There are more than 100 private schools across Hawaii, and like our unique children, each school offers different opportunities and experiences for our keiki. Though it is not always an easy process, the decision is definitely an important one. Your child could be spending five days a week for the next six, nine or even twelve years at this school – receiving an education that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Choosing the right school for your child can be both overwhelming and time consuming – tours and application fees take both time and money, with neither commodity being in infinite supply. But if you start your search early at home, you can often narrow down your choices into a smaller, more manageable list.
For personal insight, talk to other parents, friends, neighbors, and co-workers about their children’s schools. Read through this guide, full of descriptions for a handful of schools, and start making a list of potential options. Finally, take into consideration the school’s location, education philosophy, religious affiliation, accreditation, cost, and teachers.
RESEARCH AND TOUR
When considering a private school, you must look beyond the brochures. While advertisements and glossy packets are a great way to learn the basics and reach a quick judgment, parents should continue their research in order to make the right decision; a visit to the school’s website can often help eliminate schools that are obviously inconsistent with your family’s values and needs, but the best way to research a school is to schedule a tour.
Take the tour as an opportunity to ask questions and observe what you may not be able to find in a brochure. Pay close attention to the students and faculty – are they happy and engaged? Would you feel comfortable spending the entire school day there, five days a week? Would your children?
LOCATION
A long commute during rush hour can easily steal hours from your family every week that could be used more wisely. Being habitually late or stuck in traffic will only add more stress to your daily life.
Though your heart may be set on a certain school because you, your spouse, or other family members attended, pause and think about what works best for your family. Even if you are accepted, do you really want your children to get comfortable in a school so far away that after a year you are going to want them to transfer somewhere closer?
A school close to home is an obvious convenience for everyone, though a school close to the parent’s place of employment may also be a viable option. Consider the availability of before and after school care. If a school’s location or hours simply will not work with your family’s schedule, think of it as one less application fee and move on.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
With so many options available to Hawaii parents, there is sure to be a school to fit everyone’s educational preferences and ideals. Consider the following: Would your child work better in a co-ed or same gender education environment? Do you value a traditional academic program above all else, or are you open to progressive, less-rigid programs? Would your child thrive in a large school with many grade levels and resources, or would they learn better in a smaller, more intimate setting?
Are you set on the idea of a Montessori, Waldorf, Emilia Reggio, or International Baccalaureate program? If these terms are completely unfamiliar to you, it might be wise to set aside some time to conduct research. A quick Internet search can provide a basic outline of a variety of educational philosophies available and how your child’s individual personality and temperament would fare in each program.
Some families might place an emphasis on their religious belief system, and would prefer that their children attend a private school with religious affiliations that align with and reinforce their beliefs. There are some programs that will gladly accept students of different religions, while others will not. For parents considering religious schools, ask yourself if you are comfortable with the amount of instruction – or lack thereof – spent on religious studies.
Though you may be more interested in college acceptance and test scores, it is important to consider your child’s interests as well – is there an art program that would satisfy your budding painter? Does the school provide the opportunity for your little league star to play competitive team sports? Look into extracurricular activities and summer camp options to see if your child’s interests are represented.
Even if your family does not place priority on religion or a specific learning philosophy, it is important to look over the school’s mission statement to determine if their goals and beliefs are compatible with what you want to teach your children.
ACCREDITATION
In order to be licensed or accredited in Hawaii, schools must follow a procedure that involves both self-evaluation, as well as evaluation from an outside party. Because accreditation involves both copious amounts of time and money, newer schools might still be in the process of gaining accreditation.
The Hawaii Council of Private Schools (HCPS) was formed in 1995 to develop and regulate specific standards and procedures for operating a private or independent school in Hawaii. HCPS operates under the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS).
Parochial and religious schools are regulated by the religious bodies that govern the schools; for example, the Hawaii Catholic Diocese governs all Catholic schools in the state. Many parochial and church schools also work closely with the HAIS.
Some common acronyms you may come across in the following editorials include, but are not limited to: National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA). Many colleges are looking for students with diplomas from accredited high schools – so be sure that your private school choice will allow your child to pursue higher education if they so desire.
COST
Hawaii’s private schools range from $2,000 a year to over $20,000 a year. But do not necessarily rule out a school that may appear out of your budget. Though you may wince at the sticker price, financial aid could be readily available. You never know what assistance you might be eligible for if you don’t apply. That said, do not put all your eggs in one basket; apply to more than one school, including those within your price range. While you should not bank on the notion that you will receive financial aid, you do not want to discredit the idea either and miss an opportunity.
TEACHERS AND FACULTY
Each private school is sure to have different standards and educational requirements for their teachers. These requirements also differ from the standards and requirements at many public schools. The Department of Education may require head teachers to have a specific degree and amount of experience, but a smaller school may use volunteer members as classroom aides. While a degree is not always indicative of a passion for teaching, you should feel free to ask about the qualifications that are important to you. Some private schools may have even stricter requirements for their staff members, as they may be able to offer higher salaries.
In order to make the best decision for your child and family, sit down and make a list of what you are looking for in a private school – and then prioritize that list. It is not always possible to find a school that meets every single preference, and you might find that nine out of ten is not bad. Keep an open mind, and once you have narrowed down your list to three to five schools, closely follow and adhere to admission deadlines and start the application process.
PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE FAQ
1. So many schools, so many choices. How do I choose?
Make a checklist of what you and your child are looking for in a private school. This will help you determine which schools to keep on your application list and which ones to remove. Some things to add on your checklist are school size and type, student to teacher ratio, teaching strategies, financial aid, after school or summer programs, types of extracurricular activities, school special events like fairs and award dinners, sports offered, and their college admission process. Once you find a school that checks everything off your list, then you’ll know you found the right school.
2. When should I start the application process?
Application dates vary for each school, but here’s a timeline of what to expect.
Fall (a year before you want to enroll): Research schools, arrange visits, register for SSAT or other required tests, and tour schools.
Winter: Submit applications, request financial aid forms if applying, make sure your current school submits transcripts, teacher evaluations, recommendation letters, and call admission offices to make sure they have your application.
Spring: This is when you’ll find out if you’re child got accepted or put on a waitlist, what your financial package is, and make sure you let the school know if you’re accepting their offer.
3. How many private schools should I apply for?
There is no minimum or maximum amount. You should apply for schools that best fit your child’s needs and is affordable for your family.
4. What is SSAT and is it required to get into a private school?
SSAT is known as the Secondary School Admission Test administered by The Enrollment Management Association. This standardized admission test is for students in grades 3-11 and helps admissions counselors to make decisions regarding admission. The test measures verbal, quantitative and reading skills. Application requirements vary for each school, so it’s best to speak to an admission counselor if this test is required or not.
5. What if I miss their application deadline?
There are many factors as to why you might have missed the application deadline. Maybe you only applied to one school and didn’t get accepted, or the financial aid package wasn’t enough, or your family just moved to a new place. Don’t fret, there’s still a way for you to get in. Use the School Search tool from SSAT, type in your zip code or town, select the semester you’re applying for in the “Open Seat Listing” on the left side of the page, and hit search. It will pull up a list of schools in your area that are still accepting applications, along with contact information.
Private Schools Directory
Asia Pacific International School (APIS) is a purpose-driven, fully accredited, K-12 school offering cutting-edge international education. The 97-acre Hawai‘i campus is set in the rural setting of the North Shore of O‘ahu. APIS stemmed from the growing and urgent need for a new kind of international education. Being a purpose-driven school from the very start, our mission statement is a call for students to authentically engage in global learning experiences. APIS emphasizes the relationship between East and West and a focus on people and places. We are a small learning community by design – where every student is known, valued, and cared for.
We harness the power of place to make learning engaging and authentic; we envision classrooms without walls, where students experience the world around them, travelling across the globe and learning meaningful lessons from their communities. Visit APIShawaii.org or call 808-670- 1900 for more information.
Assets School provides learning that transforms lives through a strengths-based curriculum that is specifically designed for each student. Our low student-to-teacher ratio is what allows us to provide the necessary time and attention that is essential for the success of each child.
Is your child bright, but struggling to learn to read, write or spell? Does your child feel discouraged and anxious about school? If so, Assets School may be the right choice for your family. Our teachers understand the importance of creating an environment where children can discover the joy of learning. We provide an individualized, integrated learning environment for students who are gifted, dyslexic or just learn differently. We have rolling admissions and provide private tours. For more information, visit assets-school.net or call 808-423-1356.
