The Best Private Schools in Laupahoehoe, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Laupahoehoe. 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 Native Hawaiian students and families throughout the Big Island, including Laupahoehoe. Established in 1996 as part of the renowned Kamehameha Schools system, this campus offers education from preschool through 12th grade with exceptional academic programs and cultural immersion. The school combines rigorous college preparatory curriculum with deep integration of Hawaiian language, culture, and values. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With highly qualified faculty and comprehensive support services, it represents one of the highest-rated private educational options in East Hawaii.
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St. Joseph School
Catholic Diocese of Honolulu
St. Joseph School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Big Island, including Laupahoehoe area families. Established in 1953, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence while integrating Catholic values and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and strong community involvement, making it a popular choice for families throughout East Hawaii seeking quality private education.
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Hilo Union Academy
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Hilo Union Academy is a respected Seventh-day Adventist private school serving students from Laupahoehoe and surrounding East Hawaii communities. Founded in 1978, the school provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade with a balanced approach to academic, spiritual, and character development. The curriculum includes strong STEM programs, agricultural studies leveraging Hawaii's unique environment, and comprehensive arts education. The school features modern facilities, experienced teachers, and a supportive learning environment that emphasizes both academic achievement and personal growth, making it a well-regarded option for families seeking private education on the Big Island.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Laupahoehoe, Hawaii
What are the realistic private school commuting options for families living in Laupahoehoe, given the top schools are located in Hilo?
For families in Laupahoehoe, private education primarily involves a commute to Hilo, approximately a 30-45 minute drive along the Hamakua Coast. The most accessible options are St. Joseph School (Catholic, K-8) and Hilo Union Academy (Seventh-day Adventist, K-12) in Hilo town. Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus (K-12) is also in Hilo but has a highly competitive admissions process restricted to students of Hawaiian ancestry. Many families form carpools to manage the daily commute. It's important to factor in this travel time, potential traffic near Hilo, and weather-related road conditions on Highway 19 into your daily routine.
How does the tuition at Hilo-area private schools compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options for Laupahoehoe residents?
Tuition for Hilo-area private schools serving Laupahoehoe families is generally below Oahu averages but represents a significant commitment for Big Island families. For the 2024-2025 school year, St. Joseph School tuition ranges from approximately $6,500 to $7,500 annually, while Hilo Union Academy is roughly $7,000-$8,000. Both offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies (for St. Joseph), and multi-child discounts. Kamehameha Schools is unique as it is heavily endowed and provides education at a greatly reduced cost or free for admitted students. All schools can accept funds from the Hawaii State Constitutional Amendment, which allows taxpayers to direct a portion of their state taxes to support private school education.
What unique academic or cultural programs do private schools in the Hilo/Laupahoehoe region offer that leverage the Big Island environment?
Schools in this region deeply integrate Hawaiian culture and environmental science. Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus has unparalleled resources for Hawaiian language immersion (Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u is a partner school), lo‘i (taro patch) cultivation, and ocean studies. St. Joseph School emphasizes ‘ohana (family) values and community service within its Catholic framework, often partnering with local parishes and organizations. Hilo Union Academy incorporates agricultural projects and health sciences aligned with its Seventh-day Adventist principles. All schools take advantage of nearby resources for field trips to ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, Mauna Kea (for older students), rainforests, and coastal ecosystems, providing a place-based education distinct from urban centers.
What is the enrollment timeline and key admission criteria for private schools accessible from Laupahoehoe, and how does geography factor in?
Timelines are crucial due to limited seats. St. Joseph and Hilo Union Academy typically open applications in January for the following school year, with deadlines in March. Admissions decisions are often based on previous school records, teacher recommendations, student interviews/assessments, and for St. Joseph, baptismal certificates and parish involvement. Sibling and legacy priority is common. Kamehameha Schools has its own rigorous process with an early fall deadline. While residency in Laupahoehoe is not a disqualifier, parents must demonstrate a reliable plan for the daily commute to Hilo, which can be a practical consideration during the admissions process.
For a Laupahoehoe family, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School) and commuting to a Hilo private school?
This decision hinges on educational philosophy, commute tolerance, and cost. Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School (LCPCS) offers a project-based, hands-on learning model deeply connected to its coastal community, with no tuition or commute. Choosing a Hilo private school involves a significant daily drive but provides a specific religious or cultural foundation (Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, or Native Hawaiian), often with smaller class sizes and structured curricula. The commute allows access to a broader range of extracurricular activities in Hilo but reduces time for after-school ‘ohana activities or involvement in the tight-knit Laupahoehoe community. Financially, the cost of private tuition plus transportation must be weighed against the free, locally focused charter option.