The Best Private Schools in Lawai, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lawai. 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 communities including Lawai. Founded in 1977, the school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. The 40-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, and diverse extracurricular opportunities including robotics, sailing, and environmental science programs. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is known for its rigorous academic curriculum combined with Hawaiian cultural values.
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St. Catherine School
Catholic Diocese of Honolulu
St. Catherine School is a respected Catholic educational institution serving families across Kauai, including the Lawai area. Established in 1956, the school provides Pre-K through 8th grade education grounded in Catholic values while offering a strong academic foundation. The curriculum integrates STEAM education, Hawaiian cultural studies, and character formation. The school features well-maintained facilities including technology labs, library, and playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, strong community atmosphere, and comprehensive programs that prepare students for high school success. The school serves as a feeder to island high schools and maintains active partnerships with local community organizations.
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Kahili Adventist School
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Kahili Adventist School, located in nearby Kalaheo, serves students from Lawai and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade Christian education. Founded in 1982, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment while maintaining small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern classrooms, computer lab, music room, and extensive outdoor learning spaces that take advantage of Kauai's natural environment. The curriculum includes strong technology integration, music education, and outdoor experiential learning. Parents appreciate the safe, nurturing environment and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students with strong moral character and academic preparedness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lawai, Hawaii
What are the private school options for families living in Lawai, Hawaii, and are there any transportation considerations?
Lawai itself is a small community on Kauai's south shore, so most private school options are located in nearby towns. The primary schools serving Lawai families include Island School in Puhi (a Pre-K-12 college preparatory school), St. Catherine School in Kapaa (a K-8 Catholic school), and Kahili Adventist School in Koloa (a K-8 Seventh-day Adventist school). Due to Kauai's geography and limited public bus routes, transportation is a key consideration. Most families provide their own carpool arrangements, as school-provided bus service is very limited. It's important to factor commute times, which can range from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic in Lihue or Kapaa.
How does tuition at private schools on Kauai, like those accessible from Lawai, compare to the state's high cost of living?
Tuition for Kauai's private schools reflects Hawaii's overall high cost of living but is often lower than prestigious private schools in Honolulu. For the 2024-2025 academic year, approximate annual tuition ranges are: Island School ($15,000-$18,000 for K-12), St. Catherine School ($7,000-$9,000 for K-8), and Kahili Adventist School ($6,000-$8,000 for K-8). Financial aid and sibling discounts are commonly offered. Importantly, many families budget for tuition as a major expense, similar to housing, and some schools offer flexible payment plans. It's also wise to inquire about additional costs specific to island life, such as fees for educational field trips to other parts of Kauai or neighbor islands.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Lawai offer that leverage the Kauai environment?
Private schools on Kauai deeply integrate the local environment and culture into their curricula. Island School has a renowned marine science program utilizing the nearby coastlines and a strong focus on Hawaiian studies and sustainability. St. Catherine School emphasizes `ohana (family) values and community service projects across the island. Kahili Adventist School often incorporates agricultural learning in its garden-based curriculum. Common extracurriculars unique to the area include outrigger canoe paddling, hiking clubs for exploring Kauai's trails, and service learning focused on local conservation efforts. These programs provide an education deeply connected to `aina (land) and community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools on Kauai, and are there waitlists for families in Lawai?
The enrollment process for Kauai's private schools often begins nearly a year in advance. Key dates are: applications open in August-September for the following school year, with deadlines typically between January and March. Island School, due to its Pre-K-12 continuum and reputation, often has the most competitive admissions and longest waitlists, especially for entry grades. St. Catherine and Kahili Adventist Schools may have more rolling admissions but fill up quickly. For Lawai families, it's crucial to apply early, attend open houses (often held in the fall), and schedule student visit days. Given the small size of Kauai's schools, sibling and legacy preferences can be a factor, so clear communication with the admissions office is essential.
For a family in Lawai, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Kalaheo Elementary/Intermediate) and a private school on Kauai?
The decision often hinges on class size, educational philosophy, and specific family needs. Public schools like Kalaheo School offer a good education with no tuition and a strong local community feel. However, private schools provide significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public), specialized curricula (like Island School's college-prep focus or St. Catherine's faith-based education), and often more resources for individual attention. For families in Lawai, the commute to a private school is a trade-off for these benefits. Additionally, private schools may offer more stability in teacher retention compared to some public schools facing statewide shortages. Visiting both types of schools is the best way to gauge the right fit for your child's learning style and your family's values.