Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be available starting January 6, 2025.
University Laboratory School (ULS) is a public charter school serving two interlocking missions: to design and deliver the best possible education to our own students, and to serve the educational research and development community as a seedbed for curriculum research and development.
To serve our dual interlocking mission of education research and curriculum development, as well as providing a comprehensive academic program which provides our students the best opportunities to become critical and engaged thinkers, our school enrolls about 450 students, from kindergarten through grade 12. Applications are accepted for all grade levels, but openings are rare in grades other than kindergarten and grade 6.
Admissions Policy
The University Laboratory School’s admissions policy has recently been changed. Please be sure to read and understand the new policy at the following link:
ULS Admissions Policy
Application Period
To be considered for the 2025-2026 lottery, applications will be accepted from January 6, 2025 through February 28, 2025. Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on February 28, 2025.
Grade Level Openings for 2025-2026
- Kindergarten: 10 openings
- Grade 6: 46 openings
- Grade 1-5, 7-12: Only if openings occur
Kindergarten Entrance Age
Students who are five (5) years old by July 31 of the application year may apply for kindergarten for that school year. Children who turn five on August 1 or later must apply the following school year. Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 302A-411
ULS Admissions Office
Email: admissions@universitylaboratoryschool.org
Phone: (808) 956-7844
Please do not call the main school office phone line for admissions questions. Use the admissions phone line at 956-7844.
Virtual Campus Tour
Please view our campus tour video at this link to learn more about our school campus.
ULS Admissions Timeline
Application Period
January 6 – February 28, 2025
Admissions Lottery
March 19, 2025
Communicate results to families
March 21-28, 2025
Deadline for acceptance of selection and forms
April 4, 2025
Manage waitlists, late applications, enrollment
April-July 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an Entry Level Opening?
Entry Level Openings are the grade levels in which ULS has a guaranteed number of openings each year. These are at the Kindergarten and 6th grade levels. NON–Entry Level Openings are other openings that may occur at other grade levels for differing reasons. These types of openings are rare and may change each year.
Does ULS accept applications for grade levels other than K and 6?
Yes. However, there are no guaranteed openings for other grade levels. Openings in grades 1–5, and 7–12, are dependent on a seat being vacated and subsequently opened to the applicant pool by the school. These spaces are very rare and are impossible to predict.
When will applicants receive notice of selection or non-selection?
All lottery entrants will be notified of their drawing status (selected or waitlist) by email and/or telephone between March 21-28, 2025.
If my child is selected and attends ULS, do we have to reapply every year?
No. Under the 1st admissions preference of the school’s admissions policy, students currently enrolled at ULS will be exempt from the lottery and granted continued enrollment upon successful completion of their current grade level and completion of an INTENT TO RETURN form prior to the established deadline. Current students do not need to complete an application for the following school year.
If my child is not selected, do we have to reapply every year?
Yes. Applicants will need to reapply each year.
How much is tuition?
There is no tuition to the school. ULS is a public charter school, meaning that funding is based on enrollment and comes from the state. However, ULS does accept contributions from the community and has the ULS Foundation and an active booster club and alumni association dedicated to the betterment of the school. Parent contributions are not mandatory.
Is priority given to those who submit an application early?
No. All applications will be considered equally as long as the application is complete and received by the 4:00 p.m. deadline on February 28, 2025.
Does ULS follow the DOE school year calendar?
No. Currently, ULS begins in early August and ends in late May.
Is there early morning care? Afternoon care?
Morning supervision begins at 7:15am. There is no after school program.
Do you need a Geographic Exception (GE) to apply to the University Laboratory School?
No. All applicants need to go through the ULS admissions policy and procedures.
How can I get more information about the University Laboratory School?
The website www.universitylaboratoryschool.org has many resources available to learn about the school, the curriculum, and the overall academic program of the school.