The Best Private Schools in Makawao, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Makawao. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Seabury Hall
Seabury Hall
Seabury Hall is a premier independent college preparatory school located in Upcountry Maui. Founded in 1964, the school serves students in grades 6-12 and is renowned for its rigorous academic program with 20+ Advanced Placement courses. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Seabury Hall consistently produces National Merit Scholars and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, offering extensive extracurricular opportunities in arts, athletics, and community service.
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Haleakala Waldorf School
Waldorf Education
Located in nearby Kula, Haleakala Waldorf School serves the Upcountry Maui community including Makawao families. This accredited Waldorf school offers education from early childhood through 8th grade, focusing on holistic development through arts-integrated academics, outdoor education, and practical skills. The school's beautiful campus includes gardens, play areas, and classrooms designed to support the Waldorf philosophy. With small class sizes and individualized attention, the school emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility while maintaining strong academic foundations.
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Kihei Charter School
Kihei Charter School
While located in Kihei, Kihei Charter School serves students from across Maui including the Makawao area. As a public charter school with private school-like features, it offers a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum with project-based learning approaches. The school serves grades K-12 and features specialized programs in marine science, digital media, and college preparation. With modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities, the school provides a comprehensive educational experience. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and emphasizes real-world application of learning through community partnerships and internships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Makawao, Hawaii
What are the primary private school options available in Makawao, Hawaii, and what are their educational philosophies?
Makawao, located on the slopes of Haleakalā on Maui, is home to several distinctive private schools. The most prominent is Seabury Hall, a prestigious college-preparatory day and boarding school for grades 6-12, known for its rigorous academics and strong arts programs. The Haleakalā Waldorf School offers a holistic, developmentally-based education from preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing creativity and experiential learning rooted in Waldorf principles. While Kihei Charter School is a public charter school, not a private one, it is a notable alternative option in the region. Makawao's private schools are characterized by their small class sizes, close-knit communities, and integration of Hawaiian culture and environmental stewardship into their curricula.
How does the cost of private school tuition in Makawao, HI, compare to the state's high cost of living, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at Makawao's private schools reflects Hawaii's overall high cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Seabury Hall's tuition ranges from approximately $28,000 for middle school to over $30,000 for upper school day students, with boarding costs significantly higher. The Haleakalā Waldorf School's tuition is generally lower but still a substantial investment. Recognizing the financial burden on local families, these schools are committed to making education accessible. Seabury Hall, for instance, awards over $2 million in financial aid annually. Parents should apply for financial aid concurrently with admissions, as funds are need-based and limited. Many families also utilize Hawaii's "School Choice" scholarships from private organizations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Makawao offer that leverage the local environment and culture?
Private schools in Makawao deeply integrate the unique Maui environment into their programs. Seabury Hall features a renowned "Maui Center for Arts & Design" and a strong marine science program that utilizes the island's ecosystems as a living laboratory. Its boarding program attracts students from across the Pacific, creating a diverse community. The Haleakalā Waldorf School curriculum is infused with local agriculture, with students tending school gardens, and incorporates Hawaiian storytelling, music, and reverence for the `āina (land). Both schools emphasize outdoor education, with trips to Haleakalā National Park, rainforests, and coastal areas being central to the learning experience, fostering a strong sense of place and environmental kuleana (responsibility).
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Makawao, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Makawao's top private schools is competitive and requires early planning. For schools like Seabury Hall, the application deadline for the following academic year is typically in early February, with decisions released in March. The process includes submitting an application, teacher recommendations, transcripts, standardized test scores (like the SSAT for Seabury), and a family interview or student visit day. Due to high demand and limited seats, especially in entry grades (6th and 9th), waitlists are common. The Haleakalā Waldorf School also has an application process with an emphasis on parent understanding of the Waldorf philosophy. It is highly advisable for parents to attend open houses, often held in the fall, and begin the process at least a full year before desired enrollment.
For families considering both options, how do private schools in Makawao differ from the local public schools, like Makawao Elementary School?
The key differences lie in class size, curricular focus, resources, and community. Public schools like Makawao Elementary are tuition-free and serve their geographic district, offering a standard DOE curriculum. Private schools in Makawao offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), allowing for highly individualized attention. They provide specialized curricular paths, such as Seabury's advanced college-prep and AP courses or Waldorf's arts-integrated, developmental model. Private schools often have more resources for technology, arts, and facilities, funded by tuition and donations. Furthermore, they can create a self-selected community of families specifically invested in a particular educational philosophy, which can foster a distinct school culture. The trade-off, of course, is the substantial financial commitment required for private education.