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2020 Best High Schools in the Honolulu AreaAbout this List

Explore the best high schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education.  Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 94
Best Schools
94 results

  1. Punahou School

    • Private School
    • Honolulu, HI
    • K-12
    • 352 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Alum: I attended Punahou since I was in Kindergarten, and it has become like a second home to me. They have helped to shape who I am today, provided me with countless opportunities, supported me on my journey in life, allowed me to develop and explore my interests, and helped to prepare me for college. The teachers, faculty, and students all care for one another, and there is something for everyone at Punahou. Thank you!
    Read 352 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,744 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. 'Iolani School

    • Private School
    • Honolulu, HI
    • K-12
    • 322 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: Iolani School is a college preparatory school, and has approximately 2000 students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The school offers rigorous courses of various topics. Students are able to devote time to their topic of their interest which I believe is very helpful for those who wants to specialize in a minor field of study. The athletics programs are excellent and over 70% of the upper school students are involved in at least one sport. Many students receive athletic offers from division 1 schools which I think is great! The faculties are always there to support us, during school, before school, and after school. There are also numerous clubs and activities that students can be involved in. They are never bored!
    Read 322 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,020 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Le Jardin Academy

    • Private School
    • Kailua, HI
    • PK, K-12
    • 181 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Parent: Our children thrived and matured immensely at this school. Our oldest was recently diagnosed with a learning disability and even before the official diagnosis, the teacher recognized the potential challenge and the school provided educational programs to intervene early on with the learning specialist. Our child's reading and writing improved dramatically when you compare the reading, writing, and spelling ability from the beginning to the end of the school year. I'm so happy with the way the teachers at Le Jardin have a personal interest in the positive growth of each student. We absolutely will keep our children here until they leave for college!
    Read 181 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 795 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. St. Andrew's Schools

    • Private School
    • Honolulu, HI
    • K-12
    • 34 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: The small class sizes allow teachers to focus more on students and allow for classes to bond closely with each other. The fact our school is in Hawaii and that many international exchange students come to the Priory allows for a diverse student body. If students want to pursue an interest in social science and sustainability, STEM, or in the arts and music (even if it isn't your main interest), the academics and student-driven clubs and activities can help students pursue these interests. If you discover that there isn't a club that could support the school, it's very easy to create one. I've had a lot of fun experiences here throughout high school, as I was able to create a new club (Kindness club) and learn more about my main passion of computer science through our dedicated technology teacher and the IT Crew Club. Being able to bond with middle schoolers and high schoolers, I wouldn't trade this high school experience with any other.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 310 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Mid-Pacific Institute

    • Private School
    • Honolulu, HI
    • PK, K-12
    • 81 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Parent: My children are in middle school (entered in 7th) and very much enjoy school. I appreciate Mid-Pacific's emphasis on developing the whole child and social-emotional learning approach. It's like they care about kids being good people, not just good students. With small class sizes, people on campus know every child by name which seems like a small thing but it means a lot. The community is very warm and welcoming which I haven't felt as much at other schools. Academically, we have no issues. I like that there is time to complete work in school, so most of the time my kids do not do a lot of work at home, except for larger projects, reading, studying for tests, etc. This will probably change in high school, but especially since we get home so late everyday after sports, I sure enjoy having the time now to re-connect with them every night. I feel like they are learning a lot inside and out of the classroom.
    Read 81 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,580 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Hawaii Baptist Academy

    • Private School
    • Honolulu, HI
    • K-12
    • 102 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: Hawaii Baptist Academy, being a private, Christian college-prep school, has been very influential in my high school career. I've learned leadership, humility, and fortitude in being myself as I excel through different classes and clubs. The teachers enjoy teaching us and getting to know more about us. The students are studious but also participate in various activities and sports. Access to student counselors, Z-period days for more prep, and even weekly chapels all aid to HBA's great reputation as a community in itself. Both parents and students get involved in projects like Project Grad, Fun Fair, Spirit Week, etc. Lastly, the emphasis on Christian learning is very prompt, allowing believers, such as myself, to strengthen our relationships with Christ, build stewardship and camaraderie. HBA is an amazing school for those interesting in learning, interacting with great people, and creating change in the world.
    Read 102 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,026 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Island Pacific Academy

