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2019 Best Public High Schools in HawaiiAbout this List

The 2019 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 64
Best Schools
64 results

  1. Education Laboratory School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 112
    1 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: University Laboratory School, is a nice open campus. With our science classes a lot of what we do is a lot of hands on projects. I think that this is wonderful to have in a school because it can prep kids for what happens in real life. All of our teachers really want to get to know us and not just by our names. All of the staff and students are friendly with one another. However, this is a open campus meaning that anyone can come onto our campus. The school lunches are provided for students everyday. Also our classrooms are in real good condition which makes the environment a better learning experience, but can be a little hot since there is no air conditioning in some classrooms.
    Read 112 Reviews

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

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 601
    2 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: Mililani High School is one of the best public high schools in the state of Hawai'i! I believe this to be true because being a MHS student/alumni, I have experienced the greatness of MHS first-hand! For one, the athletics is amazing; with almost every sport winning some sort of title-whether it'd be OIA or states-the team essence just makes a family of everyone. All of the opportunities to take advanced classes truly made the academic aspect of MHS a rigorous schedule! Ultimately, the staff, faculty, and teachers also have a huge impact on why MHS is such an amazing school! The majority of the workers truly want their students to succeed, and you can see that being reflected by how they sincerely care for their students and offer help.
    Read 601 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,495 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Moanalua High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 469
    3 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: Moanalua High School is often regarded as one of Hawaii's "private" public schools. I can genuine attest to the positive impact that the school's excellent faculty, engaged student body, committed academics, and outstanding student organizations have on the surrounding community. The music department in particular is one of Moanalua's strong departments. Members of the music department are also stellar students, outgoing club members, and true leaders of the school. The music directors are a perfect example of the great MoHS faculty: strong, compassionate, and knowledgeable mentor figures for the students. The school is not perfect, but students, parents, and faculty at the school function in harmony, which helps to solve disputes and struggles very effectively. Moanalua is a great place to go to school!
    Read 469 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,982 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Roanoke Catholic School

    • Private School
    • Roanoke, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 52

    Senior: Roanoke Catholic is a school that teaches students belong the classroom and prepares them for either college. In the past years, 100 percent of Catholic seniors have attended college and this year the seniors have received over 2.5 million in scholarships. I started Roanoke Catholic two years ago and it was a big change coming from public school. In public schools you could slide by without doing your homework, but at Roanoke Catholic all work is required and graded as a test grade. Roanoke Catholic does not let you fall through the cracks. I also must say the food is outstanding!!
    One thing I really did not like were the uniforms. In public school you basically wore what you want, but not in private school. My first year the gentlemen had to wear a shirt and tie during the winter and in the summer a polo shirt with the school’s logo and khaki pants or shorts. This year they changed the dress code to where gentlemen could wear the polo shirt and khaki pants all year around.
    Read 52 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 483 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. President Theodore Roosevelt High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 389
    4 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: President Theordore Roosevelt High School overall was a fairly exceptional school. It offered an enormous support system throughout the four years I've been there to all their students by ensuring all students are provided with help from simply the janitors for directions to the right classroom to the councilors for college and career advice! On the other hand, one thing I see a great opportunity for this school to improve on would be better considering the student and faculty physical comfort. Many classes did not have working air conditioning units causing classrooms to overheat, thus creating an environment which negatively affects student success by causing students and faculty to overheat, suffer from fatigue, and be constantly bothered by an apparent distraction. I propose the school to install better and functional air conditioning systems to aid their physical well-being during lectures which in hand would benefit student and teacher performance.
    Read 389 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,362 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Kalani High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 253
    5 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: Kalani had given me experiences of well rounded people and diversity. Along with the supportive administration, academics was strong for the learning capabilities for each individual person. School events were held and students proudly showed their school spirits, making each event a great experience for all students. Teachers also showed intensive care for students both academically, mentally, and socially. Sports is a big part of Kalani High School, bringing students together to do something they all relatively love. Lastly, for many students, College Counseling is available for everyone. With the help from the counselors, students are comfortable with talking about their lives after college. They help by providing us guidelines on how to pick perfect colleges, how to apply and make resumes, as well as encouraging signing up for financial aids, scholarships, and much more.
    Read 253 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,314 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School

