Inside Look: HAIS Education Fair 2018

What to expect at the private-school fair led by the Hawai’i Association of Independent Schools.

Representatives from nearly 40 schools on O‘ahu will be at the HAIS Education Fair this weekend to help local families with private-school testing, admissions and financing. The free fair, hosted by the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22, in the Hawai‘i Convention Center, room 316. 

While adults meet with school staff, children can participate in fun activities planned just for them. If you plan to attend, here are three tips for navigating the event: 

1. If you have small children, divide and conquer. There are several workshops so parents can get their questions answered. But little kids can get antsy, even with a tablet and headphones. So, if you can, go with your spouse or a friend so one adult can listen to the information while the other takes the keiki adventuring. Hands-on activities will include robotics activities, a mini-maker space, gardening, archery, a 3D Fab Lab, taiko drumming, a catapult and Keiki ID. Enter to win a prize donated by schools (HONOLULU Family is also donating more than a dozen children and young adult books) and let your little one listen for the winning name.

2. Plan your schedule around the four breakout sessions. Concurrent sessions will be held throughout the day, led by education specialists. 

  • Session one-“All About the SSAT admission test (Grades 4-12) and the new Character Skills Snapshot.” This session will review SSAT content and help students prepare for testing. Led by Aimee Gruber of the Enrollment Management Association (EMA). 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in room 327.
  • Session two-“Using the SAO to Apply to Schools (Grades Pre-K-12).” There is no need to fill out different applications for different schools. This session will introduce families to the “SAO,” or Standard Application Online, a form that is used to apply to multiple HAIS schools. Led by Kate Auger-Campbell of EMA and Phil Bossert, executive director of HAIS. 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. in room 327.
  • Session three-“Kindergarten & Elementary School Admission.” Families have many questions and concerns about the one-on-one interviews with young children. This session will help parents find the best schools for their keiki and prepare their little ones for admissions and interviews. Led by Deanna D'Olier of HAIS. This is a 30-minute presentation followed by Q&A. 10 a.m. and noon in room 328. 
  • Session four-“Financing an Independent School Education.” There are many ways to fund a private-school education. This session will discuss the options, from scholarships and loans to financial aid. Led by Alisa Evans of School and Student Services. This is a 30-minute presentation followed by Q&A. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in room 328.
  • Want to attend all four? You can with this schedule: Start with session three at 10 a.m. in room 328, stay for session four in the same room at 11 a.m., then go to session two at noon and stay in room 327 for session one at 1 p.m.

3. Visit school booths for more insight. Perhaps you already know which schools your child should apply to. Or, perhaps you don’t. Make a mental list of campuses you are interested in and visit their booths to learn about open-house dates and applications deadlines. Here is the list of schools that will be at the fair:

  • Asia Pacific International School
  • Assets School
  • Calvary Chapel Christian School
  • Christian Academy
  • Damien Memorial School
  • Hanahau‘oli School
  • Hanalani Schools
  • Hawai‘i Baptist Academy
  • Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy
  • Holy Nativity School
  • Hongwanji Mission School
  • Honolulu Waldorf School
  • ‘Iolani School
  • Island Pacific Academy
  • Kawaiaha‘o Church School
  • Kaimukī Christian School
  • Le Jardin Academy
  • La Pietra-Hawai‘i School for Girls
  • Mary, Star of the Sea School
  • Mary, Star of the Sea Early Learning Center
  • Maryknoll School
  • Maui Preparatory Academy
  • Mid-Pacific Institute
  • Montessori Community School
  • Our Savior Lutheran School
  • Pacific Buddhist Academy
  • Punahou School
  • Sacred Hearts Academy
  • Saint Francis School
  • Saint Louis School
  • Saint Mark Lutheran School
  • Soto Academy
  • St. Andrews Schools
  • St. Ann School
  • St. Clement's School
  • The Cole Academy
  • Trinity Christian School
  • Waolani Judd Nazarene School
  • Windward Nazarene Academy

The HAIS Education Fair 2018 will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22, room 316 in the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave. Parking is $10. Visit hais.us for details.