Submit an online application.

Typically, you must create an account in order to access the online application. Creating an account enables you to stay connected with the school throughout the admission process. The application usually asks for information such as: parents’ names, child’s name and grade level, contact information, and child’s education history. Many schools have an application fee that can be paid online via credit card. Please remember to provide your GCE Member ID number in the Additional Comments section of the application.

Take the required tests.

If your child is entering grades 4-12 (middle school through high school), he or she must take the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). Use the “Find an SSAT Test Location” feature on the homepage of the SSAT website to find a test location near you and register for a testing date. Be sure to put the SSAT code(s) for the school(s) you are applying to so that the SSAT organization can automatically provide your child’s test scores to the school(s).

If the SSAT is unavailable in your country for your child’s grade level, the school may ask you to schedule a time to take their own admission test instead.

Some schools require English proficiency scores from Duolingo, TOEFL, or ITEP/Slate tests.

Submit your supporting documents.

Schools may require some or all of the following supporting documents. Check with the school(s) that you are applying to for the forms that you need to fill out.

1. A copy of your child’s passport and/or birth certificate.

2. Health and immunization records showing that your child is up to date with all physical examination and immunization requirements of the Hawaii State Department of Health.

3. School transcript, report card or class grades from the last school year and the current school year.

4. Teacher reference reports from your child’s current teachers for English and Math.

5. Reference report or character reference from your child’s extra-curricular teacher, coach, advisor and/or pastor for activities or programs such as art, athletics, church, etc.

6. Mentor reference report (optional).

7. An applicant questionnaire and/or personal essay.

Interview with the school.

The school(s) will contact you to schedule a personal interview via online video call services such as Skype and/or FaceTime.

The school will inform you of their admission decision.

You will be notified by the school(s) that you applied to regarding their admission decisions. If your child is admitted, the school will issue Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Form I-20. You may use that form to apply for the F-1 Visa for your child to study in the United States. Find out more about the F-1 Visa on the U.S. Department of State website.

Enroll at the school by obtaining your child’s F-1 Visa and submitting all required documents and fees to the school.

Many schools require submission of a signed enrollment contract, tuition deposit or first payment, and other forms in order to officially enroll your child for the upcoming school year. Make sure to check with the school regarding the deadline to inform them of your decision to enroll, as the deadline may be several months before the first day of classes.

Some schools offer housing options or homestay programs. Check with the school regarding the options available and the process to sign up for housing programs. If you are interested in renting or buying property in Hawaii, please inquire with GCE real estate partner List Sotheby’s International Realty.

When you are ready to plan your child’s travel to Hawaii, please check with GCE airline partner Hawaiian Airlines for direct flights to and from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), formerly known as Honolulu International Airport.

Please remember to use your GCE Member ID number with all GCE partners to receive special benefits.