2022 Best middle schools in the Honolulu Area

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  511 reviews

Parent: 'Iolani is the whole package. It is not only a school, but a family who takes care of each other. From the students, teachers, administrators, parents and alumni, everyone cares deeply for everyone. The administrators and teachers were phenomenal during the pandemic. There was no interruption to the students' learning and they received a full year's worth of academic work. Safety precautions were well thought through and followed the science so our school community could feel secure being in person. This is a demonstration of the excellence in academics and in all aspects of how the school is run. Students are consistently challenged to meet their full potential and no student falls through the cracks. They are keenly aware of the students' mental, physical and academic well being and will intervene when necessary. I can't say enough about 'Iolani, this is truly the best school!... Read 511 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,181

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  417 reviews

Senior: Started attending since the 7th grade, and I'm happy to say it was worth the investment. Sure, Punahou isn't perfect—I wish students are prepared more for the real world and their future in college—but the school does shine with its spirit and extracurricular opportunities. Academics and athletics are top here. All of my teachers have been supportive to me and I can tell they sincerely care about what they teach. Go Buff'n Blue!... Read 417 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,731

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Kailua, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  187 reviews

Sophomore: I loved the community atmosphere! I felt that I learned about all aspects of knowledge, through different style assessments and through the different teachers. Sophomore year was a great year! I enjoyed completing the personal project, reading 1984 in my language and literature studies, and learning about chemistry and physics. I feel that this past year prepared me for the Diploma Programme that I have ahead of me for the next two years. The wide range of studies, and the open schedule allowed me to fully participate in my passions. The impact block program allowed me to take zoom flute lessons with a teacher in Boston.... Read 187 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 795

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  44 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 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  164 reviews

Senior: I love my school so much! I came in as a freshman and am going to graduate in less than a year and I’m so excited! At mid pac, you really know that the teachers and faculty really care about you. Now there will always be a few select teachers who don’t meet that standard of excellence, but that is a very small minority. Overall, I would not be in the place I am now getting ready for college without the support from my school. Also in terms of the social scene, there is no doubt that any incoming students will find friends that they love endlessly.... Read 164 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,399

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  140 reviews

Parent: I cannot say enough about the amazing experience my family has had at Hawaii Baptist Academy. From the minute we walked into the office for our tour, we felt like family. I am a teacher with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a passion for best practice in education. I didn’t know what to expect from teachers in the private school sector, but I am blown away with the teachers’ extremely rigorous but supportive instruction they provide. I’m watching my child in the junior kindergarten answer higher-order critical thinking skills and her curiosity and creativity have come alive! The same goes for my older child who has learned collaborative skills from her teacher that are usually taught at a higher grade level. After being bored in the public schools, I feel she is finally being challenged and exposed to whole-child education. I am so thankful to send my child to a school with such a positive environment and amazing, loving adults who genuinely care.... Read 140 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,117

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Kapolei, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  84 reviews

Senior: I am currently attending IPA. It is an amazing school filled with wonderful students and staff! The teachers here really challenges your education and try to push you a little out of your comfort zone! The activities done have also prepared us mentally for college! I love the bond and communication between the school and families, especially during times like these! Giving weekly updates, ensuring all students and staffs safety, and putting forth best efforts to make learning as normal as then can be, makes my family and I thankful for IPA!... Read 84 reviews

• grade A

• Students 558

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  37 reviews

Senior: La Pietra has truly allowed me to flourish, not only as a student but as an individual. With a plethora of opportunities, all within my grasp, it was easy to become a well-rounded individual. At La Pietra, I didn't have to compartmentalize; I could play the violin, be on the basketball team, participate in Student Government, be a lead role in the school play, be in the National Honor Society, tutor students, and still have time to focus on my own studies and come into my own.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A

• Students 158

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  62 reviews

Alum: This school is fully focused on students, they prioritize both academic achievement and student wellbeing. They have created a supportive and specialized environment to help students of all backgrounds to succeed in school. Although the hybrid learning isn't for everyone, for those whom it works for, tend to excel in everything they do. This school hires the best and most compassionate teachers and staff. The counselors will always listen and take time to support the students in anyway possible. They actually care about their kids! They love to make education fun and form fitting. Anyone with the right guidance can excel here.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,337

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Kailua, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.61 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: Trinity Christian School was the total package: challenging academics, caring and engaged faculty and staff, healthy Christian environment, family-like atmosphere, character-building and fun extracurricular options. I feel my son could not have had a better educational and social experience. Because Trinity's high school is organized by "house," instead of by grade, my son had wonderful upper-classmen mentor him and had the opportunity to mentor the younger students, which was valuable in forming his maturity and leadership skills. A year later, he still has very strong relationships with school mates, younger and older, as well as many of the faculty. He was well prepared for college and is already moving into leadership roles as he begins his second year. This small school is a very big treasure!... Read 18 reviews

• grade A

• Students 285

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  145 reviews

Senior: University Laboratory School is a small public-charter school that is nearby the UH Manoa Campus. There are 8 required classes everyday (including art and music from 6-12 grade) and the average school day lasts from 7:45-3:15. I think that although the school day is long, it's refreshing to be able to participate in different classes everyday. The curriculum is different and really depends on the teacher that you receive, but learning and experimenting is encouraged. There are many different ways to learn things and with the small classroom and grade levels, it's easy to connect with other students and ask for help. The school has limited clubs and extra curricular activities, but as someone who loves to be involved, I've found myself busy with things since 6th grade. There are also many athletic opportunities for students.... Read 145 reviews