Cross Academy, formerly Our Savior Lutheran School, builds a solid Christian foundation for learning that encompasses the whole child by including virtues and emotional maturity, as well as academic, moral, aesthetic, social, physical and service-leadership dimensions in a well-rounded educational program for preschool through eighth grade. OSLS teachers implement the S.T.E.A.M. project-based science, technology, engineering, art and math program to further inspire and prepare students with more real-world work. Promoting active learning, all K-8 classes have P.E., art and expert computer practice. After-school clubs, summer school and many event projects help to further expand the range and diversity of student’ educational experiences. For more information, call 808-488-0000 or visit OurSaviorLutheranSchool.org.
Damien Memorial School is a fully accredited Catholic, coeducational college preparatory middle and high school, committed to excellence in education and service to the community. Small class sizes offer students in grades 6-12 individualized attention from dedicated teachers and counselors within a safe and supportive learning environment.
Damien’s highly qualified faculty and curriculum provides students with a rigorous educational experience that prepares them to attend the finest colleges and universities across the United States. Our nurturing environment enables teachers to address the individual learning needs of all our students by cultivating their academic, personal and spiritual growth. Damien averages a 98% college placement rate among its graduates, with the Class of 2022 earning over $5 million in academic scholarships to attend 110 colleges and universities in 28 states.
Damien’s campus is a well-designed learning environment that features air-conditioned classrooms and science labs, computer labs, media center, learning commons, 1,000-seat gymnasium, the newly completed Athletic Center, football/soccer practice field, batting cages, chapel, counseling center, band practice rooms, aquaculture/ hydroponics lab, and full-service cafeteria. The school also participates in sports programs with the Interscholastic League of Honolulu.
For more information, visit damien.edu, or contact Director of Admissions Brent Limos at 808-440-9527 or limos@damien.edu.
Nestled in the heart of Mililani is Hanalani Schools, an independent, private Christian school focused on developing students from preschool through high school. At Hanalani Schools, students acquire the skills to progress – mentally, physically, and spiritually – through a college-preparatory program focused on STEAM (STEM + Arts) and grounded in Biblical values.
Through experiential learning opportunities in and beyond the classroom Hanalani provides students the chance to find their strengths, develop their skills, and discover their passions! For more information, visit hanalani.org. Call their Admissions Office to schedule a campus tour at 808-625-0737 x456.
The Hawai’i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) advocates on behalf of independent education in Hawaii, provides services that strengthen individual schools and engages them to achieve educational quality and excellence for all students. It works to support member schools, and other organizations, in preparing all students for the challenges of life and social responsibility.
HAIS facilitates collaborative efforts among its more than 100 member schools on issues of mutual concern, as well as partnerships to address shared needs. Member schools include several of the largest independent schools in the U.S., as well as some of the smallest. While distinctive with respect to mission and philosophy, HAIS member schools are united in helping children achieve personal and academic excellence.
HAIS creates opportunities – including programs, professional development, and conferences – that all educators are able to access. It also serves as a resource for families exploring private school options in Hawaii. Call 808-973-1540 or visit hais.us to learn more.
Hawaii Baptist Academy (HBA) came from humble beginnings as a small school founded by Christian missionaries in 1949, with 36 students. Today, HBA serves more than 1,100 students from junior kindergarten through high school on three campuses in beautiful Nuuanu, just minutes from downtown Honolulu. This past year, HBA opened its first satellite preschool in Mililani Mauka, HBA Preschool at GracePoint.
What has remained steadfast in HBA’s nearly 75-year story is that it brings faith and learning together. While HBA is often recognized for its strong academics that prepare students for college, the school’s core values of humility, curiosity, love, and commitment equip young leaders for life. HBA offers ample opportunities to nurture the unique gifts and talents of every child through athletics, clubs, and extra-curricular activities. In addition to providing a strong foundation of faith, the school fosters opportunities for life-long friendships, teaches compassion through service learning, and encourages students to become leaders in the community. Visit HBA.net for more information.
Ho’ala School’s K-8 program provides a rigorous yet nurturing educational experience that fosters the academic and personal success of their students. Ho’ala’s program is founded on a sound philosophy of education and psychology. We believe all human behavior is purposive and human beings are successful when they have experiences of a sense of belonging and a sense of significance.
For over 30 years, Ho’ala’s unique educational environment has been grounded in the social/emotional development which instills confidence and independence in every child. Individualized attention allows them to adapt to a wide range of student abilities and produces accelerated learning opportunities. Our core values include respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, and responsiveness. We encourage the giving of one’s best effort at all times, while part of a school family which celebrates not only academic and personal accomplishment but also involvement in and service to the school and wider community. For more information, visit HoalaSchool.org or call 808-621-1898.
