The Best Private Schools in Kealia, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kealia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Island School
Independent
Island School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving Kauai's east side, including Kealia. Founded in 1977, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, performing arts center, and athletic fields. Academic excellence is emphasized through rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong STEM programs, Advanced Placement courses, and extensive arts education. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 and emphasizes character development and community service. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, robotics, debate, and various clubs.
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St. Catherine School
Catholic Diocese of Honolulu
St. Catherine School is a Catholic parochial school located in Kapaa, serving families throughout Kauai's east side including Kealia. Established in 1956, the school provides education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The curriculum integrates Catholic values with strong academics including STEM education, language arts, and Hawaiian cultural studies. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, computer lab, library, and playgrounds. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and family involvement. Extracurricular activities include student council, sports teams, music programs, and various clubs that enrich the educational experience.
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Kahili Adventist School
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Kahili Adventist School is a private Christian school located in Kilauea, serving the North Shore and east side communities including Kealia. Founded in 1983, the school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a Christ-centered approach to learning. The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence while integrating Christian values across all subjects. The school takes advantage of its unique mountain location with outdoor education programs, garden projects, and environmental studies. Technology integration includes 1:1 device programs and interactive learning tools. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school community is known for its family-like atmosphere. Programs include music, art, physical education, and various enrichment activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kealia, Hawaii
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Kealia, Kauai, and what grade levels do they serve?
For families in the Kealia area on Kauai's east side, the main private school options are Island School (PK-12) in Lihue, St. Catherine School (PK-8) in Kapaa, and Kahili Adventist School (K-10) in Koloa. While Kealia itself is a small town, these schools are within a reasonable commuting distance. Island School is the only one offering a full K-12 continuum. It's important to note that private school capacity on Kauai is limited, so exploring these options early is crucial. Many Kealia families also consider schools in the Kapaa area due to proximity.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Kealia, Kauai area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Hawaii residents?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Island School's tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 for lower school to over $18,000 for upper school. St. Catherine School and Kahili Adventist School are generally more affordable, often ranging from $7,000 to $12,000 annually. All these schools offer need-based financial aid. Additionally, Hawaii has unique state-supported options like the "Flexible Tuition" program for some schools and the possibility of using the "Hawaii State Tax Credit for Private School Expenses," which can provide a modest credit for tuition paid. Sibling discounts are also commonly offered.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Kealia offer that leverage the Hawaiian environment and culture?
Schools in this region deeply integrate Hawaiian culture and the island environment. Island School has a renowned "Malama 'Aina" (care for the land) program with garden-to-table projects and marine science studies utilizing nearby coastlines. St. Catherine School emphasizes `Ōlelo Hawai`i (Hawaiian language) and local history as part of its Catholic identity. Kahili Adventist School often incorporates agricultural and outdoor education on its rural campus. All schools typically celebrate Makahiki season, host `ohana (family) events, and may offer outrigger canoe paddling or hiking clubs that take advantage of Kauai's natural landscape, providing an education rooted in place.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Kealia families, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment timeline for Kauai private schools is critical due to limited seats. The process typically opens in the fall (October-November) for the following school year, with application deadlines in January or February. Island School, as the only independent PK-12 school, often has the most competitive process, including student assessments and family interviews. St. Catherine School gives priority to Catholic families and siblings of current students. Kahili Adventist School also prioritizes church members. Rolling admissions may occur if spaces remain, but for popular grades like Kindergarten and 6th grade, applying by the priority deadline is essential. Kealia families should plan to attend open houses a full year in advance.
For a family in Kealia, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Kapa'a Elementary/Intermediate/High) and a private school on Kauai?
The decision hinges on several Kauai-specific factors. Kealia is zoned for the Kapa'a public school complex, which offers convenience and a strong community feel. Choosing a private school like Island School or St. Catherine involves a commute to Lihue or Kapaa and significant tuition. The trade-off often includes smaller class sizes (critical for individualized attention), specialized curricula (like Island School's college-prep focus), and distinct values-based education. For families seeking a continuous education from elementary through high school without the transitions between Kapa'a public campuses, Island School provides a single-campus solution. The unique culture and environmental integration of private schools can be a major draw for families deeply connected to Hawaiian values, even at a financial cost.