    • Private School
    • Kapolei, HI
    • PK, K-12
    • 81 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: Although the school may seem small, we are a tight-knit welcoming community. With small class sizes, I am able to get one-on-one help with teachers and create strong bonds with classmates compared to other schools which have larger classes. The education fits to your learning pace and help is always available for students. Although because we are a small school, we lack in sports and athletics. Are programs are smaller compared to most schools on island but our drive is just the same. If ever considering going to Island Pacific Academy, it’s great for those who like small classes, one-on-one teaching, and strong bonds with classmates who you’ll remember for life.
    Read 81 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 508 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Pacific Buddhist Academy

    • Private School
    • Honolulu, HI
    • 9-12
    • 19 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: My experience at Pacific Buddhist Academy has been excellent! Although enrollment has been low, we just built a new building, so we definitely have capacity for more students. I loved the school culture, which was so welcoming. That stemmed from our connection to Buddhism from sharing campuses (founded by) with the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and our close-knit environment. Classes are small enough, so students really get to know one another, and we form personal relationships with our teachers as well! Almost all of us participate in sports, be it in our stand-alone team, with Pac-5, or joining another school. Our academic schedule is a bit hard to grasp, but it’s a cycle system where we only have two core classes at a time for two hours each, which change every 6 weeks. We can really delve into the subject matter this way. There’s so many opportunities to study abroad thanks to PBA and Hongwanji. Our various school events throughout the year brings us together.
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Mililani High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 648 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Alum: All the students are kind once you break the ice but they sometimes just stick to their own business. There's a variety of AP classes to take ranging from your regular academics to language and even music theory! Our high school sports teams are well recognized across the state including softball, football, baseball, etc. At the high school there's a wide variety of clubs ranging from your service clubs, math club, robotics, and even a video game club if you have a love for them. The cafeteria recently started a lunch program where they make the school lunches from local farmers and locally sourced ingredients from the island, I think they could improve some of the meals but further into the future I believe the food will improve.
    Read 648 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,533 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls

    • Private School
    • Honolulu, HI
    • 6-12
    • 33 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: While first deciding to attend La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls, I was greatly influenced by the admissions process. All the ladies in the office and people around school were all so kind and welcoming. Then when I decided to attend La Pietra I noticed all the teacher's were very good at their job and work with students to succeed. La Pietra is also part of Pac5 sports allowing for girls to participate in a range of sports. In addition the community at La Pietra is genuine. Everyone knows each other and help each other out, even parents are involved. Parents put on lunch every month and even hold a father daughter and mother daughter night, where daughters have a chance to bond with their parent. And because of the community at La Pietra I have grew to be more outspoken and have seen other girls grow intellectually and socially during my four years at La Pietra. Therefore, I believe La Pietra is a very good school preparing girls for college
    Read 33 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 171 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. University Laboratory School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 130 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: My school is good at academics and they have been improving in the athletics program. This school is made for kids who don't need help with staying on track or need extra motivation. This schools' curriculum is very fast-paced and the teachers don't take extra time to help the students who struggle in their classes. The facilities at this school are mostly outdated (such as the bathrooms, locker rooms, etc.) but there were new AC units installed throughout the classrooms in the main buildings. The administration is old-fashioned and needs either new leadership or more diversity. Otherwise, the school is good.
    Read 130 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 443 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Trinity Christian School

