The Best Private Schools in Kaaawa, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kaaawa. 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 nearby Kailua, serving students from Windward Oahu communities including Kaaawa. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers comprehensive IB programs from elementary through high school. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Le Jardin emphasizes academic excellence while fostering global citizenship and character development. The school's college preparatory program consistently produces graduates who attend top universities nationwide.
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Mid-Pacific
Mid-Pacific Institute
Mid-Pacific is a prestigious independent school in Honolulu that serves students from across Oahu, including the Windward side where Kaaawa is located. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with innovative programs in STEM, robotics, and digital media. Mid-Pacific's expansive campus features advanced science laboratories, art studios, performance venues, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its progressive educational approach, integrating technology throughout the curriculum while maintaining strong traditions in arts and athletics. With a diverse student body and experienced faculty, Mid-Pacific provides comprehensive education from preschool through high school.
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Saint Louis School
Catholic Private School
Saint Louis School is Hawaii's oldest Catholic school, serving boys from grades 6-12 and drawing students from communities across Oahu including Kaaawa. The school combines rigorous academic preparation with strong character development rooted in Catholic values. Saint Louis offers advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, and extensive athletic facilities. With a long tradition of educational excellence, Saint Louis prepares students for college success while emphasizing leadership, service, and moral development. The school's alumni network is extensive throughout Hawaii and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kaaawa, Hawaii
Are there any private schools physically located in Kaaawa, Hawaii, and what are the primary options for families in the area?
There are no private schools with campuses physically located within the town of Kaaawa itself. Families in Kaaawa typically look at prestigious independent schools in the broader Windward O'ahu and Honolulu areas, which require a commute. The most commonly considered schools include Le Jardin Academy in Kailua (approximately a 30-minute drive south), and Mid-Pacific in Honolulu and Saint Louis School in Honolulu (both approximately a 45-60 minute drive, depending on traffic through the Likelike or Pali tunnels). Exploring these options involves planning for transportation, which is a key local consideration.
How does the high cost of living in Hawaii impact private school tuition for families in Kaaawa?
Tuition for top private schools like Le Jardin Academy, Mid-Pacific, and Saint Louis is significant and reflects Hawaii's high cost of living. Annual tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 to over $30,000 for upper grades. For Kaaawa families, this major financial commitment is often compounded by long-distance transportation costs. However, all these schools offer robust financial aid and scholarship programs aimed at making education accessible. It is crucial for parents to apply for aid early and communicate directly with the admissions offices, as aid is need-based and can substantially reduce the net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Kaaawa offer that leverage the Hawaiian environment?
Schools accessible to Kaaawa families integrate Hawaii's unique culture and environment into their curricula. Le Jardin Academy has a strong marine science and sustainability focus, utilizing its Windward O'ahu location near the ocean. Mid-Pacific is renowned for its innovative technology and design thinking programs, often incorporating island-based projects. Saint Louis School offers Hawaiian Studies and places an emphasis on community service within the local *kaiāulu* (community). These programs provide students with an education that is both globally competitive and rooted in the values and natural laboratory of Hawaii.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for Kaaawa families applying to schools like Le Jardin Academy or Mid-Pacific?
The enrollment process for these competitive schools begins very early. For fall admission, applications typically open in August or September of the prior year, with deadlines between December and February. The process includes submitting applications, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often requires student assessments or interviews. For Kaaawa families, attending open houses and tours is logistically challenging but highly recommended; many schools now offer virtual options. Key local dates to note are the HAIS (Hawaii Association of Independent Schools) common financial aid deadlines, which are usually in early February. Planning and initiating contact 12-18 months in advance is advisable.
For a family in Kaaawa, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Kahuku Complex) and a private school in Honolulu or Kailua?
The decision hinges on several Kaaawa-specific factors. The local public option is Kahuku High & Intermediate School, which has a strong community feel and notable athletic programs but involves a commute in the opposite direction (north). Choosing a private school like those mentioned means a longer daily commute (south or into Honolulu), impacting family time and extracurricular participation. Parents must weigh the intensive college-prep environment, specialized programs, and smaller class sizes of private schools against the commute time, cost, and community connection of the local public school. The unique geography of Kaaawa, nestled between the mountains and ocean on a two-lane highway, makes transportation logistics a central part of the decision.