Holy Family Catholic Academy (HFCA) is a co-ed, private, Catholic school for students in preschool through 8th grade, centrally located near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. HFCA provides a caring, faithbased environment focused on academic excellence. We offer students Music, Art, Hawaiian Studies, and various after school clubs and athletics. Before school care is available starting at 6 a.m., and after school care until 5:30 p.m. The school’s community is enriched by a diverse parish, faculty, and student population. Enrollment is open year-round, and tuition assistance and sibling discounts are available. Visit HFCAhawaii.org or call 808-423-9611 to learn more.
‘Iolani School is an independent, college preparatory school for kindergarten through 12th grade, founded upon Christian values and located in Honolulu, Hawaii. ‘Iolani School fosters educational excellence and personal growth in an environment that values collaboration, humility, and respect for all community members. Graduates are well-prepared for college and beyond and ready to lead and contribute as active moral citizens.
Our motto, “One Team,” expresses the spirit of unselfish cooperation and mutual support among faculty, staff, parents, and students. Inside and outside the classroom, “One Team” holds members to a high standard of care and concern for all. ‘Iolani’s exemplary college preparatory curriculum provides small classes, personalized instruction, and frequent occasions to speak, listen, think and write. To learn more, visit Iolani.org or call 808-949-5355.
Island Pacific Academy’s (IPA) commitment is to ensure academic excellence while nurturing and developing students in a learning environment and culture where values matter, and students are valued. Located in the heart of Kapolei, IPA is a premiere choice for a quality K-12 independent, coed, college preparatory school. Our
design thinking culture and environment encourages students to learn through experimentation to become imaginative independent, self-reliant and self-directed individuals. Curiosity and creativity are nurtured, along with critical thinking and development of fundamental skills necessary to learn and apply knowledge to real world situations and challenges. Visit IslandPacificAcademy.org for more information.
At La Pietra – Hawaii School for Girls, our mission is to educate young women to lead a life of purpose, and we’ve been doing just that for nearly 60 years. As an independent, college preparatory school for girls in grades 6-12, our students benefit from exceptional teaching faculty, small class sizes and a nurturing environment that encourages self-exploration, creativity and critical thinking. With a low 7:1 student-teacher ratio and class sizes averaging 10-15, students thrive academically and socially in a supportive and welcoming community that offers personalized attention.
At La Pietra, we believe cost should never be a barrier to a quality education. Each year, approximately 60 percent of La Pietra students are able to afford a private school education by reducing their family’s tuition cost with need-based financial aid and/or merit scholarship.
For more information about La Pietra or our financial aid options, visit LaPietra.edu or contact the Admissions Office at 808-922-2744 or admissions@lapietra.edu.
Lanakila Baptist Schools (LBS) has been educating children for 50 years. Decades of successful graduates have proven their traditional system and teaching methods to be effective, enabling 100% of the graduates to receive college scholarships to universities & colleges of their choice. At LBS, your child will become an informed, discerning individual, who is solidly equipped with the knowledge and critical reasoning skills that enable success in future academic endeavors, career pursuits, and life. For information, application and admission requirements call 808-677-0731 or visit LBSwarriors.com.
At Maryknoll School, Hawaii’s largest coed Pre-K–12 Catholic private school, each student receives personalized instruction and guidance to develop the knowledge, skills, and character to thrive in a global society. From Grade School to High School, students create their own customized academic and extracurricular pathways that combine classes, clubs, sports, internships, and international experiences. Every Maryknoll graduate practices Noblesse Oblige (“to whom much is given, much is expected”) and is inspired to live as a leader with a commitment to serving others and making an impact in the community.
Learn more at MaryknollSchool.org. Email admission@maryknollschool.org or call 808-952-7330.
Montessori Community School (MCS) is an independent, non-sectarian school providing a Montessori education for children ages two through twelve years. Last year, MCS celebrated 50 years of providing an Education for Life. MCS students are well-prepared for middle school; they have learned independence and self-direction and are often the best evaluators of their own future school choices. Many of our graduates receive acceptances to the first schools of their choice. MCS is a learning community of children and adults committed to excellence and optimal development of children’s intellectual, social/emotional, physical, creative, and spiritual potential.
We are conveniently located in the residential neighborhood of Makiki, just a few minutes from downtown Honolulu. Online applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be accepted starting September 1. Visit MontessoriHawaii.org or call 808-522-0244 for more information.
