Hawaii Schools

Education in Hawaii - from kindergarten to the doctorate degree

Since the arrival of the missionaries in 1820, education has developed quickly in Hawaii. About 92 percent of all Hawaii state residents 25 years or older have completed high school and about 32 percent have completed four or more years of college.

Hawaii is the only state in the nation to have a single, unified, state-wide public school system, which was founded in 1840. So instead of each community having its own school board and financial responsibility for its school, there's one centralized school board, which is located on Oahu and which has jurisdiction for the entire state of Hawaii, over all the 284 public schools. The advantage is that funding, staffing and facilities are equally distributed. The disadvantage is the sometimes slow administration, which hinders flexibility and initiative.

About 18-20 percent of Hawaii's K–12 students attend one of the state's private schools (compared to the U.S. national average of around 10 percent). The percentage of Hawaii students attending private school is the highest in the nation. Hawaii private schools have good reputations, but are costly. Private schools differ in size, tuition and curricula (emphasis). Some focus on academic preparation for college, others for example, stress creativity, personal development and balance. Here is an overview of some of Hawaii's private schools, a short overview of each one and the costs.

Private schools in Hawaii

Considered being the finest in Hawaii, Punahou School is a private, co-educational, non-sectarian school located in Honolulu on Oahu. The school serves around 3,700 students from kindergarten through the twelfth grade, which makes it one of the largest independent schools in the United States. Punahou School was founded in 1841 and was originally a school for the children of Congregationalist missionaries. The school was known as Oahu College from 1859 to 1934. It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The school's focus is on college preparation. Because of Punahou's rich tradition in academic and athletic excellence, the school is considered to be one of the best nationwide.

Punahou's athletics program is one of the best in the nation. In 2005, Sports Illustrated named it the number four U.S. high school athletics program. Facilities are first-class and include a heated Olympic-sized swimming pool and an 8-lane Mondo track surface. Students have the opportunity to compete in 22 sports, such as air riflery, baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, cheerleading, football, golf, gymnastics, sailing, soccer, swimming, diving, tennis, wrestling and many more. Besides its strong athletic program, Punahou has excellent visual and performing arts programs as well. The schools dance, drama and music programs are recognized nationally. Students also have access to a jewelry studio, photography darkroom and glass-blowing facilities.

Iolani School is a private, co-educational school serving around 2,200 students from kindergarten through grade 12. It was founded in 1863 by Father William R. Scott and was later patronized by King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, who gave the school its name in 1870. Today, Iolani School is affiliated with the Episcopal Church in the United States. It is administered by a Board of Governors and is one of the largest independent schools in the nation. Iolani school is located in Honolulu on Oahu. The school's focus is on college preparation and it's strong in athletics. More than 70 percent of all students belong to an Iolani School athletic team in over 32 competitive sports.

Kamehameha Schools is a private, co-educational school serving over 5,400 students from pre-school through the twelfth grade. Kamehameha Schools is a network of three K–12 campuses (one campus is on Oahu, one on Maui and one on Hawaii Island), plus 31 preschools across the state. The main campus is in Honolulu on Oahu, located on Kapalama Heights. Tuition is much lower than other private schools in Hawaii as it is funded by the Bishop Estate. The school was established in 1887 through the will and testament of Bernice Pauahi Bishop, a royal family member of Kamehameha the Great. The Kamehameha Schools admission policy gives preference to students with Hawaiian blood. Attending this school is considered a privilege and there's some debate regarding its Hawaiians-only policy. Since 1965, the school has effectively excluded all but three non-Hawaiians from attending. Its religious orientation is Protestant/non-denominational. The school's focus is on college preparation and it's strong in performing arts.

Maryknoll School is a private, co-educational, Roman Catholic school serving around 900 students from pre-kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Located in Honolulu on Oahu, the school is administered by the Diocese of Honolulu in association with the school's original founders, the Maryknoll Society of brothers and priests and the Maryknoll Congregation, also known as the Maryknoll Sisters. Maryknoll School is open to all Hawaii children, no matter what background or faith they have.

Sacred Hearts Academy is a private, Roman Catholic school for girls. Founded in 1909, the school is located in Honolulu on Oahu and serves students from kindergarten through grade 12. The school is affiliated with the Picpus Fathers of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. The Academy offers a college preparatory education to girls with wide-ranging academic abilities, needs, religious traditions and socio-economic backgrounds. Sacred Hearts Academy focuses on character and values, cooperation, mutual respect, peaceful resolution of conflict and service. 

Mid-Pacific Institute, founded in 1908 and located in Honolulu, is a co-educational, private day school serving preschool through 12th grade. With approximately 1,400 students enrolled, it offers a diverse culture enriched by programs like the International Baccalaureate Diploma, School of the Arts and cutting-edge Immersive Technology. Known for its focus on "Deeper Learning," Mid-Pacific promotes critical thinking, creativity, resilience and global awareness.

