In 1867, Queen Emma, a visionary leader grappling with the immense personal loss of her husband and son, embarked on a journey to establish an educational sanctum for the girls of Hawai’i. Driven by her unwavering commitment to the empowerment of young women, she sought the counsel and support of the Archbishop of Canterbury in England. This led to the founding of St.  Andrew’s Priory—a school exclusively dedicated to fostering the academic and personal growth of Hawaiian girls at a time when such opportunities were scarce.

This institution was not merely another educational facility; it was a beacon of hope and progression for countless young women, offering them a chance to break free from societal constraints and pursue noble aspirations. In honoring Queen Emma's legacy, St. Andrew’s Priory has since stood as a proud and historical pillar of female education in Hawai’i.

However, recent plans threaten to alter this sacred narrative by transitioning St. Andrew’s Priory into a fully co-educational institution by the 2026-2027 school year. This shift challenges the original purpose and spirit that shaped the foundation of this school. By maintaining it as an all-girls institution, we preserve a critical cultural heritage and honor Queen Emma’s passionate vision.

Research has shown that single-gender educational environments can offer unique benefits, particularly for female students. According to a report by the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, girls who attend single-gender schools are more likely to develop higher self-confidence, leadership skills, and excel in STEM fields compared to their co-ed counterparts.

We acknowledge the potential benefits of a co-educational system; however, the distinctive advantage and historical significance of maintaining St. Andrew’s Priory as an all-girls institution cannot be overlooked. We propose to explore alternative models that expand opportunities while preserving the legacy that has empowered generations of Hawaiian women.

Let us come together to uphold the dream Queen Emma brought to life over 150 years ago. Sign this petition to prevent St. Andrew’s Priory from becoming fully co-ed, and help us preserve a sacred and invaluable element of Hawaii’s educational and cultural landscape.