The Best Private Schools in Koloa, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Koloa. 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 south shore including Koloa. Founded in 1977, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and character development while maintaining small class sizes. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, athletic fields, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school is known for its strong college placement record, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and inclusive community atmosphere.
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St. Catherine School
Catholic Diocese of Honolulu
St. Catherine School is a respected Catholic parochial school serving families across Kauai, including the Koloa area. Established in 1959, the school provides education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on faith formation, academic excellence, and community service. The curriculum integrates Catholic values with rigorous academics, including Hawaiian cultural studies and modern technology. The campus features well-maintained classrooms, a chapel, library, and outdoor play areas. Parents appreciate the strong sense of community, individualized attention, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students with strong moral character.
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Kauai Christian Academy
Christian Schools International
Kauai Christian Academy is a well-established private Christian school that serves students from Koloa and across Kauai. Founded in 1984, the school offers education from preschool through 12th grade with a Christ-centered approach to learning. The academic program emphasizes college preparation while integrating biblical principles across all subjects. Facilities include science laboratories, computer labs, music rooms, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community values, dedicated teachers, and comprehensive extracurricular offerings including sports, music, and mission opportunities. Families value the safe, nurturing environment and the school's commitment to academic and spiritual development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Koloa, Hawaii
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Koloa, Hawaii, and what grade levels do they serve?
Koloa itself is a small town, so families typically look at private schools within a reasonable driving distance on Kauai's south shore. The primary options are Island School (PK-12) in Lihue, St. Catherine School (PK-6) in Kapaa, and Kauai Christian Academy (K-12) in Kalaheo. While not in Koloa proper, these are the main institutions serving the community. Island School is the largest independent college-prep school on the island, St. Catherine is a Catholic parish school, and Kauai Christian Academy offers a faith-based education. Transportation considerations are important, as commutes can range from 15 to 45 minutes depending on your exact location in Koloa.
How does the cost of private school tuition in the Koloa, HI, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools serving Koloa families is significant, reflecting Hawaii's high cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, annual tuition ranges from approximately $8,000-$10,000 for elementary grades at St. Catherine to over $20,000 for upper grades at Island School. These figures are generally on par with or slightly below Oahu private school averages but are a major household expense on Kauai. All major schools offer need-based financial aid, and some have sibling discounts. Importantly, Hawaii does not have a state-sponsored tuition tax credit or voucher program, so aid is primarily sourced from the schools' own budgets and occasional private scholarships specific to Kauai residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Koloa offer that leverage the local Hawaiian environment and culture?
Schools in the Koloa area integrate `āina (land)-based learning and Hawaiian culture deeply into their curricula. Island School has a renowned Hawaiian Studies program and outdoor education trips that utilize Kauai's natural landscapes. Kauai Christian Academy incorporates stewardship of the environment into its mission. Furthermore, these schools often have unique electives and clubs tied to local interests, such as oceanography, surfing, outrigger canoe paddling, and traditional Hawaiian arts. Their smaller sizes allow for experiential learning trips to nearby locations like the National Tropical Botanical Garden or historic Koloa Town itself, which are used as living classrooms in ways that large public schools may find logistically challenging.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools on Kauai that serve Koloa residents, and are there waitlists?
The admissions process for schools like Island School, St. Catherine, and Kauai Christian Academy typically begins in the fall, about a year before desired entry. Key deadlines for applications are often in January or February for the following academic year. Given the limited number of seats, especially in popular entry grades (Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), waitlists are common. The process usually includes a submitted application, school records, teacher recommendations, a student assessment or visit, and a family interview. For Koloa families, it's crucial to apply early and consider applying to more than one school due to limited capacity on the island. Siblings of current students and children of alumni often receive priority.
For a family in Koloa, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school (Koloa Elementary) and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several Kauai-specific factors. Koloa Elementary is a well-regarded public school, so the choice often centers on educational approach, class size, and continuity. Private options offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+), a single-campus pathway from elementary through high school (avoiding the district's middle and high school re-zoning), and a specific educational philosophy (progressive college-prep, faith-based, etc.). The trade-off is the substantial financial cost and daily commute to Lihue, Kapaa, or Kalaheo. For families deeply invested in Hawaiian language immersion, the public system offers Kaiapuni programs, while private schools integrate culture differently. Ultimately, the limited number of private seats means many families choose based on availability as much as preference.