    • Private School
    • Kailua, HI
    • PK, K-12
    • 16 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Parent: I have graduated 2 students (2013 and 2017) from this school and have one more in her Junior year. Trinity's Christian Classical approach prepares their students for college in all aspects of their life: spiritual, academic, physical and socially. The care the teachers show the students is amazing! These students are life-time learners!
    Read 16 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 360 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. President Theodore Roosevelt High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 413 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: Roosevelt High School in Hawaii was one of the top schools in the state. Several AP classes were offered to its students and graduates are all very prepared for college and life. Teachers are extremely accommodating and are available several times through tour the day. The campus is kept clean and safe with majority of the classrooms having air conditioning. Clubs are also abundant allowing for students to express creativity and individuality. All students show pride and school spirit during homecoming and other school events, giving the campus a lively and positive atmosphere. The small classes allow for closer student teacher relationships and a better education.
    Read 413 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,341 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Moanalua High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 507 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Junior: Moanalua High School is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It can can very humid here so the school is outside, meaning there are no hallway walls. This is super fun and unique, but went it rains you might end up in class wet! Since Hawaii is a melting pot our school is very diverse, resulting in everyone getting along. One thing in particular that Moanalua is good for is the range of sports. We have water polo, air rifle, soft tennis, paddling and more! The only downside is sometimes we have too many students which means classes have to be held in tight portable. Also the construction is going on 24/7, but all that means is our school is improving.
    Read 507 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,968 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Henry J. Kaiser High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 342 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Sophomore: Currently, I attended Henry J Kaiser high school for two years and experience my expectation in what high school is. The teachers and facility are all thoughtful and wishes for all of us to be successful and achieve our goals. My school changes our schedule time to time when an event occurs. Which is always helpful for students and especially me to manage my time when it comes to extracurricular activities and studies. The best part is when my school hosts activities for the student to loosen up, be open-minded, and become more social. What I would like to change about the school is how student body and facilities announce events and modifications on our school campus. Besides using the speaker and posting posters, it's best if teachers physically announce it in front of the classroom with everyone’s full attention. Overall, Henry J Kaiser high school is extremely helpful and I can’t wait to experience another two years!
    Read 342 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,128 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Sacred Hearts Academy

    • Private School
    • Honolulu, HI
    • PK, K-12
    • 66 reviews
    #11 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Sophomore: Sacred Hearts Academy may be all girls, but for the most of it, they certainly defy the stereotype of what could happen at an all-girls school. Despite this, they are also very successful in their sports, and their band program is one of the most open and loving places too!
    Read 66 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 713 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Kalani High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 283 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: My experience at Kalani High School is one of extensive activities and treasured memories. The school environment itself is rather friendly, with plenty of diversity and different students and teachers to interact with. However, it's the clubs that really make Kalani who it is as most of the student organizations here have made many accomplishments in their field of practice and study and has brought many communities and recognition to Kalani as a result. I have met many great people and built many bridges to different communities. From all of this, I hope to become a great citizen of Hawaii in the future.
    Read 283 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,348 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Waiakea High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 263 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: Waiakea Highschool is a very optimistic and good school, everyone is very friendly and nice so its really easy to make friends. The teachers are sometimes a little strict but most of them go at a teaching pace so that everyone in the class can hopefully understand well. The student life is absolutely great, we have weekly activities in our main field (the quad, shaped like a big hexagon kinda) and if you don't want to participate, you can watch from the sides. Waiakea Highschool wants to make learning fun, not just for teachers but most importantly for you!
    Read 263 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,238 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Damien Memorial School

    • Private School
    • Honolulu, HI
    • 6-12
    • 78 reviews
    #12 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: Damien Memorial School in Honolulu is an amazing place to be. I was fortunate enough to be accepted freshman year, and I was completely overwhelmed by the welcoming spirit I got from the faculty and the students. Even though it is a Catholic school, never once did I feel uncomfortable being a non-Catholic. Everyone there is very respectful of different beliefs, and it is a safe, controlled space to be able to share a difference in opinion without being put down. Being that Damien has changed from all boys to co-ed, there are definitely a lot of improvements to the school. Academically, Damien provides college preparatory courses for all grades to help students prepare for college. Also, our athletic teams are flourishing. Our football team won the ILH Division II championship three times in a row, and our basketball team won states this year. At Damien, we really live by our school's motto, "Viriliter Age", which means "Act Courageously" by doing volunteer work for our community.
    Read 78 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 704 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 45 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: Hawaii Technology is a school of excellence, it allows students to have a schedule that is very similar to a college experience. Students meet twice a week physically in the school, with one virtual learning day, and two individual work days. This type of schooling gives more freedom to move at an individual pace and get plenty of help and support from teachers when needed. I haven't had a single teacher that's given me problems or made obstacles difficult for me, this is reflective of the enriched environment in which HTA maintains. I highly recommend this school for athletes who would like to be able to endeavor more in independent training. This school has a variety of resources and everyone there truly cares about you and your learning!
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,003 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Kihei Charter School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 74 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Junior: Kihei Charter is overall a very good school for someone who wants a smaller school and someone who is motivated to learn. It has some amazing opportunities like being able to go to college classes as a sophomore, junior, or senior. Sheltered classes are offered for your first year doing these college classes, and the next year (or two) you can choose and register for classes at UHMC. Really cool because by the time students graduate from high school they have almost enough credits to get an Associate Degree. This helps save money, and helps to give a head start to students who push themselves to excel.
    Read 74 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 526 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Hanalani Schools

