La Pietra's History

Founded by Lorraine Cooke and under the leadership of Joseph H. Pynchon, the school opened in 1964 at Central Union Church. Hawaii School for Girls thrived and in five years moved to its own campus, La Pietra, the former Dillingham estate on the slopes of Diamond Head. Barbara Cox Anthony chaired the Board of Trustees from 1978 to 2006.

A six-classroom building named for Mrs. Cooke was dedicated in January, 1977, the gymnasium/student center/athletic complex was dedicated in November, 1987, and the Bachman Science Center was dedicated in January, 1997.

La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls is now an independent school for students in grades six through twelve. The program is college preparatory, and the overall student-teacher ratio is ten to one, assuring full attention to every girl's needs and aims. La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school is a charter member of the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.