The Best Private Schools in Kekaha, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kekaha. 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 students from preschool through 12th grade. Located in Lihue, approximately 30 minutes from Kekaha, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Island School emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and arts. The school serves families from across Kauai, including the west side communities like Kekaha.
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St. Catherine School
Catholic
St. Catherine School is a respected Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located in Kapaa on the east side of Kauai, the school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features a nurturing environment with dedicated teachers and comprehensive programs in core academic subjects, religious education, and extracurricular activities. While serving the Kapaa community, the school attracts families from across Kauai seeking quality private Catholic education. The campus includes modern classrooms, a library, and play areas.
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Kahili Adventist School
Seventh-day Adventist
Kahili Adventist School is a Christian private school located in the Koloa area, serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade. The school offers a comprehensive education grounded in Christian values with strong emphasis on academic achievement and character development. The campus is situated in a beautiful mountain setting with facilities that include classrooms, science areas, and outdoor learning spaces. The school serves families from various parts of Kauai, including the west side communities. Programs include strong academics, music education, and unique opportunities for environmental and agricultural studies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kekaha, Hawaii
What are the realistic private school options for families living in Kekaha, Hawaii, given the island's geography?
While Kekaha itself is a small town on Kauai's west side, there are no private schools within the immediate town limits. Families typically look at schools in neighboring communities, with a commute being a necessary consideration. The primary options include Island School (a highly-regarded independent K-12 in Puhi/Lihue, about a 45-60 minute drive), St. Catherine School (a Catholic K-8 in Kapaa, about a 60-75 minute drive), and Kahili Adventist School (a small K-10 Seventh-day Adventist school in Koloa, about a 45-55 minute drive). The commute is a significant factor, so many families form carpools. There are no private school buses, so transportation is the family's responsibility.
How does the cost of private school tuition in the Kauai/Kekaha area compare to the state average, and are there any unique financial aid opportunities?
Tuition for Kauai's private schools is generally lower than the prestigious schools in Honolulu but remains a substantial investment for local families. For the 2024-2025 school year, Island School's tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 to $20,000, while St. Catherine and Kahili Adventist are typically under $10,000. A critical financial consideration specific to Hawaii is the availability of the "STAR" (Scholarships for Teachers and Residents) and "Pauahi" scholarships for Hawaiian ancestry, which can be applied at certain private schools. Additionally, many schools offer sibling discounts and need-based financial aid, which is crucial given Kauai's high cost of living.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Kekaha offer that address the unique environment and culture of Kauai?
Schools in this region deeply integrate Hawaiian culture and environmental science. Island School has a renowned "Malama 'Aina" program focused on sustainability, oceanography, and Hawaiian studies, with frequent field trips to the nearby Na Pali coast and Waimea Canyon. St. Catherine School emphasizes 'ohana (family) values and community service projects specific to the Windward side of Kauai. Kahili Adventist School incorporates agricultural learning in its curriculum, which resonates with Kekaha's history as a plantation town. All schools place a strong emphasis on outdoor education, leveraging Kauai's natural landscape as a classroom.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools on Kauai, and how far in advance should Kekaha parents apply?
The enrollment process for Kauai's private schools often begins nearly a full year in advance. Priority application deadlines are typically in January or February for the following academic year, with notifications sent by March. For families in Kekaha, it's especially important to apply early, as some schools may give preference to applicants from closer geographic areas to ensure a stable student body. The process usually includes a submitted application, school records, teacher recommendations, a family interview (often conducted via video call for west-side families), and a student visit or assessment day. Waiting lists, particularly for Island School's lower grades, are common.
For a family in Kekaha, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school (Kekaha Elementary) and a private school requiring a long daily commute?
This decision hinges on several Kauai-specific factors. Kekaha Elementary offers the immense benefit of a true community school within walking distance, with deep local roots. The private school commute (45-75 minutes each way) represents a significant daily time commitment for both parents and children, impacting family time and extracurricular participation. Parents must weigh this against the often smaller class sizes, different curricular approaches (like project-based learning at Island School or faith-based education at the others), and broader peer networks that private schools offer. Many families choose to start children at Kekaha Elementary for the early grades and consider a transition to private school for middle or high school, when the academic and programmatic differences become more pronounced.