    • Online School
    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 34
    6 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: While attending Hawaii Technology Academy, I've noticed there is an expectation to be independent which can be intimidating. But, a strength in this school is the care each staff member has for each student. Though the expectation of being independent is there, you are not entirely alone. Teachers and staff are welcome to any questions, or concerns and are open to talking with you about it. I've, personally, been very adamant that I must do everything on my own, but knowing I can reach out to my teachers for feedback or questions really made that intimidating aspect of working independently less scary. It also helps and trains you on working on your own and how to organize your days which is a useful trait. When communicating with my teachers- both, via in person or email- they helped clear up any confusions I had and were willing to talk with me further on the subject if I still had difficulty understanding. This school has a welcoming heart to it.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,003 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Waiakea High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 239
    7 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Sophomore: Waiakea High School is a student-led school. This means that despite teachers and staff are still in charge, they teach the students to become independent by leading their own events. The school often holds events to raise school spirit and provides fun events as well as goodies to those that participate in events. The academics are very good, though every school has room for improvement. The diversity of the school is amazing! You get to see so many different types of students here, as well as teachers. The school often takes students out to different countries to help the students experience the outside world.
    Read 239 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,187 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Kihei Public Charter School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 67
    8 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: I like the atmosphere that is provided to the students to encourage future career options as well as having a very accepting school community. The teachers are amazing and strive to have close relationships with students to ensure that each of them succeeds. I hope that soon the school's facilities and sports teams will have more to work with because as of now, those resources are seriously lacking.
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 560 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. President William McKinley High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 336
    9 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: Aloha, As a senior at McKinley High School, I can truly say I have experienced it all here. We have a larger range of sports, from soft tennis to judo there is a sport here for everyone. However, if sports are not your thing we also have over 20+ clubs and programs. Ether it be E-sports or Future Farmers of America, clubs are a great way to get involved in school. Even with these many options, students choose not to join. However, this is very understandable due to the fact that we are a "melting pot" of diversity. We have Thai-Hawaiians, and pure blood Samoans. Lastly, our academics is something that we take pride in.
    Read 336 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,585 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Henry J. Kaiser High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 317
    10 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: Its a great school filled with good people. The teachers are what makes school enjoyable and these teachers definitely have made high school the best. Like every school there will be knuckleheads and people that aren't so well mannered in public settings but that's only the 5% of it. The rest of the 95% is nothing but greatness!
    Read 317 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,136 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Myron B. Thompson Academy Public Charter School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 20
    11 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: MBTA gave me the opportunity to pursue theatre on a much more full time basis. the flexibility in the class schedule allowed me to make time for things that actually mattered to me, rather than sit 8 hours a day in a classroom for an education i didn't want. With MBTA, i left highschool at age 16, getting my GED and graduating a full two years earlier than i would have in a traditional school. The assignments were challenging, but only rarely to the point where they were completely uninteresting.
    Read 20 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 683 Students
    • 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Leilehua High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 460
    12 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: Down to earth students, faculty and staff members. Great community and environment! Teachers were always very helpful and determined to lead us on the right path for graduation readiness and prep for college. Students were very connected and had varieties of cultures around the school which taught me to work well with every student.. we always met coming and going military students and transfers from around the wrold ! This school felt like home
    Read 460 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,696 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. West Hawaii Explorations Academy Public Charter School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 6-12
    • 20
    13 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Sophomore: West Hawaii Exploration Academy: Most of the students take the public bus for an hour or more to commute to this unique high school opportunity. At Whea we focus on STEM Sciences such as marine biology and robotics. We have really amazing opportunities like having a shark tank on campus and getting to travel to neighboring islands to present at scientific symposiums.
    Whea is project based which leaves a lot of time for spending time outdoors. Students only spend 1-2 hours in a classroom each day. The rest of the day is spent on field trips to the mountains or ocean or appreciating what our beautiful campus has to offer. This education style has made me passionate and concerned with environmental stewardship by instilling in me the deep understanding that we need to protect these learning resources so the next generations will be able to enjoy them as well.
    Read 20 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 286 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Adm. Arthur W. Radford High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 327
    14 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: The thing that I love about going to my school is that everyone around you is unique in their own way. Culturally speaking, Radford High School is one of the most ethnically diverse schools in Hawai'i, due to it being the most easily accessible from our surrounding military bases near Pearl Harbor. There's nothing a High School student can't do while attending Radford. We offer world languages, several AP classes, and many clubs! Student involvement in sports & extracurricular activities also plays a big role for students here at Radford.

