Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani Middle School

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Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani Middle School, also known as Keʻelikōlani Middle School, is a public middle school in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. It is part of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education and is housed in a historic building on the grounds of Keōua Hale, the former palace of Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani.

History
- In 1878, a palace called Keoua Hale stood on the site. After Keʻelikōlani’s death in 1883, her estate passed to Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who died in 1884. The palace was sold to the government for educational use.
- From 1895 to 1907, Honolulu High School used the site before it moved to a new building and became McKinley High School. Central Grammar School then took over the former palace.
- In 1920, Central Grammar School became a forerunner of the English-language public school system. A new building opened in 1925. It was first named Keʻelikōlani School, then renamed Central Grammar School in 1927. It later became Central Junior High, and in 1932 it became Central Intermediate School.
- In 2021, the school was renamed Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani Middle School to honor the princess. The change was approved in September 2021 and celebrated in February 2022.

Academics
- For 2024–2025, students take core classes in English, math, social studies, and science.
- English uses Wonders Reading for 6th grade and Amplify for 7th–8th grades. Math uses i-Ready.
- The school also includes advisory and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) classes. Electives include band, orchestra, and physical education.

Architecture
- The building was designed in 1922 by Walter L. Emory and Marshall H. Webb. In 1924, Neoclassical Revival features were added, including Ionic and Corinthian columns, with input from building inspector Harry K. Stewart.

Enrollment and demographics
- In 2023–2024, the school had 372 students: about 210 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 83 Asian, 30 Hispanic, 5 White, and 41 multiracial.
- About 65% of students qualify for free lunch and 10.6% for reduced-price lunch.

Notable achievements
- In May 2024, principal Joe Passantino was named Hawaii State Principal of the Year by the Hawaii Association of Secondary School Administrators. He helped double math scores and increase English preparedness by about 50%.

Location and quick facts
- Address: 1302 Queen Emma Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.
- Mascot: Bulldog. Grades: 6–8.
- Website: keelikolanimiddle.org.