2020 Best Middle Schools in the Honolulu AreaAbout this List

Punahou School

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• K-12
• 352 reviews

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+

• 3,744 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

'Iolani School

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• K-12
• 322 reviews

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+

• 2,020 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Le Jardin Academy

• Private School
• Kailua, HI
• PK, K-12
• 181 reviews

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+

• 795 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Andrew's Schools

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• K-12
• 34 reviews

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+

• 310 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mid-Pacific Institute

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• PK, K-12
• 81 reviews

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

• 1,580 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Hawaii Baptist Academy

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• K-12
• 102 reviews

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

• 1,026 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Island Pacific Academy

• Private School
• Kapolei, HI
• PK, K-12
• 81 reviews

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

• 508 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

University Laboratory School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• K-12
• 130 reviews

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

• 443 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Trinity Christian School

• Private School
• Kailua, HI
• PK, K-12
• 16 reviews

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

• 360 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Moanalua Middle School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 7-8
• 4 reviews

Alum: As an alumnus of MMS, I can attest that this is one of the best middle schools in the state of Hawaii. Moanalua is greatly supported by local leaders, the community, parents, staff, and its students.

Students here are overall very driven to succeed in their studies and extra-curricular activities, and the music program is highly regarded in the community. Moanalua also has great teachers who prepare their students for high school. The level of difficulty of their classes is reasonably difficult, but this helped me grow as a student and as a young adult. Thanks to my experience at Moanalua, I'll be graduating Moanalua High School in 2018 ready for college and my future!
Read 4 Reviews

• A-

• 791 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sacred Hearts Academy

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• PK, K-12
• 66 reviews

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-

• 713 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

SEEQS: the School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 6-8
• 1 review

Middle School Student: Well at first when you come for sixth grade, you might think this school is bad, but later on it gets better.
Read 1 Review

• A-

• 160 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Maj. Sheldon Wheeler Middle School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 6-8
• 1 review

Niche User: I would have liked air conditioning. Or like the dress code wasn't really enforced but you can't really ask students to follow it if even the teachers couldn't. I also didn't care for the way we took our state test.But especially the fact that pretty much none of the taxes went to the school. Honestly why should a prison have air conditioning but a school doesn't. I also know that other schools in Hawaii are in worse condition.
Read 1 Review

• A-

• 810 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Niu Valley Middle School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 6-8
• 2 reviews

Alum: I loved the learning atmosphere at Niu Valley Middle School! It really pushed me and prepared me well for the high school coursework. However, I would like to see more sports involvement at the school and a push for a more active lifestyle.
Read 2 Reviews

• A-

• 916 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Kaimuki Middle School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 6-8
• 4 reviews

Alum: I thought it was a pretty good middle school. The classes were challenging and everyone was nice. However, there's a lack of variety of clubs. The Music Department is really good.
Read 4 Reviews

• A-

• 1,004 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mililani Middle School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 6-8
• 8 reviews

Middle School Student: I especially loved the teachers passion to teach students about Hawaiian history. They had a wide range of electives and loved every single one I took. The counselor was very understanding about me not knowing what I want to do in the future and helped talk me through it as well as giving me a booklet on possible career options there. The students themselves were generally very impressive and friendly, but also many students that gave me an idea that they were from a ghetto area dealing with drugs and rough language. However, that is a part of Hawaiian culture. The food was amazing, with pizza and kalua pig.
Read 8 Reviews

• A-

• 1,837 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• K-12
• 45 reviews

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-

• 1,003 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Aiea Intermediate School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 7-8
• 3 reviews

Middle School Student: Aiea intermediate school has given me so much. It has great teachers and awesome kids. Aiea has a lot of fun games and activities.
Read 3 Reviews

• A-

• 586 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Kihei Charter School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• K-12
• 74 reviews

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+

• 526 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Kailua Intermediate School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 7-8

• B+

• 781 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Hanalani Schools

• Private School
• Mililani, HI
• PK, K-12
• 125 reviews

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+

• 740 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Maryknoll School

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• K-12
• 120 reviews

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+

• 1,079 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Highlands Intermediate School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 7-8
• 3 reviews

Niche User: Highlands Intermediate is a good school to get you ready for high school. There were plenty of great teachers teaching and they motivated you to learn more about what they were teaching. The clubs are diverse ranging like card game, computer, and music clubs.
Read 3 Reviews

• B+

• 876 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Kamehameha Schools - Kapalama Campus

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• K-12
• 658 reviews

Senior: Kamehameha Schools Kapālama shapes and molds good and industrious students to the best of their ability. However, there are many obstacles that the administration puts forth not only for the students, but for the teachers as well. Although the teachers are underrepresented, many can make learning exciting. The sports in this school, due to the accepted entrance policy; every student must be Hawaiian, and therefore are unable to recruit. In many sports, this is what holds back opportunities. The performing arts in this school exceeds expectations. It offers insightful experiences for students of all musical backgrounds. It’s a very welcoming campus that shows true diversity by blood and by personality.
Read 658 Reviews

• B+

• 3,181 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Christian Academy

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• PK, K-12
• 41 reviews

Junior: Christian Academy is an amazing school and environment for those that are Christians because faith is the foundation and center of everything. The community of the students is priceless because there is a constant family feel where everyone knows you and wants to see you succeed. With that being said, it is a small school on a small campus, so it has its limits, especially regarding opportunities for the students. The school is not able to offer a wide variety of options for education and activities due to its size and finances. Despite that, the sports program is phenomenal and the coaches really care about their players and the game. They have produced many division winning teams in different sports, yet still maintain athletes that value their athletic growth and academic achievement.
Read 41 Reviews

• B+

• 244 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio