The Best Private Schools in Kailua, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kailua. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
'Iolani School
Independent
'Iolani School is a highly selective co-educational independent school in Honolulu that serves many students from Kailua. Known for its rigorous academic program and balanced approach to education, 'Iolani offers extensive Advanced Placement courses and maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence. The school features outstanding facilities including the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership, state-of-the-art science buildings, and comprehensive athletic facilities. With a commitment to developing the whole person through academics, arts, athletics, and spiritual growth, 'Iolani consistently ranks among the top private schools in the nation for college preparation and student achievement.
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Punahou School
Independent
Punahou School is Hawaii's most prestigious independent school and one of the largest independent schools in the United States. Located in nearby Honolulu, many Kailua families commute to this highly-regarded institution. The school offers an exceptional college-preparatory education with extensive Advanced Placement courses, championship athletic programs, and outstanding arts facilities. The 76-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science centers, performing arts venues, and athletic complexes. With a legacy of academic excellence and notable alumni, Punahou provides comprehensive educational experiences and has one of the highest college matriculation rates in the nation.
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Le Jardin Academy
Independent
Le Jardin Academy is a premier independent International Baccalaureate World School located directly in Kailua. Serving students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade, the school offers a comprehensive IB continuum program with strong emphasis on global citizenship, critical thinking, and holistic education. The 27-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Known for its rigorous academic program and diverse extracurricular offerings, the school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college placements at top universities worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kailua, Hawaii
What are the primary private school options for Kailua, HI residents, and are there any located directly in Kailua versus the broader Windward O'ahu area?
While Kailua itself is home to a few smaller private and parochial schools (like St. John Vianney School), many Kailua families consider prestigious institutions in nearby Honolulu. The top schools you'll hear about are Le Jardin Academy in Kailua (an International Baccalaureate World School serving K-12), and the highly selective O'ahu-based schools Punahou School and 'Iolani School. It's important to note that Punahou and 'Iolani require a significant daily commute over the Pali or Likelike Highways to Honolulu. Your choice often balances a local Kailua community school (Le Jardin) against the renowned academic programs of the Honolulu schools, factoring in commute logistics.
How does the cost of private school tuition in Kailua, HI compare to the national average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Private school tuition in Hawaii, including for Kailua-area schools, is significantly above the national average due to the high cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at Le Jardin Academy ranges approximately from $20,000 for lower school to $26,000 for upper school. Punahou and 'Iolani are similarly priced or slightly higher. Fortunately, these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid. For example, Punahou awards over $15 million annually in aid. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, Hawaii has a unique scholarship opportunity through the Kamehameha Schools for students of Hawaiian ancestry.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Kailua students offer that leverage the local Hawaiian environment?
Schools in this region deeply integrate Hawaiian culture and the island environment into their curricula. Le Jardin Academy, with its Kailua location, has strong marine science and sustainability programs, often utilizing nearby Kawainui Marsh and the coastline. Both Punahou and 'Iolani offer robust Hawaiian studies, Olelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) courses, and unique clubs like outrigger canoe paddling. Furthermore, their science and outdoor education programs frequently include field studies in Hawai'i's diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to coral reefs, providing an unparalleled, place-based learning experience distinct from mainland private schools.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for the competitive private schools that Kailua families apply to, and how far in advance should we prepare?
The process for top Hawaii private schools is highly competitive and begins very early. For schools like Punahou and 'Iolani, the application for kindergarten typically opens a full year in advance (e.g., fall for the following school year) and closes in early winter. The process includes application forms, assessments, interviews, and often a parent statement. For Le Jardin Academy, the timeline is similar but may have slightly more flexibility. Waitlists are common. Kailua parents are advised to start researching schools 18-24 months before desired enrollment, attend open houses (often held in the fall), and complete applications well before deadlines, as spaces for non-sibling applicants are limited.
For a family living in Kailua, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between a local private school and commuting to a school in Honolulu?
The decision between a Kailua-based school like Le Jardin and a Honolulu school like Punahou or 'Iolani hinges heavily on daily logistics and family lifestyle. The commute to Honolulu can take 30-90 minutes each way depending on Pali Highway traffic, significantly impacting your child's day and your family's schedule. This commute also affects participation in after-school activities. Conversely, a local Kailua school fosters a community closer to home, simplifies carpools, and allows for more spontaneous engagement. You must weigh the academic prestige and specific programs of the Honolulu schools against the quality-of-life benefits and strong IB program of a local option. Many Kailua families find the commute sustainable, while others prioritize time and community.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Special Needs School in Kailua: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Kailua navigating the educational landscape for a child with learning differences, the search for the right support can feel deeply personal and uniquely challenging. The phrase "special needs private schools near me" often represents a hope for a tailored, nurturing environment that understands both your child's potential and the specific community context of windward O'ahu. While Kailua itself is home to exceptional private institutions like Le Jardin Academy, and is within commuting distance to renowned schools like Punahou and 'Iolani, understanding their approach to learning support is the crucial first step. It's important to know that many of Hawaii's top private schools operate within an inclusion model, offering robust learning resource centers and academic support services rather than being standalone special needs schools. This means your search may focus on finding the school with the right level of dedicated support to help your child thrive within a mainstream, college-preparatory environment.
Le Jardin Academy, right here in Kailua, is a strong example of this integrated approach. Their Center for Learning (CFL) provides targeted support for students with diagnosed learning differences, offering strategies and accommodations while keeping them engaged in the full school community. This can be an ideal scenario for many families, blending specialized attention with the social and academic benefits of a broader peer group. For parents considering the drive into Honolulu, schools like Punahou and 'Iolani have long-established learning support programs that are highly sophisticated, often with teams of specialists. However, the daily commute from Kailua is a significant practical factor to weigh against the depth of resources. The rhythm of your family life, including navigating the Likelike or Pali highways, becomes part of the decision-making process.
The local context in Kailua also offers unique considerations. The close-knit, family-oriented feel of our town means that finding a supportive school community is often as valued as the academic offerings. Many parents seek environments that reflect local values of *ohana* and *aloha*, where their child is seen as a whole person. When investigating schools, ask very specific questions about student-to-specialist ratios, the training of classroom teachers in differentiated instruction, and how support is woven into the school day. Observe whether the school culture feels accepting and patient. Furthermore, explore partnerships with local practitioners. Many Kailua families successfully combine enrollment at a mainstream private school with after-school therapies or tutoring from specialists in town, creating a customized support network.
Ultimately, your journey for "special needs private schools near me" in Kailua is likely a search for the right balance—a school that provides expert, structured support while fostering independence and confidence. Start by scheduling in-depth tours and conversations with the learning support directors at schools like Le Jardin, and be prepared to discuss your child's specific profile openly. The investment is substantial, so ensuring the program's philosophy aligns with your child's needs is paramount. Remember, the goal is to find a school that doesn't just see a diagnosis, but sees your child’s unique strengths and can provide a pathway for them to flourish, right here in our beautiful Kailua community.