What is The SMART Center?

The SMART Center is 21,000 feet of indoor space, including a regulation gym; athletic offices; locker rooms; a technology center with a maker space, a coding lab, and a robotics lab; a fitness center; a dance studio; and a community kitchen.

Why are these new facilities important to Parker School?

We have outgrown our current facilities. Each new space meets a critical need in our programming while enabling us to grow. In The SMART Center, our students will experience the joy of practicing or competing in their own gym, which our entire student body can use as a gathering place for functions, athletics, and beloved Parker School traditions.

When is construction expected to be completed?

It is anticipated that construction will be complete in March of 2025.

Will students be impacted during construction?

We are working to minimize the impact on the students by taking advantage of the school closures during the Fall, Winter, and Summer breaks. The Lower School classrooms may be affected by construction noise, and we are planning a mitigation strategy to keep students focused on learning during this time.

Will my child’s tuition increase to help pay for the new facilities?

No, your child’s tuition will not increase to pay for The SMART Center; however, annual tuition increases help cover the rising costs of operating an independent school in Hawaii. A portion of the capital campaign contributions will cover the first few years of maintaining and operating the new facilities.

Why are we being asked to participate in the campaign?

All board members, capital campaign committee members, faculty, and staff have already contributed to this capital campaign. We now expand our ask to past and present parents, alumni, grandparents, as well as active and supportive friends of Parker School. Additionally, we have already received generous support from several Foundations and will continue our outreach to Foundations interested in supporting Parker School’s capital campaign.

My child is no longer at Parker School or is soon graduating and won’t be here to use the new facilities. Why should I give?

Parker School exists because of the generous gifts from those who came before us — just as they provided for you and your children or grandchildren, you now have the opportunity to provide for those who will follow. Your alignment with Parker School’s mission is, in part, what led you to choose Parker School for your children. You can reinforce that choice with a gift that reflects your continuing commitment to the value of a Parker School education. A gift to this campaign will ensure Parker School’s strength and success in the future.

What is the difference between the Parker Fund, Kahiau and the capital campaign? Do we have to give to all?

Parker School is deeply grateful for the generosity of our families which makes the Parker School experience possible for our ‘ohana. We hope that our families will continue to prioritize the Parker Fund which supports our everyday needs such as classroom supplies, student social functions, and faculty professional development and consider making a one-time commitment to the capital campaign. Our annual Kahiau gala raises money restricted for financial aid through ticket sales and a silent and live auction.

Are naming opportunities still available?

Yes, there are limited naming opportunities still available and welcome! You can contact Stephen Dunn at sdunn@parkerschoolhawaii.org, or our Capital Campaign Coordinator, Vickie Frogley at vfrogley@parkerschoolhawaii.org for more information.

May I make a multi-year pledge to the capital campaign?

Yes! A multi-year pledge allows individuals and families to consider larger commitments than they could when making a one-time gift. Experience in past campaigns shows that donors who pledged over time were able to make gifts four to five times larger than those who made one-time gifts. Your gift is important in a campaign of this magnitude, and we welcome working with you to structure a gift.

I want to help but am not able to make a large gift. What should I do?

No matter the amount, every gift makes a difference and inspires others to offer their support. We are using all available channels to invite people to get involved, including mailings, personal visits, events and gatherings, social media, and email messages. Our hope is that you make a gift that is meaningful to you. This is a different amount for each of us. The only gift that is too small is no gift at all!

Great! We are ready! How can we help build The SMART Center?

You may support the campaign through a gift of cash, check, credit card, transfer of stock/appreciated asset, or through a donor-advised fund. Give Now!

Can I make a matching gift with my company?

Yes! If your employer matches the charitable contributions of its employees, please let us know and we can work together to ensure your gift is matched.

To what extent are gifts to the capital campaign tax deductible?

Parker School is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. As a result, all campaign gifts are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. The application of such laws varies with individual financial circumstances. Donors with specific questions regarding tax deductibility should contact their tax advisor.

If you need more information, please contact Vickie Frogley, Capital Campaign Coordinator, at (808) 885-8179 or vfrogley@parkerschoolhawaii.org.