Introduction
Choosing the right high school can have a significant impact on a student’s academic and personal development. The right school can provide a challenging and supportive learning environment, opportunities for growth and enrichment, and a path to college and career success.
The aim of this blog post is to help parents, students, and educators make informed decisions about where to attend high school in Hawaii by highlighting the top schools in the state based on a variety of criteria.
Criteria For Selecting The Best High Schools
Academic Performance
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a high school is its academic performance. This includes factors such as test scores, graduation rates, and the percentage of students who go on to attend college.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are an important aspect of a well-rounded education, and can provide students with opportunities for personal growth and development. Consider the availability and quality of sports teams, music and theater programs, clubs, and other activities.
College Readiness
A high school that prepares students well for college will have strong academic programs, experienced and knowledgeable teachers, and resources such as college counseling services.
Teacher-to-student Ratio
A low teacher-to-student ratio can be beneficial for students, as it allows for more individualized attention and support.
Safety and Facilities
Safety is a top priority for any school, and the best high schools will have measures in place to ensure the well-being of students. Additionally, consider the quality of the school’s facilities, such as classrooms, laboratories, and athletic facilities.
The Top High Schools In Hawaii
School 1: Punahou School, Honolulu
- Name: Punahou School
- Location: Honolulu
- Overview: Punahou is a private, co-educational school that has been consistently ranked as one of the top high schools in the state. The school offers a rigorous academic program, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and excellent college counseling services. Punahou also has a strong athletic program, with state championship teams in a variety of sports.
- Highlights: Punahou’s academic program is challenging and prepares students well for college, with a 98% college attendance rate. The school’s extracurricular activities are diverse and cater to a wide range of interests. Punahou is also known for its excellent facilities and beautiful campus.
School 2: Iolani School, Honolulu
- Name: Iolani School
- Location: Honolulu
- Overview: Iolani is a private, co-educational school that is known for its strong academic program and high college attendance rate. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, theater, and sports.
- Highlights: Iolani has a rigorous academic program with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The school also has a strong tradition of excellence in music, theater, and athletics. Iolani also features state of the art facilities and small class sizes.
School 3: Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Kamuela
- Name: Hawaii Preparatory Academy
- Location: Kamuela
- Overview: Hawaii Prep is a private, co-educational school that is known for its strong academic program, excellent college counseling services, and beautiful campus. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, theater, and sports.
- Highlights: Hawaii Prep’s academic program is rigorous and prepares students well for college, with a 96% college attendance rate. The school also has a strong tradition of excellence in music and theater, and features state of the art facilities and small class sizes.
School 4: Kamehameha Schools, Honolulu, Kapalama, Pukalani
- Name: Kamehameha Schools
- Location: Honolulu, Kapalama, Pukalani
- Overview: Kamehameha Schools is a private, co-educational school that is known for its strong academic program, excellent college counseling services, and beautiful campus. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, theater, and sports.
- Highlights: Kamehameha Schools has a rigorous academic program with a focus on Hawaiian culture and values. The school also has a strong tradition of excellence in music, theater, and athletics. Kamehameha Schools also features state of the art facilities and small class sizes.
School 5: Mid-Pacific Institute, Honolulu
- Name: Mid-Pacific Institute
- Location: Honolulu
- Overview: Mid-Pacific Institute is a private, co-educational school that is known for its strong academic program, excellent college counseling services, and beautiful campus. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, theater, and sports.
- Highlights: Mid-Pacific Institute’s academic program is rigorous and prepares students well for college, with a 96% college attendance rate.
Conclusion
The schools listed in this blog post are among the top high schools in Hawaii, based on criteria such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, college readiness, teacher-to-student ratio, and safety and facilities. Each school has its own unique strengths and offerings, and readers should research and visit the schools before making a final decision.
Parents, students, and educators are encouraged to visit the schools and speak with current students, teachers, and administrators to get a better understanding of the school culture and to determine if it is the right fit for their needs.
Parents, students, and educators can also find more information about schools on websites such as the Hawaii State Department of Education and local organizations such as the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS).