The Best Private Schools in Kurtistown, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kurtistown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus
Kamehameha Schools
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus is a premier private institution serving the Big Island community, located just minutes from Kurtistown. Founded as an extension of the renowned Kamehameha Schools system, this campus offers a comprehensive K-12 education deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and values. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, athletic complexes, and cultural learning spaces. With a strong emphasis on college preparation, the school boasts exceptional academic outcomes and offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, performing arts, and community service opportunities. The 180-acre campus provides a nurturing environment that balances academic rigor with cultural identity development.
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St. Joseph School - Hilo
Catholic Diocese of Honolulu
St. Joseph School in Hilo is one of Hawaii's oldest and most respected private educational institutions, serving families throughout East Hawaii including Kurtistown. This Catholic school provides education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, art studios, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Joseph offers a supportive learning environment with strong college preparatory programs, extensive extracurricular activities, and a track record of successful student placements in top universities nationwide.
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Hualalai Academy
Independent School
Hualalai Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving students across the Big Island, including families from the Kurtistown area. The school offers a unique educational approach combining International Baccalaureate principles with Montessori philosophy for younger students. Located on a beautiful campus in Kailua-Kona, the school features innovative learning spaces, outdoor classrooms, and specialized facilities for arts and sciences. The academy emphasizes project-based learning, environmental stewardship, and global citizenship. With a diverse student body and experienced faculty, Hualalai Academy provides a challenging academic program complemented by extensive arts, athletics, and community engagement opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kurtistown, Hawaii
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Kurtistown, Hawaii, given that many top schools are in neighboring towns?
While Kurtistown itself is a small, rural community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools within a reasonable commute. The most prominent options include Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus in Kea‘au (approximately a 10-15 minute drive), St. Joseph School in Hilo (about a 20-25 minute drive), and Hualalai Academy in Kailua-Kona (a longer, roughly 90-minute commute across the island). For Kurtistown residents, the proximity to Kamehameha Schools is a significant advantage, as it's one of the largest and most prestigious institutions in the state. It's important to factor in daily commute times and potential traffic, especially on the single-lane highways common in East Hawaii.
How does the admissions process for Kamehameha Schools work, and are Kurtistown residents given any preference?
Kamehameha Schools has a unique admissions process rooted in its founding mission to educate children of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Admission is highly competitive and is based on a combination of factors including Hawaiian ancestry verification, academic readiness, and a holistic review. Geographic location within the state is a consideration, but there is no specific preference for Kurtistown residents over others in the East Hawaii region. The application process begins nearly a full year in advance, with deadlines typically in the fall for the following school year. Families in Kurtistown should plan early, ensure they have proper documentation of Hawaiian ancestry if applicable, and be prepared for possible entrance assessments and interviews.
Are there private school options in the Kurtistown area that offer boarding, or is it strictly day-school commuting?
For families in Kurtistown seeking a boarding option, Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus offers a boarding program for students in grades 9-12. This can be an excellent solution for families who want the rigorous academic and extracurricular opportunities of the school but wish to avoid a daily commute from Kurtistown, or for students from other islands. St. Joseph School and Hualalai Academy are strictly day schools. The boarding program at Kamehameha is also competitive and provides a structured, residential learning environment that emphasizes Hawaiian culture and values, which is a distinctive feature of education in this region.
What unique educational programs or specializations do private schools near Kurtistown offer that reflect the local Hawaiian culture and environment?
Private schools in East Hawaii deeply integrate ‘āina-based (land-based) learning and Hawaiian culture. Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus has extensive agricultural and aquaculture programs, Hawaiian language immersion tracks, and courses in traditional arts and voyaging. St. Joseph School, while having a Catholic foundation, also emphasizes stewardship of the local environment and community service unique to the Hilo region. Hualalai Academy on the Kona side focuses on experiential learning tied to the island's marine and volcanic ecosystems. For a Kurtistown student, these programs mean education is directly connected to the surrounding ‘ohia forests, volcanic landscapes, and ocean, fostering a strong sense of place and cultural identity that is specific to the Big Island.
How does the cost of private school tuition in the Kurtistown/Hilo area compare to the state average, and what financial aid resources are specifically available?
Tuition for private schools near Kurtistown varies. For the 2023-2024 school year, St. Joseph School tuition ranges approximately from $7,000 to $9,000, while Hualalai Academy's tuition is significantly higher, often exceeding $20,000. Kamehameha Schools operates on a sliding scale based on financial need for admitted students of Hawaiian ancestry, making it potentially more affordable. Compared to Honolulu private schools, East Hawaii options can be less expensive, but costs are still substantial relative to local median incomes. Beyond standard financial aid, unique local resources include Kamehameha Schools' own generous aid programs and various Hawaiian trusts and foundations that offer educational scholarships specifically for children of Hawaiian ancestry living in Hawaii. Families in Kurtistown should investigate both school-based aid and these culturally-specific scholarship funds.