• grade A

• Students 450

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  97 reviews

Senior: Sacred Hearts Academy is an all girls school where women empowerment and sisterhood is so significant. I feel a sense of comfort everywhere I go because being I can be myself everyday at school. I will forever be in debt to Sacred Hearts Academy for letting me experience what real sisterhood is like. Since my 3 years at this school, I have grown into a very mature young woman who has gained her own voice. I speak for myself in and out of school because Sacred Hearts has taught me the dangers of the world. I am confident because I have gained the knowledge to do what I want with my future. Sacred Hearts Academy's academics provide a variety of different courses that help decide what I want to do in college. The college classes they offer and scholarship programs inspire me to do my best academically so that I can push myself to be better than the others. There is just so much positivity all over the campus- classrooms, cafeteria, hallways, even bathrooms!... Read 97 reviews

• grade A

• Students 713

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  90 reviews

Senior: Damien, with its small student body, allows you to make connections easily with the students and teachers. Clubs and sports of all types are available to you and community service opportunities are in abundance! Here you are not another face in the crowd and the faculty and students here will make you feel like you have another family outside of your immediate family.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 704

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  75 reviews

Freshman: This school motivates me to do my best. The brotherhood perpetuated here teaches me to care for others and care for my school. I have learnt what it means to be a gentleman, to love God and to serve Saint Louis School. In many ways I have still much to learn from the school and the teachers from inside the school. My school is an all boys school and a place where we respect one another, being brothers to each other and learning from everybody. 6 years ago when I first walked into St. Louis School I had no idea what the school meant and what they wanted for all of their students. But as I went along and kept doing my best, I found out that all the school wants for us is to love, learn and care for our families, community and environment. If I hadn't gone to this school I would have ended up in a very different place and I could have ended up as a very different person. Without this school I wouldn't have made friends and met new people along the way. I love this school as my home.... Read 75 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 876

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  130 reviews

Junior: I like Maryknoll’s community and how welcoming it is. Maryknoll’s student community, is like one big family, everyone gets along and has a good day at school overall. One would say that its like a big family reunion when we all come back from a winter break, summer break etc. Now, I’d like to see the change of staff, considering they are teaching old ways instead of a more modern way. I think that teachers should also change their perspective of students and be more openminded to the careers and offer a wider variety of courses a student can take, to better their interest in what they want to do in life. Our courses are so limited and to be completely honest BORING!... Read 130 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,068

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: Both the students and teachers at Assets are very accepting. The teachers create alternative methods to teach students who have a different learning style. During winter, there is a winter showcase where everyone (including people who don't attend Assets) come together to appreciate the hard work of the musicians, dancers, singers, painters, sculptors, photographers, etc. It's a mandatory requirement that every student needs to have an internship(you need a certain amount of hours to graduate). The faculty do a great job of finding companies, businesses, and other occupations that best fit every single person's interests.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 339

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: As an alumnus of MMS, I can tell you that this school is amazing. The teachers care about students and are very knowledgeable, and extremely violent fights rarely occur. The orchestra program is fun and resourceful, according to my experience in this elective for the past 2 years. This school seems to value diversity and encourages students to be their own unique selves. I really appreciate my experience at MMS!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 777

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: My child has attended SEEQS for 2 years now, and she loves it! Though it is a small school, it allows for a lower student-to-teacher ratio, giving students more chance to speak up and engage in group activities. Teachers are always on top of each student's progress, and teachers, students and parents can monitor students' progress through the online platform. (Which worked perfectly and flawlessly especially during the pandemic period!) Teachers are passionate about seeing all the students succeed. But, success does not only mean academic success. They focus on students' good behaviors and achievements as one individual human being. If any issue arises, admin staff and teachers approach parents, and they do it in a very respectful, professional manner. SEEQS is by far the best middle school on Oahu.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 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 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 561

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Mililani, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  139 reviews

Senior: Hanalani has amazing teachers and faculty that I do believe genuinely care for the students. Although some rules can be quite strict, they are not as enforced as they try. It is also a great school for understanding God and getting that Christian education. But of course, there are many amazing extracurricular opportunities and interesting classes that students can take both in-person or online. One other downside is that despite being a college prep school, the college and career admissions staff due try to push attending UH Manoa rather than encourage students to go off island. I also wish there was more of a focus on how to write proper papers and deliver great presentations that would be expected in college. Other than that, Hanalani has been an amazing school for its little community and I would recommend others to go if given the chance.... Read 139 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 695

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 7-8

• grade A minus

• Students 785

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  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

• grade A minus

• Students 782

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Ewa Beach, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: My child has been there through K5 and 1st grade so far. Teachers, staff, curriculum are fantastic, and for a private school the tuition and before/after school care costs are amazing! My kid loves this school and his teachers, and is learning good Christian morals and the 3 Rs... and without all the socialist garbage they're indoctrinating into children in the public schools. Would give 6 stars if I could.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 76

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  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

• grade A minus

• Students 978

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.83 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: Not only this is school excellent in ensuring my child's physical safety, but they are amazing at developing meaningful learning experiences in which my child can develop intellectually and emotionally. My son frequently tells me about his teachers and friends and how loved he feels!... Read 18 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 309

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1