The Best Private Schools in Hauula, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hauula. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Le Jardin Academy
Independent School
Le Jardin Academy is a highly regarded independent school located in Kailua, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers the full IB continuum including Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, Le Jardin provides personalized attention and rigorous academic preparation. The school serves families across Windward Oahu, including Hauula, with comprehensive college counseling and extensive extracurricular programs.
Programs:
Damien Memorial School
Catholic School
Damien Memorial School is a Catholic, college-preparatory school serving young men in grades 6-12. Founded by the Christian Brothers, the school maintains strong academic traditions while offering modern facilities and technology integration. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, a comprehensive STEM program, and extensive athletic opportunities. Located in Honolulu, Damien serves students from across Oahu, including the North Shore and Windward communities like Hauula. The school emphasizes character development, leadership, and service while maintaining a diverse student body with strong college acceptance rates.
Programs:
St. John Vianney School
Catholic School
St. John Vianney School is a Catholic parochial school serving students from preschool through 8th grade in Kailua. The school provides a strong foundation in faith-based education while offering comprehensive academic programs. Features include modern technology integration, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Serving families throughout Windward Oahu, including Hauula, the school emphasizes community involvement and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. John Vianney prepares students for success in high school and beyond while maintaining strong parent satisfaction and community support.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hauula, Hawaii
What are the realistic private school options for families living in Hauula, Hawaii, given the island's geography?
While Hauula itself is a small community on Oahu's North Shore with no major private schools within its immediate boundaries, families typically look to schools in the broader Windward side or Honolulu areas. The schools you mentioned, like Le Jardin Academy (K-12 in Kailua), Damien Memorial School (all-boys, 6-12 in Honolulu), and St. John Vianney School (K-8 in Kailua), are common choices. However, the significant consideration for Hauula residents is commute time, which can be 45-90 minutes each way to Honolulu depending on traffic. Some families also explore smaller faith-based options in nearby towns like Laie or Kaneohe. Transportation or boarding options become important factors in the decision-making process.
How does the cost of private school tuition in the Hauula area compare to the rest of Hawaii, and are there financial aid options for local families?
Tuition for the primary private schools accessible to Hauula families is consistent with Oahu's high cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $20,000-$25,000 for high schools like Damien Memorial and $15,000-$20,000 for K-8 schools like Le Jardin Academy and St. John Vianney. These costs are significant for many Windward side families. Importantly, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and many Hawaii residents utilize the **STAR (Scholarships for Tuition at Registered Schools) program** and **Kūlia ‘Ike program**, which are state-funded tuition supplements for students attending eligible private schools, helping to offset the financial burden.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Hauula students offer that leverage the Hawaiian environment?
Schools in this region often integrate Hawaii's unique culture and environment into their curriculum. Le Jardin Academy, for instance, has a strong Marine Science and Sailing program leveraging its proximity to Kailua Bay. Many schools, including St. John Vianney, have robust Hawaiian Studies programs with ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language) instruction and cultural practices. Furthermore, their locations facilitate unique science and service-learning projects focused on watershed conservation, coastal ecology, and sustainability—issues directly relevant to Hauula's community. These programs provide an educational experience deeply connected to the local ‘āina (land) and culture that is often more intensive than standard public school offerings.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for Hauula families applying to popular Windward Oahu private schools, and how competitive is it?
The enrollment process for schools like Le Jardin Academy and St. John Vianney School is highly structured and begins early. Applications for the following academic year typically open in August or September, with deadlines between January and February. The process involves application forms, student assessments/interviews, teacher recommendations, and records review. For families in Hauula, it's crucial to apply to multiple schools due to competitive seats, especially in entry grades (Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th). Sibling and legacy preferences are strong factors. Given the commute, some schools may consider geographic distance in waitlist decisions. We strongly recommend attending open houses (often held in the fall) to fully understand the logistics of the daily commute from the North Shore.
For a Hauula family, what are the key considerations when deciding between a local public school (like Hauula Elementary) and a private school a considerable distance away?
This decision hinges on balancing community connection with specialized educational goals. Hauula Elementary offers the profound benefit of being a neighborhood, community-based school with no commute. Choosing a private school in Kailua or Honolulu means a substantial daily commitment to travel, impacting family time and extracurricular participation. The trade-off often comes down to specific academic programs, smaller class sizes, religious education (if desired), and perceived college preparatory rigor. For some families, the unique programs (like IB at Le Jardin) or single-gender environment (Damien Memorial) justify the commute. It's essential to visit both your local public school and the private options to assess if the differences align with your child's needs and your family's capacity for the logistical demands.