Aloha,

You have been selected for the 2024 – 2025 Academy Mālama Bridge Program cohort! Our admissions committee members see your academic potential and the gifts you can bring to Punahou. They also understand that starting at a new school is a huge transition. They want to help you as you transition into the Punahou community and the expectations our faculty have of our students. Dedicated Mālama Bridge Program faculty will be there to support you throughout your Punahou journey, and is the perfect opportunity to explore your passions and discover your full potential.

The Mālama Bridge Program is a four-year academic and skills development program and includes a mandatory summer school course this summer. Learn more about this unique opportunity during our information session in April.
Information Session
April 2, 2024
5 - 7 p.m.
Academy Mālama Bridge Program
June 10 – July 19, 2024
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Students will register for this mandatory course with their Deans at the Academy "Course" Programming Day on Saturday, April 27
Academy Mālama Bridge Program Orientation Day
June 3, 2024
12:30 – 3 p.m. (students)
3 – 4 p.m. (parents)
Before starting ninth grade, students enter the school and program through a 6-week summer school course. Enrollment to Punahou School for the 2024 – 2025 school year is dependent upon the successful completion of this course.

During the summer, students will take Social Studies, Algebra I, English classes and participate in a seminar class. The seminar class is where students dive into fun projects and research, discussions, and presentations on various topics. Students become familiar with Punahou's learning tools, culture, and traditions throughout the course. The lessons and activities are engaging and interactive, such as participating in debates, speeches, creating iMovies, performing “Romeo and Juliet” for their parents, and much more. It's a great way to get a head start and make the most out of your time at Punahou.

At Punahou, the support for students continues after the summer program. The Mālama Bridge Program’s goal is to ensure a smooth transition for students into the Punahou Academy. Students will be placed in a group with other Bridge program students and remain with them throughout high school. This way, they will have a familiar group of friends to rely on for support.

Students will also meet with faculty advisors and mentors for any additional support during their high school journey. In 9th grade, students will have scheduled study halls twice a cycle with their summer school Mālama Bridge Program teachers, ensuring students have a strong support system.

Program Highlights
  • Academic support and organizational skills development
  • A supportive cohort group that fosters a sense of community
  • One-on-one check-ins with Mālama Bridge mentor teachers
  • Study halls during the school year for Mālama Bridge Program students
  • Continued support throughout high school
We are excited to share more about our Mālama Bridge Program with you through an informational session on April 2 at 5 p.m. During this session, you’ll meet current Mālama Bridge Program students, parents, alumni and teachers. Attendance is highly encouraged. 
 
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Maile Uohara
Director of Enrollment Management and Admissions

List of 2 items.

  • James Kakos, Associate Principal for K – 12 Student Life

    The Bridge program offers key transitional support for students entering Punahou. It sets students up for success, both in terms of academic performance and social-emotional learning. The cohort model of learning employed by the Bridge Program builds bonds between students that last for the entirety of their high school experience and beyond.”
  • Attorney Fransina Savusa ’07, Bridge Program Alumnus

    The Bridge Program offered at Punahou School laid the foundation for not only my success while in the Academy, but also in my post-graduate and professional career. 

    I learned the importance of prioritization and time management skills. Transitioning from a traditional school schedule to a modular college-like schedule was challenging at first, but I was well-equipped and prepared after participating in the Bridge Program. I learned how to be purposeful with my time and resources to be a better student. The Program provided me with an abundance of tools and resources to excel academically and allowed me to hone in on subject areas I needed improvement in. 

    All of this would not have been possible without the support system the Bridge Program embraced me with. Every teacher and faculty member that is a part of this program is truly committed to the academic success of each student. For all these reasons and more, the Bridge Program will always hold a special place in my heart, even after 20 years.”

Colleges Attended by Bridge Alumni

Adams State University
Boise State University
Bowdoin College
Brigham Young University
Bryn Mawr College
Cal State – Northridge
California Lutheran University
California Maritime Academy
California Polytechnic State University
Chaminade University
Chapman University
College of Southern Idaho
Colorado Mesa University
Colorado State University
Concordia University
Creighton University
East Carolina University
Eastern Washington University
George Fox University
Graceland University
Hawaii Pacific University
Hofstra University
Howard University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Iowa Western Community College
Kansas State University
Lewis & Clark College
Linfield College
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University – Chicago
Manhattanville College
Marist College
Menlo College
Musicians Institute – Hollywood
New Mexico Military Institute
New York University
New York University – Shanghai
North Park University
Northeastern University
Northern Arizona University
Oregon State University
Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific University
Pierce College
Pitzer College
Portland State University
Prairie View A & M University
Princeton University
Quinnipiac University
Regis University
Salve Regina University
Santa Clara University
Santa Rosa Junior College
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle University
Smith College
Snow College
Southern Nazarene University
Southern Utah
Stanford University
Texas A & M
Texas Christian University
University of Arizona
University of California – Berkeley
University of California – Los Angeles
University of Colorado – Boulder
University of Hawaii – Manoa
University of Hawaii – West O‘ahu
University of Idaho
University of Miami
University of Nevada – Las Vegas
University of Nevada – Reno
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of Portland
University of Puget Sound
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University of the Pacific
University of Utah
University of Virginia
University of Washington
US Air Force Academy Prep School
Utah State University
Weber State University
Wellesley College
Western Illinois University
Whittier College
Wichita State University
Willamette University
York College

Contact

List of 1 items.

  • Lynn Kimura ’81 Kunishige

    Mathematics Teacher
    Student Activities Coordinator
    Mālama Bridge Program Coordinator
    808.944.5882
    lkunishige@punahou.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • How do students enroll?

    Incoming ninth graders will receive an invitation to join the program. Students register for the summer school course through their Deans. Successful completion of the summer school course is required for acceptance and enrollment to Punahou.
  • What is the cost to attend?

    The summer school course is included in the cost of tuition, so there is no cost to attend.
  • Is the course required?

    Yes, the 6-week summer school course is required before your student can start in the fall.
  • When are classes held?

    The summer school course classes are held June 10 – July 19.
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