La Pietra – Hawai‘i School for Girls has been educating young women to lead a life of purpose for decades, and coming up on September 9, 2023, the Oahu girls’ school will celebrate its 59th anniversary. The birthday celebration comes shortly after the appointment of Jennifer Grems as the new Head of School. 

“I am deeply honored and privileged to step into the role of Head of School at this remarkable time in our school’s history,” Jennifer said. “I’m excited to continue its important mission and legacy.”

Jennifer brings with her an extensive knowledge of working with Hawaii’s youth and has nearly 30 years of experience in education. Shortly after starting her career as a public school teacher at the Hawaii State Department of Education, she spent 21 years as a teacher, dean, and Upper School Principal at a local girls’ school. She then went on to become an Assistant Principal at another independent school before taking on her most recent role of Dean of Academics & Faculty at La Pietra.

Earlier this month as wildfires continued to devastate Maui communities, Jennifer knew La Pietra needed to support in the best way that it could: by opening its doors to female students in grades 6-12 who were suddenly displaced and in need of a safe space to continue their education. 

“Our hope is that this opportunity will provide a sense of normalcy and stability at a time when there is so much uncertainty for these students and their families,” Jennifer said. “We are hoping that by becoming part of our community, they will each feel a renewed sense of belonging.”

La Pietra believes in the power of education to transform lives and aims to empower its students to become confident and purposeful individuals. You can learn more about La Pietra and its mission of educating young women to lead a life of purpose by registering for its Open House on November 5, 2023 at lapietra.edu/OpenHouse.