La  Pietra – Hawaii School  for Girls, founded in 1964 and located on the slopes of Diamond Head in Honolulu, is an independent college-preparatory day school serving grades 6–12. With a low 7:1 student–teacher ratio and small class sizes, the school emphasizes personalized, purpose-driven learning. La  Pietra fosters leadership, creativity and critical thinking through a rigorous academic curriculum, including AP courses, plus arts, athletics and STEM programs. Its mission is "to educate young women to lead a life of purpose," preparing confident, thoughtful graduates.

Damien Memorial School is a private, Catholic school for boys located in Honolulu on Oahu. The school opened its doors in 1959 and is sponsored by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. The school serves student from grade six through twelve. The academic environment at Damien is strong, traditional and college-oriented. Each student is placed into courses that fit his individual abilities. There is an Honors Program for the academically gifted as well as advanced placement courses for qualified students who want to earn college credit while still in high school.

Honolulu Waldorf School is a private, co-educational, non-sectarian school serving about 120 students from early childhood through grade 8. Founded in 1961, the school is located in Niu Valley in East Honolulu. Honolulu Waldorf School is one of over 1,000 Waldorf schools throughout the world. The school's philosophy is based on an approach to education that focuses on child development and responds to the developmental phases of children. Creativity and free-thinking are encouraged and the school's academic program integrates academic, practical, experiential and artistic work. A mandatory foreign language beginning in grade one, fine arts, music, movement and drama are all part of a student's daily life at Waldorf.

Montessori Community School is a private, independent, non-sectarian and co-educational school providing a Montessori education for children ages two through twelve years (grade 6). Founded in 1972, the Montessori Community School in Honolulu is one of more than 4,800 Montessori schools in the nation. The school is a not-for-profit organization and is governed by a Board of Directors. Montessori education is based on principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, who was born in Italy in 1870. She became the first woman physician to graduate in Italy. Throughout her life, she was working with children and developed a new and unique education technique, which supports the natural development of children. The teacher in a Montessori school serves less as an instructor and more as a guide. Children are encouraged to "learn how to learn." In other words, the philosophy of Montessori education is education-by-doing.

Assets School, founded in 1955 in Honolulu, is Hawaii's only K–12 independent school specializing in gifted students and those with language-based learning differences like dyslexia. With an 8:1 student–teacher ratio, the school offers strength-based, multi-sensory learning, individualized mentoring and a robust high school mentorship program. Enrollment is about 320 students across two campuses – Lower School (K–8) and Upper School (9–12).

Variety School of Hawaii is a nonprofit, non-graded, multidisciplinary school tailored for students who face challenges with socialization, communication, language development and peer relationships. It serves those with high-functioning autism, anxiety-related disorders, non-verbal learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders and mild to moderate cognitive delays. With a small community of roughly 45 students supported by 6–12 faculty members, it provides individualized, multidisciplinary instruction alongside onsite speech, language and occupational therapies. Class sizes are limited to about 10, yielding a 8:1 student–teacher ratio. The school focuses on customized education to help each student reach their full potential. Variety School was established in 1961 and is located near Diamond Head in Honolulu.

Founded in 1949, Hawaii Preparatory Academy is a private, independent, non-sectarian and co-educational school serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. The school also offers a boarding program for students from grade six through twelve. The more than 600 students come from all over the world, including Hawaii, 15 U.S. states and territories and 15 foreign countries. Hawaii Preparatory Academy is located in Waimea (Kamuela) on the Big Island of Hawaii. It has two campuses. The Lower and Middle School are situated on six acres in the midst of Hawaii's ranching country, while the Upper School is located two miles from the foot of the Kohala Mountains. From grade nine through twelve, emphasis is put on college preparation and basic knowledge in all subject areas. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1. Students have access to resident teachers seven days a week, indoor tennis and recreation centers, a swimming pool, visual and performing arts facilities and a wireless computer campus.

Island School is a private, non-sectarian, co-educational school located in Lihue on the island of Kauai. The school is a college preparatory institution serving students from pre-kindergarten through the twelfth grade. The school's philosophy follows the concepts of the progressive school movement that education should help children develop a lively interest in the world, think critically and become an active member of the community. Community service is part of the curriculum and students participate in various charitable events and organizations. All students are also encouraged to develop artistic skills, such as dance, music, drama and in the visual arts. Students can also participate in various clubs and athletics.

Seabury Hall is a private, independent, co-educational and college preparatory school located on a 56-acre campus a mile above Makawao Town on the island of Maui. The school was established in 1964 and is affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Seabury Hall serves about 500 students from grade six through twelve. The school is financed mostly by tuition and governed by a volunteer board of trustees. Seabury Hall was awarded the Blue Ribbon, a designation by the U.S. Department of Education for outstanding educational achievement that is awarded to less than one percent of the nation's schools. In 1999, the school was also elected to the Cum Laude Society, the national secondary school honor society.