Kwajalein schools are highly academic, with strong emphasis on basic skills at the secondary school. School is in session for 180 days a year from mid-August to early June.
George Seitz Elementary School serves children from kindergarten through the sixth grade. Kwajalein Junior/Senior High School serves students from Grades 7 through 12. Both schools are fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Photo of ClassroomTextbooks and most instructional supplies are furnished by the schools. Foreign language instruction and algebra begin in the seventh grade. Counseling service is available at both schools.
Students have the opportunity to become involved in a comprehensive community athletic program, as well as a school intramural program. A full program of music instruction, both choral and instrumental, is also offered. Students generally furnish 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 tests. Kwajalein high school has had many National Merit Scholarship finalists. Kwaj graduates have received National Merit Scholarships, and the school consistently produces Presidential Scholars.
High school graduates between the ages of 18 and 21 may be authorized to reside on island upon approval of a written request from their parents to the commanding officer. Dependents in this category must find full-time employment to remain on island. They are not eligible to remain on dependent status beyond their 21st birthday.
Home-Schooling
Some Kwaj families choose to home-school their children. Once a notice of intent has been submitted by the parents and received by the school principal, the Kwajalein school district will provide parents with a copy of reporting progress requirements. With permission students may participate at the school in subjects such as music, band, art, physical education, and computers, and may use library resources. Educational materials for home-schooling can be found in catalogs. At stateside conventions, and on the Internet.
Adult Education
A limited selection of fully accredited extension courses for undergraduate programs is offered by the University of Maryland. A community/adult education program offers a variety of noncredit courses, distance learning programs, and Continuing Education Unit courses.
A combination preschool and full day-care facility, Kwajalein Atoll Preschool (KAPS) operates for children 21/2 to 6 years of age who are toilet trained and emotionally, physically, and socially able to attend preschool. The program, which charges a fee based on income level, offers morning and afternoon classes.
The School Age Services (SAS) program at the elementary school is available for parents who need before- and after-school care for children enrolled in kindergarten through sixth grade. A trained and experienced staff plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for all programs.
Certified family child-care (FCC) providers may be available to care for infants and toddlers in their homes full-time or part-time. All child-care services are monitored by the Child Development Services director and must be in compliance with Department of the Army child-care requirements.
