A lot of people are drawn to the relaxed, ocean-oriented lifestyle of the Windward Side, especially families. Homebuyers with children looking at real estate in Kailua or Kaneohe have a deeper concern, which is the education options. We’ve assembled all of them below, public, charter and private, with the essentials laid out on each as well as some background that distinguishes that school. Take a look at this guide to Kaneohe & Kailua schools and you’ll have a solid understanding of what’s there for your child and their education. Data compiled August / September 2017.
Here is a map that shows all schools in Kailua and Kaneohe. You can click on the pin of the school location you are interested in, then click the school name that pops up and you will be taken to a brief profile of that school.
NOTE: All schools are Co-Ed unless otherwise noted.
KAILUA SCHOOLS
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN KAILUA
Enchanted Lake Elementary
770 Keolu Drive, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://elake.k12.hi.us/
Grades: Pre-K to 6th
Number of Students: 474
Number of Faculty: 28
Student/Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Enchanted Lake Elementary prides itself on consistent & open communication with parents, keeping them involved in their child’s educational progress. It also stands out for its large Gifted & Talented Program, with 8% of students enrolled doubling Hawaii schools’ 4% average.
Kaelepulu Elementary
530 Keolu Drive, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://www.kaelepululadybugs.k12.hi.us/
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 196
Number of Faculty: 11
Student/Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Boasts exceptional passing rates of the Standardized Math Test (67% Vs Hawaii Average of 46%) and English Language Arts Exam (87% Vs Hawaii Average of 50%). Math program focuses on real-world usage while Science program uses similar methods including hands-on learning in school’s garden.
Keolu Elementary
1416 Keolu Drive, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://www.keoluelementary.com/
Grades: Pre-K to 6th, including Special Ed Preschool
Number of Students: 138
Number of Faculty: 9
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1
As noted above, Keolu offers Special Ed Preschool to serve special needs students from the very start. Recent integration of book clubs are a major part of their reading intervention program to identify students needing individual assistance as well as encouraging improvements.
Maunawili Elementary
1465 Ulupii Street, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://mes.k12.hi.us/MES/Home/Home.html
Grades: Pre-K to 6th
Number of Students: 360
Number of Faculty: 23
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Has created partnerships with community organizations, as well as instituting their own programs, to encourage leadership & learning, such as Library Club, Conservation Club, Helping Hands Club, Technologically Empowered Kids and Junior Police Officer. High passing rate of Standardized Math & English Language Arts tests, beating Hawaii schools’ average by over 20% in both.
Aikahi Elementary
281 Ilihau Street, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://www.aikahielementary.com/
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 489
Number of Faculty: 30
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) program. Every class, Kindergarten on up, visits Innovation Lab each week to learn with a hands-on STEM project. Each grade has its own website to inform parents on curriculum, homework and important information about their child’s education.
Kainalu Elementary
165 Kaiholu Street, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://www.kainaluonline.net/
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 492
Number of Faculty: 31
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
High percentage of students from military families (25%) plus another 25% who attend here due to requesting a Geographic Exemption. Also has a Parent Community Network Center to keep parents involved as well as coordinating with military partners from nearby Kaneohe MCBH.
Kailua Elementary
315 Kuulei Road, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://kailuaes.wix.com/welcome
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 363
Number of Faculty: 24
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Has a large number of services & programs for special needs students, including special education, English language learners, a Primary School Adjustment Project and counseling. All students participate in an Academy, made up of 1 teacher and 12 students, that focuses on an area such as sports, nutrition, music, fine arts or a foreign language.
Mokapu Elementary
1193 Mokapu Road, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://www.mokapuelem.org/
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 862
Number of Faculty: 50
Student/Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Largest elementary school in Kailua, it is also main school for students from Kaneohe MCBH. Has extensive support programs in place, which include counselors, a school behavioral health specialist, 2 Parent Community Network Coordinators and a Transition Center to help students with their own as well as their family’s transition needs.
