The Best Private Schools in Kihei, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kihei. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Haleakala Waldorf School
Waldorf Education
Located in upcountry Maui, Haleakala Waldorf School serves families across Maui including Kihei with its distinctive Waldorf education approach. The school emphasizes holistic development through arts-integrated academics, hands-on learning, and environmental stewardship. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum from early childhood through 8th grade. The campus features beautiful gardens, outdoor classrooms, and facilities designed to support experiential learning. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and the development of creative, critical thinking skills in students.
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Seabury Hall
Independent College Preparatory School
As Maui's premier independent college preparatory school, Seabury Hall serves students from Kihei and across the island with rigorous academic programs and exceptional extracurricular opportunities. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and outstanding arts programs including theater, music, and visual arts. The 60-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a 100% college acceptance rate and strong community values, Seabury Hall consistently ranks among Hawaii's top private schools for academic excellence and student development.
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St. Anthony Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Honolulu
Serving Maui families including those from Kihei, St. Anthony Catholic School offers a faith-based education combined with strong academic programs from preschool through 12th grade. The school provides a comprehensive curriculum with advanced STEM courses, fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and a beautiful chapel. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development, community service, and academic excellence. Parents appreciate the strong sense of community and the balance between rigorous academics and spiritual growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kihei, Hawaii
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Kihei, Hawaii, and are they located in Kihei itself?
While Kihei is primarily served by public schools, the most prominent private schools on Maui are located in neighboring towns, requiring a commute from Kihei. The top options include Haleakala Waldorf School (grades K-12) in Kula, Seabury Hall (grades 6-12) in Makawao, and St. Anthony Catholic School (grades K-8) in Wailuku. There are very few, if any, private school campuses physically located within Kihei's town boundaries. Families in Kihei must factor in daily commute times of 25-45 minutes to these schools, which is a significant local consideration.
How does the cost of private school tuition in Maui compare to the mainland, and are there financial aid options for Kihei residents?
Tuition for Maui's private schools is significant and often higher than many mainland counterparts due to Hawaii's high cost of living and operational expenses. For the 2024-2025 school year, annual tuition ranges from approximately $12,000 for lower grades at St. Anthony to over $28,000 for upper grades at Seabury Hall. All major schools offer need-based financial aid and scholarships. It is crucial for Kihei parents to apply for aid early, as funds are limited. Additionally, the Hawaii Private School Scholarship program, funded by donations to nonprofit scholarship organizations, can provide tuition assistance to eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Kihei offer that leverage the Hawaiian environment?
Schools near Kihei integrate the unique cultural and natural environment of Maui into their curricula. Haleakala Waldorf School emphasizes environmental stewardship, gardening, and hands-on learning connected to the land. Seabury Hall offers a renowned 'Maui Center for Arts & Design' and robust marine science programs that utilize the island's ecosystems. St. Anthony Catholic School incorporates Hawaiian studies, language, and values into its program. Many schools also offer unique extracurriculars like outrigger canoe paddling, Hawaiian music, and hula, providing a deeply localized educational experience not found in most mainland private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Kihei, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Maui's competitive private schools begins very early. Applications for the following academic year typically open in August or September, with deadlines between December and February. For example, Seabury Hall's application deadline is often in early January. Admissions events and campus tours are held in the fall. Given the limited seats and high demand, especially in the lower grades, waitlists are common. Kihei families are strongly advised to begin research and tours a full year to 18 months in advance of the desired enrollment date and to apply to multiple schools.
For a family in Kihei, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public schools and commuting to a private school in Upcountry or Central Maui?
The decision hinges on several Kihei-specific factors. First, evaluate the daily commute (up to 90 minutes round-trip) against the desired educational model, such as Waldorf, college-prep, or faith-based learning. Second, consider program continuity; Kihei public schools go through 8th grade, while commuting to a K-12 private school offers stability. Third, assess the value of smaller class sizes and specialized programs against the strong Hawaiian immersion and community-based learning offered at Kihei's public schools like Kihei Elementary. Finally, the financial impact of tuition plus increased transportation costs is a major practical consideration unique to living in South Maui while schooling elsewhere.
Private Education Insights
Top Prep Schools Near Kihei, Hawaii: A Parent's Guide to Excellence
Living in Kihei offers a unique blend of island lifestyle and a deep commitment to family and community. For parents here, the search for the right educational environment often goes beyond the standard curriculum, seeking a place that nurtures the whole child while preparing them for future success. When you begin looking for "prep schools near me," you're likely seeking institutions that offer rigorous academics, character development, and a pathway to college, all within the context of our Maui values. While Kihei itself has a selection of wonderful private options, understanding the landscape of preparatory education in our region requires looking at both local gems and nearby renowned institutions.
Right here in our community, you have schools like St. Anthony Catholic School in Wailuku, which provides a strong, values-based foundation from preschool through eighth grade. For many Kihei families, this serves as an excellent preparatory step, instilling discipline and academic fundamentals. The true hallmark of a college-preparatory school, however, often becomes most evident in the high school years. This is where the search from Kihei naturally expands up the slope of Haleakalā. Seabury Hall in Makawao is consistently recognized as one of the top college-prep schools in the state. Its challenging Advanced Placement and honors programs, combined with exceptional arts and athletics, create a well-rounded preparatory experience. The commute from South Maui is a consideration, but for many, the academic opportunities are well worth the drive through Upcountry's beautiful landscapes.
Another profoundly different but equally preparatory option is the Haleakala Waldorf School in Kula. Its approach to "preparation" is holistic, focusing on developing capable, creative, and ethical individuals ready to engage with the world's complexities. It prepares students not just for college, but for life through experiential learning and deep artistic integration. When evaluating prep schools near you, consider what kind of learner your child is. Does a traditional, structured academic track resonate, or would a more experiential, developmental model unlock their potential? The beauty of our Maui options is that they represent these distinct philosophies.
Your search for "prep schools near me" from Kihei also comes with local logistical considerations. Traffic patterns, especially during school rush hours on the Pi'ilani and Haleakalā Highways, are a real part of the decision. Many families form carpools, turning commute time into community time. Additionally, consider the school's connection to 'āina (land). The best preparatory education on Maui often incorporates environmental stewardship, Hawaiian culture, and outdoor learning—elements that ground our keiki in their unique sense of place while giving them a global perspective. Ultimately, the ideal prep school for your Kihei family will be one that aligns with your educational values, supports your child's unique gifts, and feels like an extension of your community, whether that community is found in South Maui, Upcountry, or the collaborative network of families who make the journey together each day.