2022 Best schools in Honolulu County

• 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 3,744

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Hauula, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  8 reviews

Works Here: Asia Pacific International school is a caring K-12 school on the North Shore of O'ahu. They have 70% local day students and 30% boarding students, creating opportunities for students to form relationships with others from around the world. The teacher to student ratio is 1:5! They have personalized, project-based academics, assuring students master and apply skill. They have a focus on developing 21st century competencies that will enable students to be leaders in the future world. They focus on communication, collaboration, critical thinking, citizenship, and Christian values as well as offering student opportunities to take college classes, intern and propose independent study projects. Athletics include swimming, golf, equestrian, sailing, canoe paddling, soccer, basketball and more. They have dozens of clubs, and students are encouraged to form their own. Their 97-acre campus with ocean view, a large garden and farm animals is amazing.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• 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 3.75 out of 5  85 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 85 reviews

• grade A

• Students 558

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  19 reviews

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

• grade A

• Students 76

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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 171

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  732 reviews

Junior: For me, Mililani High School has been family tradition. My dad and his siblings all graduated from there and my stepbrother and I are next in line. I enjoy the academic rigor with various AP courses available, the ability to connect with teachers who care for your well-being, feeling safe with little to no concerns throughout my past 3 years of attendance, and a sense of collective pride from the student body and alum-- even the former alum who've come back to teach here. With over 40 clubs and organizations, numerous sport recognitions, one of the best marching bands in Hawaii, and some early college courses, I've been happy to call MHS my home. Some problems I've noticed, however, are the poor proportion sizes and nutritional value of school lunches (though affected by COVID) and the need to create a drainage system on campus. When it rains, mud covers the low-lying walkways and puddles form (and stay) in multiple areas on campus, making it hard to get to class without getting wet.... Read 732 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,620

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• 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

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  561 reviews

Alum: I loved it at moanalua! The academics prepare you for college and we have more than 3 counselors to help the students with any issues in school or at home and they are also in contact with the parents as well. Also, we have a college and career counselor to help us with picking colleges or jobs and they help with scholarships as well. The students get along well with each other and the school spirit is amazing every week. The sports here at Moanalua is very good, we have a variety of sports and the sports teams are able to win and receive state championships as well as our media and broadcast team. Our language program of different languages courses is one of the top programs in the country and the students are able to travel internationally to learn and explore more about different countries.... Read 561 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,021

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  327 reviews

Sophomore: This school highly focuses on the academic progress of the students. Many opportunities of challenging classes are presented to the students such as honors classes and AP classes. The teachers are professional and helpful in mentoring students and in addition to that, there are assistant programs during study hall and after school where students can go to receive one on one help with a student tutor. This school is not known for their outstanding sports teams but a significant highlight is that there are no forms of difference or discrimination between students and everyone is extremely kind and friendly.... Read 327 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,465

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  456 reviews

Alum: I loved going to Roosevelt! The staff was so caring and supportive. Of course, like every school, you had the teachers you didn't like but there were hardly any at Roosevelt. Many teachers and other faculty members gave me great advice for the future and for high school. There is also a very strong support system for the sports and music departments. Only thing that I would change is that Roosevelt students need to have more pride. I believe that most students in my school aren't very prideful in the fact that they go to Roosevelt, but it's an amazing school.... Read 456 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,440

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  372 reviews

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 372 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,175

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• 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 17:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: I was a student at waikiki elementary school for kindergarten through 5th grade. All of the teachers are really nice and they give you a good education for you to be prepared for middle school. I felt safe and was very excited to go to school everyday. The food is like every other school and in my opinion, I didn't like it so I brought home lunch a lot. They serve breakfast too and it's actually not as bad as how school food usually is. The school is extremely small for a elementary school, but that's what makes it nice. There's a lot of parent participation when it comes to different activities and assemblies.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 575

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• PK, K-6

• grade A minus

• Students 403

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: My daughter is in Kindergarten at Pauoa Elementary and we feel very fortunate that our district school is one of such high caliber. I have been impressed with the fact that all the kindergarten students know each other, across the three classes and the teachers know all the students. Class sizes are very respectable with 18-20 in each kindergarten class and I feel like my child gets a good amount of one on one interaction with her teacher. This smaller size elementary school allows your child to be known, not just by their teacher but by most of the staff on campus, making the school feel like a real family community.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 359

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• PK, K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 606

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• 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 882

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1