    One facet I'd like to see change is our classroom conditions. Throughout my 4 years as a student at Radford, none of my classes have been supplied with air conditioning. Being pestered by the heat I think contributes largely to our learning & focus in each of our 7 periods, and without funding by the state of Hawai'i to receive installation of air conditioning, each classroom has 1 or 2 oscillating fans with a ratio of 30 students per class.
    Read 327 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,327 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. King Kekaulike High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 207
    15 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Junior: King Kekaulike High School is a school where you can be yourself! The school offers many different clubs and activities that'll fit anyone. The high school is located in upcountry maui where the weather is just right. Not too cold enough to be wearing double clothing but also not too warm to the extent where you would have to take a break or pack water with you. I consider King Kekaulike a melting pot. I base my opinion off of that because we have students of different races and different colors that makes you feel comfortable as soon as you set foot on campus. My favorite about my whole journey with this school so far is the teachers! Every teacher as well as staff member on campus is there to help you, i consider them like my second family. The only downfall that i would have to say is the facilities, it is a little rundown but then again it's not a new school.
    Read 207 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,030 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Kalaheo High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 149
    16 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: Kalaheo High School has a very diverse population. It is in a great neighborhood and very close to the beach and military base. I enjoyed the art classes and photography classes. There are many dedicated teachers that go the extra mile to ensure that the students are learning at a rigorous pace. The AP and Honors classes were challenging and the teachers were very passionate about their teaching. I do feel that the school was lacking spirit and many of the facilities were old and worn out. The classrooms were often hot and overcrowded. Overall, I thank the dedicated teachers who do their best to make sure the students learning comes first made this a 4/5 school.
    Read 149 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 903 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Waialua High & Intermediate School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 7-12
    • 111
    17 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: Waialua High and Intermediate School has been an amazing school to me. I was in the 7th grade when I started to attend the school. I had no friends so I was so scared for the first day of school. But when I got there, I was so surprised! Everyone was extremely nice! Definitely not what I was expecting because of stories I'be heard about how middle school/high school is supposed to be like. I am so happy I attend Waialua High and Intermediate and will definitely be sad when I graduate. It's such a living community, everyone is family at Waialua.
    Read 111 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 670 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Pearl City High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 374
    18 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: Pearl City High School is like my second home. The faculty is very friendly and is always willing to give out a helping hand. It's great to see the staff and students getting so involved in holiday spirit as well as displaying Charger pride! However, I think the current bell schedule is an inconvenience for that periods 1-7 is on a Friday, so students are expected to complete their homework for all periods on Thursday night.
    Read 374 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,623 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Kapa'a High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 190
    19 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: I loved the warrior spirit! The teachers always offer help to those who really needs in, the clubs such as interact and key club are very active in the community, and coaches for sports are always up for helping someone improve in their game as well motivating the team to remember what they learned in practice. Everyone is a team player!
    Read 190 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,038 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Connections Public Charter School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 5
    20 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Junior: I like how we are all a family and so small and so close together. I also like how it has a perfect view of the ocran. I love the food.I also love how the kids can take college classes.
    Read 5 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 359 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Kealakehe High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 242
    21 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: Kealakehe High School offers students a diverse community with quality education. There are superb teachers who really do care for their students and the quality of their educational content. The curriculum is good and the AP classes are rigorous, challenging, but very beneficial.

    However, there are always some negatives; nothing is really perfect.
    Read 242 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,223 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Waipahu High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 439
    22 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: There are many opportunities at Waipahu High School. Students are able to choose from a number of career pathways to focus on. I am in the Arts & Communication pathway and it has been a blast. Waipahu high school also has the most language classes in the state of Hawaii. You can choose from languages like Japanese, Spanish, Ilokano, and Korean. At Waipahu, you also have the ability to take early college courses. I have taken 4 college courses and have received 11 college credits in return. My favorite thing about this high school is homecoming week. For each day of the week is a different event. We have Field Day, Blue and Gold Day, Alma Mater day, and the last day is Arthurs Awards where each grade level challenges each other to a cheer off. You can see this event on youtube. I am glad to a Marauder!
    Read 439 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,451 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Review Your School

  32. Maui High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 222
    23 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: My experience at Maui High School, was amazing. The teachers there really care about their students and will do all they can to help us succeed. Especially the counselors. They have been working with us since freshmen year to prepare us for college. They have great academics as well, which is why I transferred to this school immediately. & let’s not forget about our band, who has been asked to be at the rose parade. Or the baseball team being championships. The clubs are great at this school too! I was apart of deca, and as we would travel to Oahu we were back to back known as the “best DECA chapter”. Overall, like I said before this school is amazing.
    The only thing I would probably change is to see more supplies for classes such as science classes or arts and communication classes, even business classes.
    Read 222 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,895 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Aiea High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 273
    24 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Sophomore: I like, actually, I love everything about 'Aiea High School! I am an exchange student from Europe and I am feeling so, so, so blessed that I got this unique opportunity to study at this high school, really! All the classes, people that I met - they are just awesome and all the positive energy that I feel and see around, it is just perfect! Teachers are outstanding, lessons are amazing and integrity is always the main point here! Every student is very responsible and respectful, every teacher knows his work and how to do everything. All is organized and so well done! It is a privilege for me to be in this school, it will forever and ever be my family!
    Read 273 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,034 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Kanu O Ka 'Aina Public Charter School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 17
    25 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Niche User: Although we could strengthen our academics, if I had a choice to do it over I would attend this school. Attending the school since preschool has allowed me to grow up knowing my surroundings. It is a culturally based school, so I am getting a balance of western education as well as the history of my blood. Being able to connect to my history and surroundings has helped build a strong foundation for me. I was able to flourish as the person I am without being judged. I was given freedom to explore myself, my culture, and the place where I grew up. Without this cultural grounding, I am not sure who or where I would be today. The past 14 years have taught me a lot, and the strong foundation that was built helps to leave to college easier. I know that I will create something on this foundation.
    Read 17 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 325 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  35. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 8

    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 8 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Kirov Academy of Ballet

    • Private School
    • Washington, DC
    • 7-12
    • 4

    Works Here: I have been working at the Kirov Academy since 2017, and have found the staff & students friendly. The students are very talented, even performing for a week at the Kennedy Center in conjunction with a major company! The teaching staff, both academic and artistic are professional, run an excellent program that prepares the students well for both companies and university placement.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 43 Students
    • 2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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