Kwajalein schools are highly academic, with strong emphasis on basic skills at the elementary level and on college prep at the secondary school. School is in session 180 days a year from late-August to early June. Classes are held Tuesday through Saturday.

George Seitz Elementary School serves children kindergarten through the sixth grade. Kwajalein Junior/Senior High School serves students in grades 7 through 12. Both schools are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. Students have an hour for lunch and most go home at that time.

Children must be five years old on or before September 1 to be eligible for enrollment in kindergarten. Any student who has successfully completed a recognized kindergarten program during the prior school year is eligible for enrollment in first grade.

All children from age 6 to 18 must attend school unless they hold a valid certificate of graduation or are attending a home-school program approved by the Kwajalein School Superintendent.

Textbooks and most instructional supplies are furnished by the schools. Foreign language instruction and algebra begin in the junior high. Counseling services are available at both schools.

Students have the opportunity to become involved in a comprehensive com-munity athletic program, as well as a school intra-mural program. A full pro-gram of music instruction, both choral and instrumental, is also offered. Students generally buy or rent their own musical instruments, although some are available through the schools. Private music lessons can be arranged.

Kwajalein students consistently outperform the Department of Defense and stateside norms on the ITBS, SAT, CEEP and other standardized tests. Kwajalein High School has had numerous National Merit Scholarship finalists and winners. The school system has also produced Presidential Scholars.

Kwajalein High School  

The High School offers a selection of clubs and activities in which students can participate.

These include National Honor Society, Student Government Association, athletics, French club, concert band, stage band, choir, 4-H club, Marshall Islands Club, and spirit organization.

Due to resource limitations, Kwajalein schools cannot provide formal programs or services for students who have more than mild physical or mental disabilities, or serious deficits in speech, reading, or language development. Prior approval for entry into the Kwajalein School System is required by the superintendent of schools for each student with documented special education needs, such as an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Any student who cannot be adequately supported by Kwajalein Schools will have to obtain appropriate care and services elsewhere.

Student dependents reaching the age of 19 are not eligible to remain on dependent status at Kwajalein. These dependents may be authorized to reside on island via an "Exception to Policy" for a specific length of time and purpose, i.e. to finish high school. All other student dependents reaching the age of 19 must leave Kwajalein via the PCS (Permanent Change of Station) process or obtain a sponsored contract position with one of the on-island employers to remain a resident on the island. The status change will not affect the eligibility to return as a visitor.

Some Kwajalein families choose to home-school their children with approval from the superintendent. Once a notice of intent has been submitted by the parents and received by the school Superintendent, the Kwajalein School System will provide parents with a copy of progress reporting requirements. With permission, students may participate at the school in subjects such as music, band, art, physical education and computers and they may use library resources. Educational materials for home-schooling can be found in catalogs, at stateside conventions, and on the internet.

A limited selection of fully accredited extension courses for undergraduate programs is of-fered by the University of Maryland. A community/adult education program offers a variety of noncredit courses, Distance Learning Programs and Continuing Education Unit courses. Many residents are enrolled in on-line learning programs.