School districts are one of the first things a conscientious parent will think about when investing in property. In Hawaii, the school districts range very significantly, both in terms of academic performance and extracurricular activities. But that doesn't mean that there's one district that's "the best;" there are several districts that are ideal for different situations. Here are the best school districts in Hawaii depending on your family's needs.
Not everyone wants to live in Honolulu. If you're looking for a small town in paradise but still want your children to grow and thrive academically, Haleiwa is the best choice. Haleiwa's elementary school has been named a National Blue Ribbon winner for exceptional standards. It has achieved 90% proficiency throughout both math and reading ,despite the fact that many of the children are considered to be from economically disadvantaged home. This is an important aspect; most of the best school districts in Hawaii are also extremely costly, and not everyone can afford private school tuition while they're also saving for their child's college education. Haleiwa offers some of the best education opportunities for those who are unable to invest large amounts in lower education.
Of course, those aren't the only benefits that Haleiwa has for children. As a small, safe, sedate town, Haleiwa is the perfect place to raise a family. Children can engage in sports in the town center and parks and can explore the nearby beaches. With low crime rates compared to the city, Haleiwa is a lot like stepping back in time. Even the design aesthetic of the city harkens back to when it was originally developed decades ago. Property values are lower, which means parents are able to provide a better quality of life for their children.
Mililani Town and Mililani Mauka bring a family back to simpler times. Striking a balance between solid academic performance and cost, Mililani is a primarily residential community that gives families a lot to do together. Apart from the sports activities -- soccer, swimming, baseball, and more -- that are hosted throughout the community, Mililani neighborhoods tend to be tightly knit. If you want to bring your children to potluck or BBQ events throughout the summer, Mililani is a great place for you. Mililani has two separate school systems, both of which are high performing. The separation between the town side and the Mauka side is the separation between the older neighborhoods and the newer developments.
Mililani Mauka Elementary School, Mililani Ike Elementary School, and Mililani Waena Elementary School are all top-rated schools on the island, making anywhere in Mililani a great choice for young children. All of these elementary schools feed into Mililani High School, which has a comprehensive athletics program and a college-preparatory academics program with an emphasis on hands-on learning. From the Business Department to the Industrial Arts, the local high school is committed to preparing young minds for adulthood.
The greenest school in America and one of the best schools in the nation, Punahou School is best known now for being the high school of Barack Obama. Not only is Punahou a college-preparatory school, but it was previously called the Oahu College; it takes students through rigorous academics that are designed to prepare them for the best colleges within the state. Punahou is exclusive and expensive, and proximity to Punahou School is ideal for parents who want their children to excel academically. Getting into this school and staying in this school will require dedication and talent. Those who actually live in the Punahou area are within walking distance of the school and are only ten minutes away from the heart of Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki.
With an exclusive list of 3,000 students at a time, Punahou's tuition is approximately $22,000 a year. Punahou School is not just a high school. It covers everything from kindergarten to twelfth grade, and introduces new students each year. The wait list is considerable, which highlights the importance of getting children in early. There are academic scholarships available for only the best students and for economically disadvantaged students. One good note is that the property values surrounding Punahou aren't high compared to other areas of Honolulu and Oahu. Nearby Manoa hosts larger and more expensive single=family homes.
Choosing the right school district for your family is about priorities. There is no one right answer; it depends on whether your children are more into academics, athletics, or if you simply want them to be able to bond with their family before they become an adult. Most of the public schools in Hawaii -- particularly around East Honolulu -- will be more than sufficient to prepare children for college. Areas such as Punahou are outliers that may provide a considerable academic advantage, but at a cost.
