. They go to dances, pep rallies, Field Day and other celebrations, including the annual Welcome Program, in which high school students entertain younger students with musical numbers and skits. There’s the senior camping trip, clubs, from math to recycling, and all-important community service projects.

In fact, Mid-Pacific has a long-standing motto: The honor of my school is mine.

While community service is not required, we encourage it as a way students can bring honor to themselves and to Mid-Pacific. Virtually all participate, a great testimony to our strong community spirit.