Best Schools on the Big Island (Kailua, Waimea: college, live, cost)

[drdrewdc]

We are planning on moving to the Kona side and would like to know how the educational system on the Kona side is, and the most preferred schools in the area. K-12

[cynmkolohe]

Find mySchool on the Big Island

The link above will take you the mySchool site for the Big Island. Spend some time exploring the complex in the area where you think you will live. Check out the NCLB status and read through some of the reports provided. Links to charter schools are also included.

[cynthia007]

Originally Posted by drdrewdc

We are planning on moving to the Kona side and would like to know how the educational system on the Kona side is, and the most preferred schools in the area. K-12

What are the grade levels you are looking at? Also, what part of the Kona side? IMHO, For elementary school in the Kailua-Kona area, Holualoa Elementary wins hands down. I don't have any personal experience with any of the public middle or high schools there, so I won't comment. If you go further north up to Waimea, Parker School or Hawaii Preperatory Academy are quality (but expensive) private K-12 choices. Many people like Waikoloa Elementary (public), and as they are expanding their school to accomodate 6th and 7th graders next year, many people are choosing to send their child there for middle school too. See greatschools.net for test scores and state rankings.

[burton117]

How about for the whole Big Island? What are the best grade schools (K-12) on the island? Overall highest test score, college entrance, rate, etc...

Are the Kamehameha schools considered the best? (In Kea'au) or are the schools near Waimea (Parker Schools, Hawaii Prep Academy) better?

[ssxa]

Hawaii Prep is the best, but really expensive. Parker and Kamehameha IMO are second best. Parker is getting closer to HPA in cost and Kamehameha is not an option for a lot of families if you don't have Hawaiian ancestory. I researched all the elementary schools in West Hawaii from South Kona to Waimea, and Holualoa is the best hands down, but hard to get in to. My son starts Monday and Holualoa was full so he starts at Kealakehe which ranks in the middle of the pack.

[burton117]

Originally Posted by ssxa

Hawaii Prep is the best, but really expensive. Parker and Kamehameha IMO are second best. Parker is getting closer to HPA in cost and Kamehameha is not an option for a lot of families if you don't have Hawaiian ancestory. I researched all the elementary schools in West Hawaii from South Kona to Waimea, and Holualoa is the best hands down, but hard to get in to. My son starts Monday and Holualoa was full so he starts at Kealakehe which ranks in the middle of the pack.

Thanks for the quick response - I am a doctor thinking of practicing on the Big Island. My wife's family is there and she has some Hawaiian blood. Just trying to figure out the best place to raise a family.