Our family is grateful that Victoria is attending La Pietra. Since starting at the school, Victoria has blossomed with confidence, something that La Pietra does a wonderful job fostering in young women.

A parent explains why La Pietra - Hawaii School for Girls is the perfect fit for his daughter.

For over 50 years, La Pietra – Hawai'i School for Girls has continued to be the place where confidence soars for all girls. Joseph Gronwald, parent of La Pietra student Victoria '20, remembers his first impression of his initial visit to the school's scenic campus located on the slopes of Diamond Head: "I realized that this was a special place. A place where I know my daughter could succeed."

The Gronwald family quickly discovered that La Pietra offered a uniquely sized learning environment. With a low 7:1 student teacher ratio and small class sizes averaging 10-15 students, girls thrive academically and socially, benefitting from personalized attention, supportive teachers who understand each girl's individuality and a school culture committed to how girls learn best.

Prior to enrolling at La Pietra in middle school, Victoria applied and was accepted by many other outstanding private schools in Hawai'i. Joseph shares, "Victoria knew right away that La Pietra was the right fit for her. Our family selected La Pietra because we knew that the school offered a learning environment designed to cultivate the best in each student. We felt that La Pietra set itself apart by inspiring girls to be brave, discover their passions, reach their academic and personal potential and be comfortable in their own skin."

Joseph continues, "The small class size is like having a private tutor for each subject. Victoria has always been a good student, but now that she is at La Pietra, the difference shows, especially when she's doing homework. Before she would ask questions for clarification, but now she understands the materials because she is able to get clarification in class. La Pietra's unique block schedule and longer class meeting times seem to help her to gain a more focused, in-depth understanding of her course content, and this enables her to approach her studies with greater confidence."

As a single-gender school, La Pietra provides a nurturing atmosphere that empowers young women leaders, where girls can take risks, discuss issues pertinent to young women and develop positive self-confidence. It is a place where girls take center stage, are encouraged to blaze their own trail and become the architects of their own success stories.

Like most proud dads, Joseph gets emotional when he shares that Victoria is his most prized possession: "Our family is grateful that Victoria is attending La Pietra. Since starting at the school, Victoria has blossomed with confidence, something that La Pietra does a wonderful job fostering in young women. Teachers genuinely care for her and because of this, she embraces her studies and learns better."

Victoria will graduate from La Pietra in May 2020. We all look forward to hearing about her future accomplishments and pursuits in college and beyond!