The Best Private Schools in Princeville, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Princeville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Island School
Independent School
Island School is one of Kauai's premier independent schools, serving students from Princeville and across the island. With exceptional academic ratings and a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade program, the school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The faculty includes experienced educators with advanced degrees, and the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular offerings range from competitive sports to renowned arts programs, supported by strong parent and community involvement.
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Kauai Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Kauai Christian Academy is a highly-rated private Christian school located just minutes from Princeville on Kauai's North Shore. The school emphasizes academic excellence through small class sizes, individualized attention, and a Christ-centered curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and outdoor learning spaces. The school offers robust extracurricular programs including music, art, and community service opportunities. Parent satisfaction is high due to strong teacher-student relationships and comprehensive character development programs.
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St. Catherine School
Catholic School (Diocese of Honolulu)
St. Catherine School provides quality Catholic education to families in Princeville and eastern Kauai. The school combines academic rigor with faith-based values, offering small class sizes and dedicated teachers. Facilities include updated classrooms, a chapel, music room, and playground areas. The curriculum emphasizes core academics while incorporating technology, arts, and service learning. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and family-oriented atmosphere, with many graduates successfully transitioning to top high school programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Princeville, Hawaii
What are the private school options directly in Princeville, Hawaii, and what are the commuting realities for families living there?
There are no private schools physically located within the Princeville community itself. Families in Princeville typically consider schools in other parts of Kauai, which involve a commute. The top options include Island School (in Lihue, a ~45-60 minute drive), St. Catherine School (in Kapaa, a ~30-40 minute drive), and Kauai Christian Academy (in Kilauea, a ~15-20 minute drive). This commute is a significant factor for Princeville residents, as traffic can be heavy on the Kuhio Highway, especially during school start and end times. Many families form carpools to manage the daily travel.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Princeville, HI, compare to the state's high cost of living, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Kauai's private schools reflects Hawaii's overall high cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $20,000+ per year, depending on the grade level and school. Importantly, all major schools offer need-based financial aid, and some have merit-based scholarships. For example, Island School has a robust financial assistance program. Additionally, Hawaii has the "School Readiness" tax credit for qualifying preschool expenses, and some schools participate in flexible tuition payment plans. It's crucial for Princeville parents to apply for financial aid early, as funds can be limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Princeville offer that leverage the island's environment and culture?
Schools in the Kauai region integrate Hawaiian culture and the natural environment deeply into their curricula. Island School features a renowned "Voyagers" program with place-based learning, oceanography, and Hawaiian studies. St. Catherine School emphasizes `ohana (family) values and community service projects across the island. Kauai Christian Academy, while having a Christian focus, also incorporates agricultural and environmental stewardship projects. Many schools offer unique extracurriculars like outrigger canoe paddling, ukulele, Hawaiian language, and extensive field trips to the Na Pali coast, Limahuli Garden, or marine science centers, providing an education deeply connected to Kauai.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that Princeville families apply to, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Kauai's private schools is highly competitive and begins early. The main application period typically opens in September/October for the following school year, with deadlines between January and March. Key steps include submitting an application, school records, teacher recommendations, and often a student assessment or shadow day. Given the limited seats and high demand—especially for families from the North Shore like Princeville—popular grades often have significant waitlists. It is strongly advised for Princeville parents to begin research and tours a full year in advance, and to apply to more than one school to increase placement options.
For a family moving to Princeville, how do the local private school options compare to the public zoned school, and what are the key deciding factors?
The public zoned school for most of Princeville is Kilauea Elementary School. The key comparison lies in class size, curriculum focus, and commute. Private schools like Island School or St. Catherine offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. public school averages of 25+), specialized programs, and often more resources for enrichment. However, they require a substantial commute and tuition investment. The public school offers proximity and no tuition, with a community-focused environment. Deciding factors for Princeville families often include: the value placed on a commute, desire for a specific educational philosophy (progressive, religious, college-prep), budget for tuition, and the importance of Hawaiian cultural immersion, which is strong in both public and private sectors but delivered differently.