The Best Private Schools in Honokaa, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Honokaa. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus
Kamehameha Schools
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus in Keaau serves students from across the Big Island, including Honokaa. As part of the prestigious Kamehameha Schools system, this campus integrates Hawaiian culture and values throughout its college preparatory curriculum. The school offers robust STEM programs, extensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The 300-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and boarding facilities. With a strong emphasis on cultural identity and academic excellence, Kamehameha Schools consistently ranks among Hawaii's top educational institutions.
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Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Hawaii Preparatory Academy is a highly respected independent college preparatory school serving the Big Island, including Honokaa students. Located in nearby Waimea, HPA offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, advanced STEM facilities, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. The school features state-of-the-art science and technology centers, multiple athletic facilities, and both day and boarding options. With a strong focus on character development and global citizenship, HPA consistently sends graduates to top universities nationwide.
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Parker School
Parker School
Parker School is an independent college preparatory school in Waimea that serves students from Honokaa and across the Big Island. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum including International Baccalaureate programs, with an average class size of 12 students. Parker School emphasizes project-based learning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong sense of community and personalized attention to student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Honokaa, Hawaii
What are the main private school options for families living in or near Honokaa, Hawaii?
Families in the Honokaa area have several notable private school options, though it's important to note that the most prominent are located in nearby towns on the Big Island. Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) is in Waimea (Kamuela), about a 25-minute drive from Honokaa, offering a rigorous college-prep day and boarding program. Parker School, also in Waimea, is another independent college-preparatory day school. The Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus is in Keaau, on the eastern side of the island, which is a longer commute. There are very few, if any, private schools physically located within Honokaa town itself, so commuting is a standard expectation for private education in this region.
How does the tuition for private schools near Honokaa, HI, compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Honokaa is significant, reflecting operational costs in Hawaii. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Hawaii Preparatory Academy and Parker School typically ranges from approximately $25,000 to $30,000. Kamehameha Schools operates differently, offering preferential admission and subsidized tuition to students of Hawaiian ancestry, with costs for non-Hawaiian students being considerably higher and spaces extremely limited. All these schools offer need-based financial aid and scholarships. For Honokaa families, it's crucial to factor in the potential financial aid packages during the application process, as they can substantially reduce the net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Honokaa offer that leverage the Big Island's environment?
Private schools in this region excel at integrating the unique Big Island environment into their curricula. Hawaii Preparatory Academy is renowned for its Energy Lab and robust sustainability, marine science, and astronomy programs, leveraging the island's volcanoes and Maunakea observatories. Parker School emphasizes place-based learning, with strong programs in environmental science and Hawaiian culture. Both schools offer extensive outdoor education, including hiking, camping, and ocean activities. This focus on experiential, island-specific learning is a major draw for families in Honokaa seeking an education deeply connected to 'āina (land) and local culture.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools near Honokaa, and how early should we apply?
The enrollment process for schools like HPA and Parker School is competitive and requires early planning. The standard timeline begins in the fall, about a year before desired entry. Applications are typically due between January and February for the following academic year. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (like the SSAT), and a family interview. For Honokaa families, it's advisable to start attending open houses and virtual tours as early as the spring prior. Given the limited spaces and the logistics of commuting from Honokaa, initiating contact with admissions offices 12-18 months in advance is highly recommended.
As a Honokaa resident, how should I weigh the choice between the local public schools and commuting to a private school in Waimea or beyond?
This is a crucial consideration for Honokaa families. The local public school, Honokaa High and Intermediate School, offers a community-centered education with programs like the award-winning drama department and agricultural learning. Choosing a private school in Waimea involves a significant daily commute (25-45 minutes each way), which impacts family time and extracurricular participation. The trade-off often comes down to specific academic goals, class size (private schools offer smaller ratios), specialized college-prep resources, and the desire for a particular educational philosophy or campus environment. Many families visit both their local public school and the private options to assess the culture, programs, and whether the commute and investment align with their child's needs and the family's lifestyle.