Tiare Judd Police knows a thing or two about Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy — the proud Class of 1986 graduate is also mother to three HPA alumni of her own — Kepa ‘13, Maiah ‘15, and Bella ‘21.
Her dad, Tioni Judd, is a graduate, as well, with the Class of 1962. Oh, and did we mention that her husband, Albert Police, is also a Ka Makani? He graduated the year before she did, in 1985.
To say HPA has left a lasting impression would be an understatement. Love for the school has sparked a family legacy and now Tiare works to make the HPA dream possible for other families as Director of Admission.
We caught up with Police now that HPA’s application is available and the official Admission Season for the 2023-2024 academic year is underway. She reflected on her own time at HPA — both as a student and a parent — and shared her tips for prospective families going through the admission process.
What is your fondest memory of HPA as a student here?
Competing in athletics — cross country, soccer, and track — all three seasons, all four years. My memories were made on the long bus rides to Hilo or the trips to Oʻahu for state championships. The camaraderie and fellowship with coaches and my teammates are long-lasting.
When I get together with my HPA friends — who’ve all moved away — they look back at the school and their time here the same way as I do. There is something indescribable about the experience of going to HPA.
The sense of love and belonging that a person feels from being at this school is a common thread over generations — my Dad has it, I have it, all three of my children have experienced it. It’s this intangible essence. That’s the outcome that I want for everyone who comes here. Yes — high-level education, access to opportunities you might not have anywhere else, a diverse community of friends from all over the world. But mostly, the fact that you leave knowing you mattered, you connected with Hawaiʻi, this special place, and each other. That’s the sweet sauce.
What is your fondest memory of HPA as a parent of students here?
HPA Commencement is an incredibly special event. It’s such an honor to be able to present your kids with their diplomas. It’s sweet. It’s surreal. It’s a moment full of gratitude and pride in the fact that they have achieved this milestone.
It was a dream when Kepa was born that we would send our kids to HPA — that was always our goal.
If we could give our kids the same experience that we had, we wanted to make that happen. So then to watch my kids grow up at HPA and walk away with an appreciation of their own for the school, the campus space, the people they got to meet and grow with and learn from — that’s unreal. As an alum, it meant so much to me that HPA meant so much to them, as well. It’s evidence that we’re doing something here that really resonates with families.
Kepa was the first third-generation graduate in HPA’s history, maybe his children will be the fourth! [Police laughs] I envision that someday my grandchildren will go to HPA. I know that my kids would love for their kids to be HPA students. I don’t know where my kids are going to live, but I know that if they have the opportunity, they’ll send their children here. We’ll see where life takes them.
Five Admissions Tips from HPA Director of Admission
Tip #1: Trust the process
You have to walk through the door. It can be scary because you’re really putting yourself out there, but partner with our Admissions team and let us help to guide you along the way. You’ll need to lean into all the steps and any discomfort, but don’t give up just because it’s unknown. While some of our families have applied at other private schools before, for the average person, they’re doing this for the first time so this can seem daunting. But you can rely on our Admissions team to help you through. Start the process, trust it, and keep going.
Tip #2: Be authentically you
Be open-hearted and vulnerable. We want to get to know what matters to you, and what sparks your passion. This admissions process is set up to allow you to share what’s in your heart. Don’t agonize over your essay — just show let us into your world and show us who you are.
Visit and meet with us
We love talking about HPA, and we’re eager to connect with you, so never hesitate to get in touch. Our admission team is busy year-round, creating ways for you to learn more about our amazing people, programs, and place—no matter where you live.
Tip #3: Immerse yourself in all that HPA has to offer
While applying for HPA, be sure to connect with as many areas of HPA life as possible. Attend our HPA Open Houses on campus or log in to the Virtual Admissions Information Sessions, and don’t be afraid to ask about your areas of interest or what separates HPA from other schools.
Connect with existing HPA families. Don’t know any? Ask us and we’ll reach out for you to our ʻOhana Association.
Don’t limit yourself to just attending Admissions-specific events, but immerse yourself in our school community by attending football games or the fall production. COVID-19 made this difficult in the past, but now we’re back open — so come experience the magic of HPA face-to-face.
Follow us on social media (Instagram, Facebook) and engage with us about what it means to be Ka Makani.
If you do all that, you’ll have a better understanding of all the facets of HPA and you’ll be able to better envision yourself as a part of our ‘ohana.
Tip #4: All families are welcome
HPA is committed to providing access and affordability to all families. Not sure that HPA’s tuition is within reach? We personally work with each family to discover what paths forward exist to make sure HPA is an attainable dream for those who are accepted.
Tip #5: Just keep swimming
Take a deep breath. This is the beginning of a beautiful journey. If you’re overwhelmed or unsure, you’re not alone. We’re here for you every step of the way. We have an extensive list of FAQs on our website and we’re available to directly answer any additional questions you may have. But don’t give up. Like Dora, sometimes you have to just keep swimming.
At the end of this journey, I want you to look back at the time you spent here and think, ‘Wow! I did so much, I learned so much, I am so ready for the world!’ I want you to be filled with gratitude. Whether a student is applying for kindergarten or high school — when you come here, you write your story and develop yourself through our exceptional program. How are you going to make your mark on this place? What will your HPA legacy be?