    • Private School
    • Mililani, HI
    • PK, K-12
    • 125 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: A very good school, although not the most well known, it does help students be prepared for college. I am currently a senior in the graduating class of 2020 and have been attending Hanalani since the 4th grade. Mostly everything at Hanalani is very good, but there are some administration changes that would be nice. All of my teachers have been and are very approachable when it comes to asking questions and even just talking to them. The class sizes are very small, as Hanalani itself is a very small private Christian school. Having small class sizes is very beneficial as there is more of a student-teacher relationship that wouldn't be there if the class sizes were any bigger.
    Read 125 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 740 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Maryknoll School

    • Private School
    • Honolulu, HI
    • K-12
    • 120 reviews
    #14 Best Private High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Alum: Maryknoll High School is very challenging school and pushes students to their limits and allows them to see their full potential. Maryknoll helped me grow as an individual and as a student. In my last school year, they changed their class system and I was able to experience a typical college schedule, instead of regular A, B, C, D, E days. I learned a lot about time management and how to use my resources more since I didn't see the teachers I usually see on a daily basis. Also, the teachers and counselors really want students to succeed. They do their best and go out of their way to help students who need and want help. Prior to coming to college, the counselor helped me day by day find scholarships, potential schools, and different future plans. Overall, Maryknoll was a great high school, that may have had some rough times adjusting when the schedule changed, but still I couldn't have asked for a better high school experience.
    Read 120 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,079 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Kalaheo High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 165 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Alum: Kalaheo High School is a great school on the island of Oahu! This high school was near a military base so we had new students coming in all the time and the teachers, students, and staff were always very welcoming. The school has a wide variety of clubs, sports, and activities to help students with different interests, backgrounds, and hobbies to get involved.
    Read 165 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 879 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Pearl City High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 417 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Honolulu Area

    Senior: I like that Pearl City High School is a nice campus with many students to make the day great. The teachers are very kind and always want the best for their students. We also have many activities for many students to join such as Leo Club, Spanish Club, Best Buddies, and etc. There are many different types of people which makes it great so nobody is ever left out. At school, I feel very safe. We have many sports students can join such as tennis, wrestling, judo, soccer, baseball, football, etc. To make the school better they can add better lunches because many students don't eat school lunch because it tastes bad. Another thing they can do to improve the school is to add A/C into classes because it gets very hot so some students can't stay focused. Overall, Pearl City High School is a great school to attend.
    Read 417 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,545 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Nysmith School for the Gifted

    • Private School
    • Herndon, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 8 reviews

    Middle School Student: It is the best school I have ever been to and has opened the gates for me to really be able to learn. I especially like language arts and my teachers truly have a broad understanding of the world and inspire us. I have read books including Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, The Power of One, Frankenstein, Henry IV, Henry V, Oedipus The King, and many more. I came in 7th grade and I thought I would have a hard time, but that was not the case. The school is so diverse and I have gotten to learn about a bunch of different cultures and it has given me a better understanding. I went to public school before and until I got to this school I did not really know whiten outstanding education was. I feel ready to share my ideas with the world.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 580 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Woodberry Forest School

    • Private School
    • Woodberry Forest, VA
    • 9-12
    • 32 reviews
    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 399 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 24 reviews

    Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 453 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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