Best private high schools in Hawaii
As filmmaker and writer Nora Ephron said during a '96 commencement address at Wellesley College, "Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead." If that's the case, high school may be one of the greatest dress rehearsals of all.
It's a place where students explore their interests, dive into extracurricular activities, finally get the freedom to choose their own classes, and prepare for college or the workplace. For many of these students and their families, education is key: 1.4 million students enrolled in private high schools in fall 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. There were about 3,600 private secondary schools nationwide as of 2020.
For many anxious parents, getting their kids into the best of these private high schools is of the utmost importance. Some families even move homes to send their kids to better schools. However, among all of these thousands of schools, a few stand out for their academic excellence, incredible track records, and the future success of their young students.
Stacker compiled a list of the best private high schools in Hawaii using 2024 rankings from Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students.
#30. Ho'ala School
- Location: Wahiawa, HI
- Enrollment: 95 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#29. Maryknoll School
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 876 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#28. St Anthony School
- Location: Wailuku, HI
- Enrollment: 143 (5:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#27. Christian Academy
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 252 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#26. Maili Bible School
- Location: Waianae, HI
- Enrollment: 70 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#25. Makua Lani Christian Academy
- Location: Kailua-kona, HI
- Enrollment: 215 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#24. Damien Memorial School
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 704 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#23. Saint Louis School
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 882 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#22. Island Pacific Academy
- Location: Kapolei, HI
- Enrollment: 585 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#21. Kauai Christian Academy
- Location: Kilauea, HI
- Enrollment: 241 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#20. Trinity Christian School
- Location: Kailua, HI
- Enrollment: 285 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#19. Christian Liberty Academy
- Location: Keaau, HI
- Enrollment: 233 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#18. Sacred Hearts Academy
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 713 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#17. Pacific Buddhist Academy
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 73 (7:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#16. La Pietra – Hawai'i School for Girls
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 90 (5:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#15. Kaimuki Christian School
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 318 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#14. Hawaii Baptist Academy
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 1,110 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#13. American Renaissance Academy
- Location: Kapolei, HI
- Enrollment: 101 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#12. St. Joseph School - Hilo
- Location: Hilo, HI
- Enrollment: 211 (7:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#11. Parker School
- Location: Kamuela, HI
- Enrollment: 338 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#10. Island School
- Location: Lihue, HI
- Enrollment: 498 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#9. Seabury Hall
- Location: Makawao, HI
- Enrollment: 517 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#8. St. Andrew's Schools
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 237 (4:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#7. Maui Preparatory Academy
- Location: Lahaina, HI
- Enrollment: 271 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#6. Le Jardin Academy
- Location: Kailua, HI
- Enrollment: 795 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#5. Mid-Pacific Institute
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 1,401 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#4. Hawai'i Preparatory Academy
- Location: Kamuela, HI
- Enrollment: 572 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#3. Punahou School
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 3,744 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#2. Asia Pacific International School
- Location: Hauula, HI
- Enrollment: 150 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#1. Iolani School
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Enrollment: 2,214 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Emma Rubin, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.