Set in the heart of the central Pacific, the island of Kwajalein is part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, where many island residents are U.S. citizens. The Kwajalein School System (KSS) is a government-owned, contractor-operated private school serving a small and vibrant learning community. With an enrollment of approximately 70 students across Grades 9–12, KSS offers educators the opportunity to teach in an environment where relationships, individuality, and leadership development truly matter. As the school reflects:
We believe the small-town community and the excellent teaching staff help our students to develop leadership skills and to find their hidden talents. Students are valued for who they are and the strengths they possess as they learn to make positive contributions to the world they live in.
KSS comprises two campuses. George Seitz Elementary School serves students in Kindergarten through Grade 6, providing a strong foundation in core academic subjects alongside music, physical education, art, library, computers, and band for Grades 5 and 6. Students also benefit from enrichment opportunities such as Student Council, swim lessons, and access to island-wide activities, including sports and STEM programs.
The Kwajalein Junior–Senior High School, home to Grades 7–12, prepares students for college and future careers through a well-rounded academic and extracurricular program. Opportunities include National Honor Society, Student Government, and athletics such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and softball.
Accredited by Cognia, KSS is operated by V2X-Vectrus, a logistics and engineering support contractor. Kwajalein is unique in being the only U.S. military installation that offers host-nation education for Marshallese students within the U.S. school on base. The Class of 2026 includes twelve students—three Marshallese students from the neighboring island of Ebeye and nine American students.
Small class sizes are a defining feature of KSS, allowing students to thrive academically and personally while playing an active role in the wider island community. Signature events such as the fall Turkey Bowl and the spring talent show bring together students, families, and residents. Band students regularly perform at community and ceremonial events, including Veterans Day and Memorial Day commemorations, Marshallese Liberation Day on Ebeye, the Ballroom Dinner Dance, and seasonal concerts.
Kwajalein itself is a dynamic community, with employment opportunities for the Marshallese population of Ebeye, who make up more than 60 percent of the local workforce. Each day, the island brings together U.S. and Marshallese professionals, families, and students in a collaborative and multicultural setting.
Most KSS students are dependents of U.S. civilian and military personnel stationed on the island. While students living on Kwajalein return home for lunch, Marshallese students traveling from Ebeye are provided lunch at school. Community service is an important value, and all students complete required service hours as part of their class expectations.
The school benefits from strong institutional support, with contributions from organizations including MIT Lincoln Laboratory, V2X-Vectrus, RGNext, TribalCo, and the U.S. Army. Many parents have professional or technical backgrounds, contributing to a highly engaged school community.
KSS graduates have a strong record of university placement, with recent alumni accepted to institutions such as Stanford, MIT, Columbia, Rice, Brown, Harvard, Princeton, Johns Hopkins, Caltech, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Georgia Tech, the University of Michigan, and multiple University of California campuses, as well as U.S. service academies.
The staff includes a full-time principal, a school counselor, and the equivalent of 17 full-time teachers, with an average student-teacher ratio of approximately 8:1. All full-time faculty members hold master’s degrees. KSS welcomes certified teachers from diverse professional backgrounds, including newly qualified educators and teaching couples with non-teaching partners. There is no age limit for certified teachers seeking a work visa.
The overseas benefits package is competitive and comprehensive, including salary, relocation and airfare allowances, furniture and housing with utilities, and full tuition for all dependents. Faculty also receive worldwide health insurance coverage—including dental, life, and long-term disability—with employee cost-sharing. Professional development is supported through virtual offerings and limited in-person opportunities, and local employment options are available for non-teaching partners.
To learn more about Kwajalein School System, educators can view the school’s profile on the Search Associates platform. New candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
