2020 Best Schools in Honolulu CountyAbout this List

Punahou School

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

Senior: I love the diversity in the faculty and staff because it helps to create an even more diverse community where our mentors have a wide range of experiences. The diversity is also apparent in the variety of teaching styles that allow students to discover how they learn best.

Because the high school is run similar to college, it really prepares students for college and how to manage their time and juggle extracurriculars, family commitments, and school. Academically, ones GPA may drop because it is more challenging that public school, but the experience and challenge is very beneficial for the growth of students.

Punahou has been making a lot of upgrades to its facilities. New buildings (that are Net Zero) are being built as well as the Kenneth Richardson Learning Lab in Mamiya Science Center that provides students with access to an array of machines.
Read 348 Reviews

• A+

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

'Iolani School

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

Senior: This school has prepared me well for college through its rigorous classes, welcoming atmosphere, and school spirit. It has made all the difference in my life and has prepared me for challenges that I am yet to face. The school works to provide for all of its student’s needs academically, socially, and creatively. The teachers advocate for your success, and more than anything your development as a community leader. Go Raiders!
Read 315 Reviews

• A+

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

Le Jardin Academy

• Private School
• Kailua, HI
• PK, K-12
• 180 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 180 Reviews

• A+

• 795 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Andrew's Schools

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

Parent: My family's experience at St. Andrew's Schools has been amazing. This review is based on my children's progress academically and socially during their two years at St. Andrew's Schools.

The first few months of their first year at St. Andrew's Schools was hard since moving to O'ahu from a small neighbor island. As expected they struggled with entering a new school. Especially one in the middle of downtown Honolulu (I saw it as an opportunity!). However, it took less than 3 months of them being at St. Andrew's Schools that they began to show progress by making new friends, improving greatly on schoolwork and playing sports. Prior to them entering St. Andrew's Schools, they struggled with school work, achieving decent grades and was not interested in joining a sports team. Their progress from two years ago until now has proven to my husband and I that we made the right choice with St. Andrew's Schools. We are thankful to be a part of this amazing school community.
Read 31 Reviews

• A+

• 310 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mid-Pacific Institute

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• PK, K-12
• 78 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 78 Reviews

• A

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

Hawaii Baptist Academy

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• K-12
• 99 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 99 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

Pacific Buddhist Academy

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• 9-12
• 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

• A

• 74 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mililani High School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 9-12
• 636 reviews

Junior: Overall, my experience at Mililani High School is going well. The teachers are very nice and super helpful. They provide students with all the help they could need and even plan their lesson plans to be accommodating to the, at times, awkward schedule many of the holidays cause. The only thing I would change about the school is the lack of comfortable working environments. Some classrooms have no AC or are very cramped. Other than this though, I'd be glad to visit in the future!
Read 636 Reviews

• A

• 2,533 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls

• Private School
• Honolulu, HI
• 6-12
• 33 reviews

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

• 171 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

University Laboratory School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• K-12
• 124 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 124 Reviews

• A

• 443 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Trinity Christian School

• Private School
• Kailua, HI
• PK, K-12
• 15 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 15 Reviews

• A

• 360 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

President Theodore Roosevelt High School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 9-12
• 407 reviews

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 407 Reviews

• A

• 1,341 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Moanalua High School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 9-12
• 500 reviews

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 500 Reviews

• A

• 1,968 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ka'elepulu Elementary School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• PK, K-6

• A-

• 189 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Waikiki Elementary School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• PK, K-5
• 3 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 3 Reviews

• A-

• 570 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Henry J. Kaiser High School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 9-12
• 336 reviews

Junior: I enjoy the diversity here at Kaiser as I not only get to bond with people from different ethnic groups but due to the diversity here when new students come in it is easy for them to adjust as majority of the population at Kaiser is friendly. Since Kaiser is an International baccalaureate school, they encourage the diverse learning of others and their culture. As far as the teacher and classes, many of the teachers are easy to connect to and I personally have become very close to many of my teachers throughout my three years here. Classes are interesting and fun, even though it can be rigorous, my classmates and I always help each other out. Not only does Kaiser support friendly/family like relationships between the students but also makes sure to keep the parents informed about events, and activities going on at school. Kaiser could improve how they teach classes by structuring their lessons so that students who need more help can improve their educational experience.
Read 336 Reviews

• A-

• 1,128 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ka'ohao School

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

Works Here: Ka'ohao School is definitely one of the best schools in the nation. From its incredible parent support to highly qualified teachers and staff everything is top tier. The evidence is in the students actions as some of the kindest and most thoughtful students around.
Read 1 Review

• A-

• 327 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pauoa Elementary School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• PK, K-5
• 1 review

Parent: Pauoa Elementary is a small school surrounded by a tight knit community. It has a diverse enrollment of students. Their curriculum has risen in last three years. In comparison with all the other considered "top ranked" elementary schools, I believe their core curriculaum and teacher - student interaction speaks volumes rather than influential members of the community. The staff at Pauao care about the students and well-being. They strive to give their best effort and to be recognizable in their own merit. They are above the standard and I have witness it first hand with 2nd generation attendance to the grade school.
Read 1 Review

• A-

• 296 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Momilani Elementary School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• PK, K-6

• A-

• 407 Students
• 19:1 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

Mililani Mauka Elementary School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• PK, K-5
• 1 review

Parent: I went here from kindergarten to third grade. I really enjoyed the nice teachers. In addition, we were provided with all of the resources that we needed for our learning.
Read 1 Review

• A-

• 863 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mililani Uka Elementary School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• PK, K-5
• 3 reviews

Niche User: This school has lots of fun events, many organized by the "Hui O Mililani Uka" which is the parent-teacher organization of this school. There's a very friendly atmosphere.
Read 3 Reviews

• A-

• 652 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sacred Hearts Academy

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

Junior: Sacred Hearts Academy is an all girls school and through this school I have become a strong woman. We come together and support each other. I have always felt like my peers have my back. Our education is great! I am always doing my best and working hard. Sacred Hearts Academy has teachers that are there for you and will help you when you are struggling with work, the administration never lets a question go unnoticed and is always there to help.
Read 65 Reviews

• A-

• 940 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Kalani High School

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI
• 9-12
• 274 reviews

Niche User: Love the teachers! Need better facilities. The field is drying, the track is dirty, tennis courts are the same courts as the outdoor basketball court, and the school paint color is going from a bright red into salmon pink. The food is not so good mainly on how it looks. There is a college and career center to better prepare students for life and college.
Read 274 Reviews

• A-

• 1,348 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio