The Best Private Schools in Waianae, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Waianae. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Damien Memorial School
Catholic Private School
Damien Memorial School is a Catholic, college-preparatory school serving students from across Oahu, including the Waianae coast. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, character development, and service learning. With modern facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces, Damien provides comprehensive education from grades 6-12. The school has a strong track record of college acceptance and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention.
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Saint Louis School
Catholic Brothers of Mary
Saint Louis School is Hawaii's oldest Catholic school with a rich history of academic excellence and character formation. Serving students from across Oahu, including Waianae families, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with advanced placement courses, extensive extracurricular activities, and championship athletic programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, library resources, and athletic complexes. Saint Louis emphasizes leadership development and community service.
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Le Jardin Academy
Independent School
Le Jardin Academy is an independent International Baccalaureate World School serving students from preschool through grade 12 from across Oahu, including the Waianae region. The school offers the full IB continuum with a focus on inquiry-based learning, global citizenship, and environmental stewardship. The 27-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts center, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Le Jardin provides transportation options and maintains a diverse student body with comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Waianae, Hawaii
Are there any private schools physically located within Waianae, Hawaii, or do families typically look to other parts of Oahu?
There are no major private K-12 schools physically located within the Waianae zip code. Families in Waianae seeking private education typically consider schools in other regions of Oahu, which involves a significant commute. The schools often considered include Damien Memorial School (co-ed, grades 6-12) in Honolulu, Saint Louis School (all-boys, grades K-12) also in Honolulu, and Le Jardin Academy (co-ed, grades K-12) in Kailua. Transportation, either via school bus services (if offered) or personal commute across the island, is a major logistical and financial factor for Waianae-based families.
How does the tuition for Oahu private schools compare to the cost of living in Waianae, and what financial aid options exist for local families?
Tuition for the top private schools on Oahu, such as Damien Memorial, Saint Louis, and Le Jardin Academy, often ranges from $20,000 to $30,000+ annually. This is a significant financial consideration given Waianae's median household income, which is generally lower than other parts of Oahu. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid and scholarships. Families are strongly encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admission. Additionally, Hawaii has the "Pauahi Scholarship" for students of Hawaiian ancestry, which can be applied at participating private schools, and some schools offer sibling discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs might attract a Waianae student to a private school like Damien Memorial or Saint Louis?
Schools like Damien Memorial and Saint Louis offer specialized programs that may not be as robust in Waianae's public schools. These include advanced STEM pathways, renowned robotics teams, extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings, and unique Hawaiian culture-based learning that goes beyond standard curriculum. For example, Saint Louis has a strong focus on leadership and character development rooted in its Catholic and Marianist traditions. For students passionate about marine science or sustainability, Le Jardin Academy's International Baccalaureate (IB) program and location near the ocean provide exceptional hands-on learning opportunities, which can be particularly appealing for youth from a coastal community like Waianae.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for Oahu private schools for a family residing in Waianae?
The process is highly structured and requires early planning, especially considering the commute. Key steps include: 1) **Research (Spring/Summer before desired year):** Attend open houses virtually or in-person, which may require a full-day trip to Honolulu or Windward side. 2) **Application (Fall):** Submit applications (often due between October and January) which include essays, recommendations, and records from the child's current school in Waianae. 3) **Testing/Interviews (Winter):** Entrance exams (like the HSPT) and family interviews are scheduled. Families must plan for travel on these specific dates. 4) **Financial Aid (Concurrent):** Aid applications are due around the same time. 5) **Notifications (March):** Decisions and aid packages are released. It's critical to start at least 12-18 months in advance.
For a family in Waianae, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school on another part of the island?
The decision hinges on several Waianae-specific factors: 1) **Commute vs. Community:** A private school offers specialized academics and potentially different social networks but requires a 1-2+ hour daily round-trip commute from Waianae, impacting family time and extracurricular participation. 2) **Cultural Connection:** Waianae has a strong Native Hawaiian community. Families must evaluate how a school's culture (e.g., Saint Louis' Marianist values, Le Jardin's IB global focus) aligns with or supplements their own cultural values and `ohana (family) priorities. 3) **Resource Investment:** The financial cost of tuition and gas/transportation must be weighed against the potential for smaller class sizes, more individual attention, and different college preparatory resources. It's a deeply personal choice balancing educational goals with practical logistics and cultural identity.
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