Keenan Kurihara

Director of Enrollment Management

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

For prospective students the best piece of advice I can give is to be authentically you, and don't try to curate the 'perfect' application. We aren't looking for a specific mold; we are looking for curious, kind individuals who want to engage with the world around them. Treat the admissions journey as a mutual discovery process—ask us questions, share your genuine passions, and let your true personality shine through. 

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

Most people assume I’m a lifelong Angeleno, but I’m actually a transplant—I was born and raised in Hawaii. Growing up in the islands profoundly shaped both my personal values and my professional journey. The culture there is fundamentally rooted in the concept of ohana—a deep, interconnected sense of community where everyone looks out for one another.

That upbringing instilled in me a natural appreciation for diverse perspectives and a belief that genuine relationships are the foundation of any successful organization. Professionally, it informs my approach to enrollment management. I don't just view my role as admitting students; I view it as welcoming new families into their extended home. The empathy, warmth, and hospitality I try to bring to every interaction with prospective families are direct reflections of my Hawaii roots. It’s also exactly why I am so drawn to the tight-knit, supportive community we have here at Flintridge Prep.

How do you spend your free time? 

I prioritize spending quality time with my family and friends, whether we're exploring the city, traveling, hitting the beach, or catching a Dodgers (or Seahawks) game. When I'm not with them, my daily anchor is the gym. I workout about five to six days a week, which has become an essential part of my routine. For me, fitness isn't just about staying active; it's my ultimate stress reliever and a dedicated time to clear my head so I can bring my best, most energized self to the Flintridge Prep community every day.

In what Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

I'd love to take one of our photography classes! Our photography students' art is displayed throughout campus and I'd love to be able to take photos like them.

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

In my role overseeing admissions and enrollment management, I have a front-row seat to see the sheer diversity of talent, kindness, and curiosity our students bring to campus. What I wish everyone knew is that the supportive environment here is completely genuine. The students actively champion each other's success rather than competing against one another, creating a profoundly nurturing place to grow. 

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Earning my master's degree and currently pursuing my Doctor of Education in educational leadership are personal milestones I’m very proud of. But on a day-to-day level, my greatest ongoing accomplishment is seeing the students I've helped admit walk across the graduation stage years later, transformed into empathetic, confident leaders, ready to make a lasting, positive impact on the world around them.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you. 

I was fortunate to have many teachers and mentors during my own educational journey who saw my potential in communications and leadership early on. They taught me that true leadership isn't always about being the loudest voice in the room, but about listening, seeking new perspectives, and leading with integrity—values I still lean on today and see reflected every day by the faculty and staff here at Flintridge Prep.

Describe something you have experienced or seen here that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep.

During one of my first admissions events, I asked one of our student ambassadors when they truly felt like they belonged here. He shared with me that, when he was a freshman, he missed a few days of class and was worried about needing to catch up after getting back to school. To his delight and surprise, when he returned, his classmates were at the ready, providing him with notes from the classes he missed and offering to meet after school to help catch him up. To me, his lived experienced embodied the essence of the Flintridge Prep community - where students are not just looking out for their own success, but for the success and well-being of their classmates and fellow community members.  

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

My role is fundamentally about building the future of our community. I hope to help demystify the admissions and enrollment process for families and ensure that we continue bringing together a diverse, curious, and compassionate student body. By welcoming new families into our community, I want to help shape an environment where every student feels seen and knows they belong.

Anything else you'd like to share about yourself or your experience at Flintridge Prep?

Since officially joining the campus community, I’ve been continually inspired by how deeply everyone—from our current students to our alumni, faculty and staff—cares about our school. It’s a true honor to help steward that legacy and welcome the next generation of students and families to Flintridge Prep!