The Best Private Schools in Wailuku, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Wailuku. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Seabury Hall
Independent School
Seabury Hall is Maui's premier independent college preparatory school located just 15 minutes from Wailuku in Makawao. Serving grades 6-12, the school is renowned for its rigorous academic program with 20+ Advanced Placement courses and exceptional arts programs. The 60-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts theaters, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, Seabury Hall provides personalized attention and consistently achieves high college acceptance rates. The school is particularly noted for its strong community atmosphere and comprehensive student support services.
Programs:
St. Anthony Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Honolulu
St. Anthony Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located in the heart of Wailuku, the school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values with strong emphasis on character development. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated teachers and offers diverse extracurricular activities including robotics, music, and sports programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
Programs:
Montessori School of Maui
American Montessori Society
The Montessori School of Maui provides authentic Montessori education for students from toddler through 8th grade, serving families throughout Central Maui including Wailuku. The school's 7-acre campus in Makawao offers beautifully prepared classrooms, gardens, and outdoor learning environments. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and holistic development. The school maintains AMS accreditation and features experienced Montessori-trained teachers. Families appreciate the school's focus on developing lifelong learners and its strong sense of community, with many students transitioning successfully to top high schools.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Wailuku, Hawaii
What are the main types of private schools available in Wailuku, HI, and how do they differ?
Wailuku offers a diverse range of private school models catering to different educational philosophies. Your primary options include faith-based institutions like St. Anthony Catholic School (Pre-K-8), which integrates Catholic values with a standard curriculum. For college-preparatory education, Seabury Hall, located on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, is a renowned independent school for grades 6-12 with a strong emphasis on arts and advanced academics. For a child-centered, hands-on approach, the Montessori School of Maui serves students from toddler through middle school using the Montessori method. This variety allows parents in Wailuku to choose based on pedagogical alignment, campus culture, and grade-level needs.
How does the cost of private school tuition in Wailuku, HI, compare to the state's high cost of living, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition at Wailuku's private schools is significant and reflects Hawaii's overall high cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition ranges from approximately $10,000-$12,000 for lower grades at St. Anthony to over $30,000 for upper grades at Seabury Hall. Importantly, these schools are acutely aware of the financial burden on local families. Each offers need-based financial aid and scholarships. Seabury Hall, for instance, awards substantial aid to a percentage of its student body. St. Anthony offers parish subsidies and multi-child discounts. It is essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, Hawaii does not have a state-sponsored tuition tax credit or voucher program, so exploring each school's individual aid program is crucial.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Wailuku offer that leverage the Maui environment?
Private schools in Wailuku deeply integrate the unique cultural and natural environment of Maui into their programs. Seabury Hall features a renowned "Maui Center" and "Voyagers" program, where students engage in place-based learning, including marine biology, sustainable agriculture, and Hawaiian studies. The Montessori School of Maui emphasizes outdoor education and environmental stewardship on its spacious campus. St. Anthony Catholic School incorporates Hawaiian language and culture alongside its standard curriculum. Common extracurriculars across schools include ocean-based sports (canoe paddling, surfing), service learning projects focused on local community needs, and strong visual and performing arts programs that often draw on Pacific Islander traditions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Wailuku, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment timeline for Wailuku private schools begins early, often a full year in advance. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid typically fall between January and February for the following fall semester. Seabury Hall, due to its high reputation, has a competitive process involving student essays, teacher recommendations, transcripts, and a campus visit/interview. St. Anthony and Montessori School of Maui also have application processes but may have more rolling admission, especially for younger grades, though spaces fill quickly. Siblings of current students and parish members (for St. Anthony) often receive priority. It is highly recommended to attend open houses, usually held in the fall, and to initiate the process as early as possible.
For families considering both public and private options, what are the key operational differences between public schools in Wailuku and the local private schools?
The key differences lie in funding, class size, curriculum flexibility, and transportation. Public schools in the Wailuku area (like Kamalii Elementary or Iao Intermediate) are funded by the state and are tuition-free, but may have larger class sizes and must adhere strictly to Hawaii Department of Education standards. Private schools in Wailuku, funded through tuition and donations, offer significantly smaller class sizes (e.g., 15:1 student-teacher ratios), allowing for more individualized attention. They have the autonomy to create specialized curricula (like Seabury's advanced STEM and arts tracks) and require parental involvement through volunteer hours or fundraising. A major practical consideration is transportation; public schools provide bus services, while private schools typically do not, making carpooling a necessary logistical planning point for many families in Central Maui.