The Best Private Schools in Hanamaulu, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hanamaulu. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Island School
Independent
Island School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the entire Kauai region, including Hanamaulu. Founded in 1977, it offers a comprehensive college preparatory education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a robust curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and outstanding arts education. Their 40-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Island School consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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St. Catherine School
Catholic Schools of Hawaii
St. Catherine School is a respected Catholic private school serving families throughout Kauai, including Hanamaulu. Established in 1956, it provides education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong foundation in Catholic values and academic rigor. The school features dedicated teachers, a safe learning environment, and comprehensive programs including music, art, physical education, and technology integration. Their campus includes well-maintained classrooms, a library, playgrounds, and chapel. Parents consistently praise the school's community atmosphere, academic standards, and the strong moral foundation it provides students.
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St. Theresa School
Catholic Schools of Hawaii
St. Theresa School is another excellent Catholic private school option serving the eastern side of Kauai, including Hanamaulu families. Founded in 1966, it offers education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a focus on academic excellence within a faith-based community. The school provides a well-rounded curriculum including core academic subjects, religious education, technology integration, and enrichment programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer lab, library, and outdoor play areas. The school is known for its strong parent involvement, dedicated faculty, and nurturing environment that prepares students for high school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hanamaulu, Hawaii
What are the primary private school options serving families in Hanamaulu, Hawaii, and are they located directly in the town?
While Hanamaulu itself is a smaller community, it is served by several well-regarded private schools in the broader Lihue area of Kauai. The top options include Island School (a secular, college-preparatory school in Puhi), St. Catherine School (a Catholic K-8 school in Kapaa), and St. Theresa School (a Catholic K-8 school in Kekaha). Most families in Hanamaulu commute to these schools, as there are no major private school campuses within the immediate town boundaries. Transportation and commute times are important local considerations.
How does the cost of private school tuition in the Hanamaulu/Kauai area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools serving Hanamaulu is significant, reflecting Hawaii's high cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Island School's tuition ranges from approximately $17,000 to $20,000, while the Catholic schools (St. Catherine and St. Theresa) are typically lower, around $6,000 to $9,000. These figures are generally on par with or slightly below the state average for similar institutions on Oahu. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and the Catholic schools often have parish subsidy programs. Additionally, Hawaii's unique "School Choice" law allows for some tax deductions for private school expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hanamaulu offer that leverage the Kauai environment?
Private schools in the Lihue/Kauai area integrate the island's culture and environment deeply into their curricula. Island School has a renowned marine science program and utilizes its 34-acre campus for environmental studies. Many schools incorporate Hawaiian language, history, and values (like *aloha* and *kuleana*) into daily life. Extracurriculars often include outrigger canoe paddling, hiking, and service projects focused on local sustainability. This place-based education is a defining feature, offering students a connection to their community and ecosystem that is specific to life on Kauai.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Hanamaulu, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for schools like Island School, St. Catherine, and St. Theresa typically begins in the fall, about a year prior to the desired start date. Application deadlines are often in January or February. Given the limited number of seats on an island with few private options, it is common for popular grades to have waitlists, especially at Island School. Sibling and legacy preferences are standard. We strongly recommend contacting admissions offices by early fall to attend open houses and understand specific requirements, as timelines can be strict and spaces are highly competitive on Kauai.
For a family in Hanamaulu, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school on Kauai?
The decision often hinges on class size, specific educational philosophy, and religious affiliation. Public schools in the Hanamaulu area (like King Kaumuali'i Elementary) offer proximity and no tuition. Private options involve a commute but provide smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), specialized programs, and, in the case of Catholic schools, faith-based education. For families seeking a rigorous college-prep track with extensive AP courses and arts, Island School is a primary draw. The commitment to a daily commute to Lihue, Kapaa, or beyond is a major practical factor unique to living on Kauai's more rural east side.