Pali Preschool provides a warm, nurturing, healthy, stimulating and enlightening environment that allows the children to grow at their own individual rates of development. We provide a variety of fun and thought-provoking hands on experiences in a loving, caring, Christian environment.
These experiences help the children not only develop their basic concepts, but to also develop a positive sense of self-concept, self-confidence and self-esteem. By building sound social and emotional skills the children are better able to become successful in their academic growth.
At Pali Preschool we focus on the process rather than the product in the work that the young learners render. We see play and hands on experiences as the foundation for academic or “school” learning. We believe in developing the whole child.
For more information visit palipreschool.org.
Students at Sacred Hearts Academy learn collaboratively in a safe and nurturing environment using hands-on materials. With the goal of educating the whole child, students engage in interactive cognitive activities such as reading, math, technology, science, social studies, physical education, art and music. The Academy’s Pre-School recognizes and accommodates each child’s individual needs, interests and learning styles. Parents play an active part in their children’s learning and are welcome to participate in school events and activities.
For more information, contact the Academy Admissions Director Karen Muramoto at kmuramoto@sacredhearts.org or 808-734-5058, ext. 224.
St. Anthony School Kailua is the perfect place for parents who seek a nurturing and stimulating environment for their child! The curriculum builds upon foundational skills, then challenges students to work to their full potential. Teachers encourage critical and creative thinking in tandem with solid academic grounding. The faculty is equipped to provide students with the support they need to thrive and succeed. St. Anthony School is accredited by the WCEA and WASC.
As a Catholic school, building a strong faith is essential in education and a part of daily instruction. Beside core subjects, there is instruction in Music, Art, PE, Library, Spanish language, and Digital Technology, providing 1:1 iPads for students Grade 4-8. The after-school program includes activities such as childcare, athletics, hula, art, and science. St Anthony offers an added opportunity for instruction and practice during the summer. To learn more, visit saskailua.org or call 808-261-3331.
St. Elizabeth School, conveniently and centrally located in Aiea, is a Catholic Community dedicated to the formation of the whole child from kindergarten through 8th grade. The school offers education in religion, language Arts, mathematics, science, social Studies, physical Education, music, art, robotics, and computer literacy. To round out the students’ experience, Saint Elizabeth School also offers a variety of extracurricular activities. Before and after school care for children in kindergarten through 8th grade is also available. Extended care for preschool is available up to 5:00 p.m. For more information visit steliz-hi.org or call 808-488-5322.
St. Joseph Parish School provides quality Catholic education in a safe and caring family environment. Students are prepared to achieve their full potential to be morally responsible citizens, effective communicators, active Christians, and lifelong learners.
St. Joseph Parish School believes that parents are the primary educators of their children. They support and assist the parents by nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, cultural, and physical growth of the whole person in a welcoming environment.
Come join the SJPS ohana and allow them to prepare your child to be a productive citizen and future leader. Extended care and extracurricular activities are available. For more information, please call 808-677-4475 or visit www.stjosephwaipahu.org.
Saint Louis School is the only all-male day school in Hawaii offering a college preparatory education to students in grades kindergarten through 12. The Admissions process at Saint Louis School is a very personable one. Each applicant is considered on his own merit with the idea that he will work towards matriculating to a college or university of his choice. As a Catholic Marianist School for young men, Saint Louis considers students with varied abilities from various socio-economic backgrounds.
The Admissions Committee will consider all aspects of the application and will weigh all aspects of the application equally. The student’s desire to attend Saint Louis is also considered. Call 808-739-4832 or visit SaintLouisHawaii.org to learn more.
St. Patrick School strives to provide a quality Catholic education characterized by strong Christian values, ethics, and morals. Programs and extra-curricular activities nurture life skills in leadership, collaboration, positive participation, and effective communication. Academics are emphasized, as well as Religion, Hawaiiana, Computer Literacy, Music, Art, and Physical Education. For 5th through 8th graders, enrichment activities such as Civics, Photography, Environmental Science, Ceramics, Basketball, Tennis, Japanese and Spanish, are all available for a well-rounded academic program.
The Early Learning Program gives students the resources to thrive and to expand their horizons. Classes such as Web Design, Typing, Team Sports, Strength and Agility, World Languages, Clay Sculpture, Music Composition, and Theatre Performance are offered. St. Patrick’s incredibly affordable tuition offers an outstanding private school education for your child. Open to children ages 3 years through Grade 12. For more information, visit saintpatrickhawaii.org, or call 808-734-8979 ext. 224.
Out-of-School Time Programs
