Royal School (Hawaii) facts for kids
The Royal School is a very old and important school in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. It started in 1839 as the Chiefs' Children's School. This special school was created to teach the children of Hawaiian royalty.
In 1846, its name changed to the Royal School. After 1850, it stopped being a boarding school where students lived. Instead, it became a day school for many children. Today, it is a public elementary school. It moved to its current location in 1967.
The Royal Elementary School still teaches children from kindergarten to Grade 5. It has even won awards like the Blue Ribbon School award many times!
Contents
How the Royal School Began
The Chiefs' Children's School was started by King Kamehameha III of the Kingdom of Hawaii. It was a boarding school, meaning students lived there. Its main purpose was to educate the children of the Hawaiian royal families, known as aliʻi.
The school's first home was where the ʻIolani Barracks are today. Leaders decided to create the school in 1839. The buildings were ready by 1840.
The main goal was to prepare the next generation of Hawaiian royalty to lead the country. Most of the students came from seven important families. These families were closely related to King Kamehameha III and had become Christians.
Important Royal Students
Many future leaders of Hawaii went to this school. Here are some of the most famous royal students:
- From Kamehameha III's sister, Kīnaʻu: Lot, Victoria Kamāmalu, Moses Kekuaiwa, and Alexander Liholiho.
- From his half-brother, Pauli Kaʻōleiokū: Bernice Pauahi and John William Pitt Kīnaʻu.
- From his father's younger brother, Keliʻimaikaʻi: Emma Naʻea and Peter Young Kaʻeo.
- From his father's younger brother, Kalaimamahu: William Charles Lunalilo.
- From his father's oldest brother, Kalokuokamaile: Elizabeth Kekaʻaniau Laʻanui.
- From his grandfather's cousin, Kameʻeiamoku: David Kalākaua, Lydia Kamakaeha, and James Kaliokalani.
- Also from his grandfather's cousin, Kahekili: Jane Loeau and Abigail Maheha.
Teachers and Changes
The school was run by Amos Starr Cooke and Juliette Montague Cooke. They were missionaries from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. The school building was a two-story house. It had a big dining room and separate sleeping areas for the children and the Cooke family.
The royal children learned to speak and act like Americans. A Hawaiian kahu (traditional caretaker), John Papa ʻĪʻī, also helped as a teacher.
In 1846, the Hawaiian government took over funding the school. It was then officially renamed the "Royal School." By 1848, fewer students were attending as they finished school or got married. For example, Moses left in 1847 and sadly died in 1848.
In 1849, children of missionaries were also allowed to attend. The school moved to its current spot in 1850. It became a day school for the general public, not just royalty. The next principal was Edward Griffin Beckwith. By 1853, the school had 121 students.
Royal School Today
Today, the Royal School is known as Royal Elementary School. It is a public school and the oldest school on the island of Oʻahu. It teaches students from kindergarten to Grade 5. The school is located at 1519 Queen Emma Street.
In 2005, a sculpture called "Mai ka Hina Kua a ka Hina Alo" by Kim Duffett was added to the school. A foundation named after the Cooke Family helped pay for it.
Famous Alumni
Many important people who shaped Hawaiian history went to the Royal School.
Royal Rulers Who Attended
- Queen Liliuokalani
- Queen Emma, who was married to Kamehameha IV
- King David Kalākaua
- King Kamehameha IV
- King Kamehameha V
- Princess Victoria Kamāmalu, a powerful leader called Kuhina Nui
- King William Charles Lunalilo
Other Royal Alumni
- Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Bishop
- Aliʻi Abigail Maheha
- Aliʻi Peter Young Kaʻeo
- Aliʻi Elizabeth Kekaʻaniau Pratt
- Prince Moses Kekūāiwa
- Prince John William Pitt Kīnaʻu
- Ali'i James Kaliokalani
Royal Alumni from the Day School Era
- Gideon Kailipalaki Laanui
- Nancy Sumner
- Jane Swinton
- Martha Swinton
- Julia Moemalie
- Mary Ann Kiliwehi
- John Mahiʻai Kāneakua
