Celebrating Our Graduates

The Class of 2026 Is Going Places

Shaped by challenge, supported by community, and driven by ambition, our students are ready for what comes next.

The Class of 2026 is making its mark. Through talent, determination, and years of hard work, these graduates have earned placements at an extraordinary range of colleges and universities across the United States and around the globe.

From Stanford and Columbia to St Andrews and Parsons, Ka Makani students are heading to institutions where ideas are challenged, passions are pursued, and futures begin to take shape.

Their success is a reflection of an HPA experience that encourages students to aim high, work hard, and pursue what’s possible.

Where our students are going

By the numbers

The full picture comes into focus in the details. Explore a snapshot of this year’s admissions outcomes through the numbers.

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Completed Applications

Institutions represented

Countries where students will study

College Placement List for the Class of 2026

Amherst College
Boston University
BYU-Hawaii
California Poly (SLO) (2)
Chaminade University
Clemson University
Colby College
Colgate University
Colorado School of Mines
Columbia University (2)
Cumberland University
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Drexel University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emory University
Georgetown University

High Point University
IE University-Madrid (2)
Institut Francais de la Mode-Paris
Menlo College
Montana State University (3)
New York University
Newton University – Czechia
Northeastern University (2)
Oregon State University (2)
Parsons School of Design
Point Loma University
Pomona College
Santa Clara University
San Diego State University (3)
Scripps College
Seattle University
Southern Utah University

Stanford University (2)
US Air Force Academy
University of Chicago
University of Colorado-Boulder (2)
University of Hawaii-Manoa (6)
University of Nevada-Reno (2)
University of Oregon
University of Otago – New Zealand
University of Pittsburgh
University of Puget Sound (2)
University of San Diego
University of St Andrews-Scotland
University of Texas-Austin
University of Washington (2)
University of Wyoming
Utah Tech University
Willamette University
Wyoming Tech University

College acceptances as of May 8, 2026. This list reflects current placements and will continue to be updated as decisions are finalized.

The Stories Behind the Next Step

Sage McGill, Colgate University

Sage McGill is headed to Colgate University to double major in clinical psychology and English literature, following a college search shaped by intentional self-discovery, a love of learning, and a deep connection to upstate New York.

Hear from Sage

Conor Cavens, Columbia University

Connor Cavens is heading to Columbia University to study mechanical engineering, bringing with him a passion for problem-solving that was shaped at HPA.

Hear from Conor

Henry Maling, Dartmouth College

Henry Mailing is headed to Dartmouth College to study chemistry, ecology, and the kind of hands-on science that bridges fieldwork and laboratory research.

Hear from Henry

Tanner Bromberg, University of St. Andrews

Tanner is headed to the University of St Andrews to study English and film, pursuing a passion for storytelling in a setting that feels both inspiring and deeply supportive.

Hear from Tanner

A Personalized Journey Toward What’s Next

At HPA, college counseling is not a one-size-fits-all process — it’s a deeply personalized journey rooted in self-discovery, thoughtful guidance, and finding the right fit.

With decades of combined experience, HPA’s college counseling team helps students navigate one of life’s most meaningful transitions with expertise, perspective, and genuine care. Beginning well before senior year, students are supported through every stage of the process — from early exploration and academic planning to building college lists, writing essays, submitting applications, and making final decisions.

Our goal is simple: help each student find the places where they will thrive.

For us, college counseling is not about chasing rankings or a single “dream school.” It’s about helping students understand themselves, identify what matters most, and discover the environments where they can do their best work and feel at home.

Meet the Team

Andrew Kelsey, director of college counseling, HPA

Andrew Kelsey
Director of College Counseling

Andrew Kelsey has spent nearly three decades helping HPA students navigate the college journey with confidence, perspective, and a sense of possibility. A graduate of Vanderbilt University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in English, Andrew’s own educational journey began at boarding school, where he discovered firsthand the transformative power of a close-knit academic community.

That experience shaped his philosophy as a counselor today: college is not simply about admission — it’s about finding the right environment for growth.

Cindy Montgomery, associate director of college counseling, HPA

Cindy Montgomery
Co-Director of College Counseling

Since joining HPA in 2006, Cindy Montgomery has helped guide countless students through the college search with warmth, expertise, and a deeply student-centered approach. As both a college counselor and HPA parent, Cindy brings a unique perspective to the process, understanding both the student and family experience firsthand.

Her philosophy centers on helping students tune out outside noise and focus on what they genuinely want for their future.

Hear from Cindy and Andrew