PUBLIC INTERMEDIATE / MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN KAILUA
Kailua Intermediate
145 South Kainalu Drive, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://kailuain.k12.hi.us/
Grades: 7th & 8th
Number of Students: 680
Number of Faculty: 47
Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Certified AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school, using that system to increase the number of students attending college. Also provides Honors program for advanced students and a Special Education Inclusion Program to ensure their place in the main school community.
PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN KAILUA
Kailua High School
451 Ulumanu Drive, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://kailuahs.wix.com/kailuahigh
Grades: 9th to 12th
Number of Students: 750
Number of Faculty: 50
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Has created partnerships with community organizations, as well as instituting their own programs, to encourage leadership & learning, such as Library Club, Conservation Club, Helping Hands Club, Technologically Empowered Kids and Junior Police Officer. High passing rate of Standardized Math & English Language Arts tests, beating Hawaii schools’ average by over 20% in both.
Kalaheo High School
730 Iliaina Street, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://kalaheohigh.org/
Grades: 9th to 12th
Number of Students: 916
Number of Faculty: 53
Student/Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Known for its Career & Technical Education programs that include health services, arts and communication academy, public human services and industrial & engineering technology. The emphasis on science & technology has moved the school to make Robotics a regular credit class.
PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS IN KAILUA
Ka’ohau Public Charter School (Formerly Lanikai Elementary Public Charter School)
140 Alala Rd, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://kaohaoschool.org
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 328
Number of Faculty: 20
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Known for regularly scoring well above averages in Standardized Math & ELA tests, most recently achieving 77% passing rate in both.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN KAILUA
Huakailani School for Girls
146 Hekili St, Ste 104, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Website: http://www.huakailani.org/
Grades: K to 8th
Gender: All Girls
Number of Students: 25
Number of Faculty: 4
Student/Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Tuition: $10,800
Only All Girls school in Windward Oahu, it offers the most personal Student/Teacher Ratio, as well. Weekly progress reports are given in every subject for students so parents can see exactly how their daughter is doing.
Hawaiian Mission Academy, Windward
160 Mookua St, Kailua, HI 96734
Website: http://www.hmawindward.org/
Grades: K to 8th
Religious Affiliation: Christian/Seventh Day Adventist
Number of Students: 67
Number of Faculty: 5
Student/Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Tuition: SDA Church Members – $4,800; Non-Members – $7,100
Partnership with UH & State Dept. of Forestry and Wildlife created in 2017, allowing 7th & 8th grade students to learn ecology and science though work on restoration of Kawainui Marsh. All grades benefit from Hawaiian Studies Enrichment Program that teaches Native Hawaiian culture, arts and traditions.
Le Jardin Academy
917 Kalanianaole Highway, Kailua, HI 96734
Website: http://www.lejardinacademy.org/
Grades: Pre-K to 12th
Number of Students: 825
Number of Faculty: 109
Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Tuition: Pre-K – $12,290; Junior Kindergarten – $19,110; K to 12th – $20,875
Known for being Hawaii’s 1st International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, the students follow the self-directed and inquiry based approach to education. Largest private school in Windward Oahu.
St. John Vianney Parish School
940 Keolu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734
Website: http://www.sjvkailua.org/
Grades: Pre-K to 8th
Religious Affiliation: Christian/Roman Catholic
Number of Students: 183
Number of Faculty: 20
Student/Teacher Ratio: 9:1
Tuition: Pre-K – $8,700; K to 8th – $8,400
Early Learning Center for ages 3 & 4 teaches introductory math & reading concepts along with Japanese language. Education supplemented with instruction in the Catholic faith.
St. Anthony School
148 Makawao Street, Kailua, HI 96734
Website: https://saskailua.org/
Grades: Pre-K to 8th
Religious Affiliation: Christian/Roman Catholic
Number of Students: 307
Number of Faculty: 22
Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Tuition: Pre-K – $7,925 (School Day); K to 5th – $7.575; 6th & 7th – $7,725; 8th – $7,915
All students learn music concepts and skills as well as Visual Arts classes each year. Emphasis on 21st Century Learning with a fully wireless campus, iPads in all classrooms, Promethean Boards in certain classes and use of multimedia.
Trinity Christian School
875 Auloa Road (Pre-K to 3rd) & 1110 Kailua Road (4th to 12th), Kailua, HI 96734
Website: http://www.tcskailua.net/
Grades: Pre-K to 12th
Religious Affiliation: Christian/Presbyterian
Number of Students: 360
Number of Faculty: 28
Student/Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Tuition: Pre-K – $10,100 (School Day); K to 6th – $11,600; 7th to 12th – $13,100
System organized under Classical Education method, divided in 3 stages – Grammar (Pre-K to 6th), Logic (7th & 8th) and Rhetoric (9th to 12th). Partners with homeschooled students in 7th to 12th grade by allowing them to enroll in specific classes as well as participate in sports or drama program.
KANEOHE SCHOOLS
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN KANEOHE
Ahuimanu Elementary School
47-470 Hui Aeko Place, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/ahuimanu.k12.hi.us/ahuimanu-school/home
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 307
Number of Faculty: 22
Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Uses Comprehensive Student Support System to serve both students who are falling back and those needing greater challenges. System includes instructional interventions, special education, English language assistance for non-native speakers, as well as gifted & talented language arts program.
Heeia Elementary
46-202 Haiku Road, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://heeiahawks.weebly.com/
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 463
Number of Faculty: 30
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Teachers meet regularly to examine students’ progress as well as compare and learn how to serve our classrooms better. Representatives from each grade also meet in different committees – Math, Science & Literacy – to create school-wide standards and curriculum.
Kahaluu Elementary
47-280 Waihee Road, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/kahaluu.k12.hi.us/kahaluu-elementary-school/home
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 291
Number of Faculty: 23
Student/Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Uses avenues like Lego League robotics, sustainable gardens and the Aloha Aina curriculum to educate and build forward-looking students. Also uses innovative methods in the classroom – Singapore Math, Multimedia and Thinking Maps.
Kaneohe Elementary
45-495 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://www.kaneohe.hidoe.us/
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 601
Number of Faculty: 35
Student/Teacher Ratio: 17:1
12% of students in Gifted & Talented program, 3 times the average Hawaii school rate. Extensive after school programs – volleyball & basketball teams, performing arts, Literature Arts Cafe and others.
Kapunahala Elementary
45-828 Anoi Road, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://www.kapunahala.k12.hi.us/
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 546
Number of Faculty: 34
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Staff members won Hawaii’s Counselor of the Year in 2016 and Hawaii’s Teacher of the Year in 2017. Active Student Council that holds frequent events encouraging healthy lifestyles.
Parker Elementary
45-259 Waikalua Road, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://benjaminparkerschool.weebly.com/
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 334
Number of Faculty: 22
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1
School has one-to-one laptop program that allows students who need more review or those who have completed their assignments to use laptops that correct them as they work. Also provides afterschool tutoring in math and reading. Bishop Estate partnership give students benefits of Kamehameha Schools Literacy Instruction and Support services in grades Kindergarten to 3rd.
Pu’ohala Elementary
45-233 Kulauli Street, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://puohala.weebly.com/
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 271
Number of Faculty: 17
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Students can enroll in Hawaiian Immersion Program, all subjects taught in the language the entire day. Grades 4 to 6 have access to A College for Every Student, where they’re given mentoring, taught goal setting and even go on visitations to colleges in order to smooth their path to advanced learning.
Waiahole Elementary
48-215 Waiahole Valley Road, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://www.waiahole.org/
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 82
Number of Faculty: 6
Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Has Positive Behavior Program that uses incentives such as Monthly Activity Days to reward consistent assignment completion and good conduct. School also focuses on sustainable agriculture with worm farming and tilapia tanks, and even a Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Program that provides students with these foods once a week.
PUBLIC INTERMEDIATE / MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN KANEOHE
King Intermediate
46-155 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://www.king.k12.hi.us/
Grades: 7th & 8th
Number of Students: 677
Number of Faculty: 40
Student/Teacher Ratio: 17:1
After School All-Stars program gives students post-school Sports (Soccer, Basketball, Sailing, Etc.) or Enrichment (Dance, Cooking, Science, Etc.) pursuits until 5:30PM. Math students run area Math Meet competition for area elementary schools.
PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN KANEOHE
Castle High School – Public
45-386 Kaneohe Bay Drive, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://www.castlehs.k12.hi.us/
Grades: 9th to 12th
Number of Students: 1,211
Number of Faculty: 73
Student/Teacher Ratio: 17:1
As part of school’s goal to prepare students for life outside, every Sophomore pursues one of 6 Career Pathways, culminating in undergoing a mock interview for that industry. Instituted Smaller Learning Communities in 2012, to give students more personalized attention and rapport with others.
PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS IN KANEOHE
Hakipu’u Learning Center PCS – Public, Charter
45-720 Keaahala Rd Kaneohe, HI. 96744
Website: https://www.hakipuulc.org/
Grades: 4 to 12th
Number of Students: 82
Number of Faculty: 9
Student/Teacher Ratio: 9:1
Project based curriculum that is rooted in Native Hawaiian culture and traditions. Its location at Windward Community College allows students to earn college credit before graduating.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN KANEOHE
Koolau Baptist Academy
45-633 Keneke St, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://academy.koolaubc.org/
Grades: K to 12th
Religious Affiliation: Christian/Baptist
Number of Students: 184
Number of Faculty: 14
Student/Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Tuition: $4,400
Bible-based approach to educating students, adding spiritual instruction to the mental and physical aspects of school. Students in 7th to 12th grades are required to attend at least 1 service at Koolau Baptist Church.
St Mark Lutheran School
45-725 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://www.smls-hawaii.org/
Grades: K to 8th
Religious Affiliation: Christian/Lutheran
Number of Students: 202
Number of Faculty: 13
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Tuition: K to 5th – $8,710; 6th to 8th – $9,250
Accelerated Reader program identifies individual student’s reading level, giving them appropriate book selections and goals to improve and providing them & parents immediate feedback on progress. All students from K to 6th participate in Choir.
St Ann’s Model Schools
46-129 Haiku Rd, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://www.saintannhawaii.org/st-ann-model-schools.html
Grades: Pre-K to 8th
Religious Affiliation: Christian/Roman Catholic
Number of Students: 191
Number of Faculty: 12
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Tuition: $7,380
Also offers Early Learning Center with learning & skills programs for ages 2-4 on Part Time, School Day and Full Day schedules. Every class creates a Service Learning Project to help a chosen community in need.
Windward Nazarene Academy
45-232 Pua’ae Road, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Website: http://www.wnahawaii.com/
Grades: Pre-K to 8th
Religious Affiliation: Christian/Roman Catholic
Number of Students: 191
Number of Faculty: 12
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Tuition: Pre-K – $8,415; K to 8th – $7,918
Christian values taught alongside core subjects, as well as sustainable gardening. Uses A Beka Curriculum overall with College Preparatory Math for 6th to 8th grades.
WAIMANALO SCHOOLS
Waimanalo properties is part of the Kailua region for real estate purposes (MLS data) and we have therefore included Waimanalo’s 3 schools in this post.
Pope Elementary
41-133 Huli Street, Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795
Website: https://www.pope.k12.hi.us/
Grades: K to 6th
Number of Students: 253
Number of Faculty: 16
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Native Hawaiian values & culture included in school’s classes and programs, with student behavior governed by concept of Pono. Made National Blue Ribbon School in 2013 and has a record of student improvement over last few years.
Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate School
41-1330 Kalanianaole Highway, Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795
Website: http://www.waimanaloschool.org/
Grades: K to 8th
Number of Students: 512
Number of Faculty: 37
Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Partner program with UH works to improve student writing schools through intensive instruction. While student levels have remained roughly the same in recent years, the number of teachers has gone up by 12%. Waimanalo is a Philosophy for Children (p4C) program model school, which promotes inquiry-based class learning.
Malama Honua Public Charter School
41-054 Ehukai Street, Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795
Website: http://www.malamahonuapcs.org/
Grades: K to 5th
Number of Students: 85
Number of Faculty: 6
Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1
School’s parent organization is Polynesian Voyaging Society, the curriculum based on the World Wide Voyage of Hokulea and Native Hawaiian cultural values. Instruction is mix of traditional classroom teaching and project-based learning.