The Best Private Schools in Hilo, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hilo. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Independent School
Hawaii Preparatory Academy is a prestigious independent school located in Waimea, serving students from across the Big Island including Hilo. With both day and boarding options, HPA offers a world-class college preparatory education with exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school is renowned for its strong STEM programs, environmental science initiatives, and competitive athletics. HPA's diverse student body benefits from small class sizes, experienced faculty, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school consistently produces graduates who attend top colleges and universities nationwide, with parent reviews highlighting the exceptional academic rigor and comprehensive student support systems.
Programs:
St. Joseph School
Catholic Diocese of Honolulu
St. Joseph School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from preschool through high school. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic values. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports, robotics, music, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's strong academic foundation, dedicated faculty, and supportive community environment.
Programs:
Honoka'a High & Elementary School
Public Charter School (Private alternative serving Hilo area)
Honoka'a High & Elementary School, while technically a public charter school, functions as a private alternative serving the Hilo and greater Big Island community. The school offers a unique educational experience blending traditional academics with Hawaiian cultural studies and career technical education. With strong community support and high parent satisfaction, the school provides comprehensive K-12 education with specialized programs in agriculture, performing arts, and vocational training. The campus features modern classrooms, agricultural facilities, and athletic programs. Parents appreciate the school's commitment to preserving Hawaiian culture while preparing students for college and career success, with many families from Hilo choosing this option for its strong community values and academic quality.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hilo, Hawaii
What are the main private school options available for families living in Hilo, Hawaii, and are there commuting considerations for schools outside the city?
The primary private school options for Hilo residents include St. Joseph School (a Catholic K-8 school in Hilo itself), and two highly-regarded independent schools located in the surrounding areas: Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) in Waimea (about a 45-60 minute drive) and Honoka'a High & Elementary School (a public charter school with a private school-like model, about a 40-minute drive north). For families in Hilo, choosing HPA or Honoka'a involves a significant daily commute over the Hamakua Coast, which is a key logistical factor. Some families utilize carpool networks. There are also a few smaller faith-based preschools and elementary options within Hilo proper.
How does the cost of private school tuition in Hilo, Hawaii, compare to the state average, and what financial aid or kama'aina discounts are typically available?
Tuition for private schools serving Hilo families is generally at or above the high state average due to Hawaii's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, St. Joseph School in Hilo charges approximately $7,000-$9,000 for K-8. Hawaii Preparatory Academy's day student tuition ranges from approximately $28,000 to $30,000 for grades 6-12. Most private schools in Hawaii, including HPA and St. Joseph, offer need-based financial aid. A critical factor for local families is the "kama'aina" (resident) discount, which some independent schools like HPA offer, significantly reducing tuition for verified Hawaii residents—this can be a major consideration in affordability.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Hilo offer that leverage the Big Island's environment and culture?
Schools in this region uniquely integrate 'āina (land)-based learning and Hawaiian culture. Hawaii Preparatory Academy is renowned for its Energy Lab and robust marine science, astronomy, and environmental programs that directly utilize the island's diverse ecosystems and Maunakea observatories. Honoka'a School emphasizes Hawaiian Studies and place-based learning connected to the Hamakua coast. Even St. Joseph School in Hilo incorporates Hawaiian language and cultural values into its curriculum. Extracurriculars often include outrigger canoe paddling, hiking, and stewardship projects not commonly found in mainland private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in and around Hilo, and how far in advance should parents apply?
Timelines are crucial due to limited seats. For Hilo's St. Joseph School, applications for the following academic year typically open in January, with rolling admissions thereafter until classes are full. For competitive schools like Hawaii Preparatory Academy, the process is more structured: applications are usually due in January or February for the next fall, with decisions released in March. Given the limited number of private options and potential waitlists, families in Hilo are advised to begin research and campus visits (or virtual tours) at least a year in advance, especially if considering the boarding option at HPA for upper grades.
For a family in Hilo, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school system, a Hilo-based private school like St. Joseph, and commuting to a school like HPA?
This decision hinges on educational philosophy, logistics, and cost. Hilo has some well-regarded public magnet programs (e.g., at Waiakea Elementary), but class sizes are typically larger. St. Joseph offers a faith-based, community-oriented K-8 education with smaller classes without a long commute. Choosing HPA involves a commitment to a college-preparatory, STEM-focused environment with extensive resources, but requires accepting a substantial daily drive or boarding. Families must weigh the value of a specific educational approach against the time and financial investment, considering that the commute to Waimea can impact student involvement in after-school activities in Hilo.
Private Education Insights
Top Private High Schools in Hilo, Hawaii: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Hilo, the search for the "best private high schools near me" is about more than just academic rankings; it’s about finding a community that nurtures your child’s growth while embracing the unique spirit of Hawaiʻi Island. The journey here is deeply personal, shaped by our island’s geography, culture, and close-knit ʻohana values. While Hilo itself offers a cherished option, families often look across the Hamakua Coast and up toward Waimea to find the right fit, making "near me" a relative term that encompasses a willingness to explore within our island community.
Right in Hilo town, St. Joseph School provides a long-standing, faith-based education from early childhood through high school. Its strength lies in its continuity and deep roots in the Hilo community. For families seeking a structured, values-oriented environment without a daily commute, St. Joseph is a cornerstone. The campus fosters a familiar, supportive atmosphere where teachers often know multiple generations of a family. It represents a classic private school model, emphasizing character development and academic rigor within the framework of the Catholic tradition, all under the shadow of Mauna Kea.
Venturing about 40 minutes north, the search for the "best private high schools near me" often leads parents to the historic town of Honokaʻa. Here, Honokaʻa High & Elementary School offers a unique proposition as a conversion charter school. While technically a public charter, it operates with a private school-like autonomy and community focus that attracts many families seeking an alternative. Its curriculum is deeply infused with Hawaiian culture and place-based learning, connecting students to the land and history of the Hamakua district. This option appeals to those who prioritize cultural identity, smaller class sizes, and an innovative educational approach within a public funding framework.
For a broader college-preparatory experience, many Hilo families consider the drive to Waimea, home to Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA). Roughly an hour from Hilo, HPA is often at the forefront of the "best private high schools near me" conversation for its exceptional resources, diverse student body, and global outlook. Its boarding program attracts students from across the Pacific and beyond, offering day students in Hilo a chance to engage in a dynamic, world-class academic environment without leaving the island. Programs in sustainability, marine science, and astronomy leverage our island’s natural laboratories, providing unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning.
Ultimately, defining "best" in Hilo means weighing these distinct models against your child’s needs. Consider the daily reality of the commute along the Hamakua Coast, a beautiful but time-consuming journey. Reflect on whether a tight-knit local community or a globally-connected campus is a better fit. The best private high school is the one where your child will thrive academically, grow in character, and remain connected to or thoughtfully engage with the unique culture and ʻāina of Hawaiʻi Island. We recommend scheduling visits, talking to current parents, and observing how each school’s philosophy aligns with your family’s vision for the crucial high school years.