Best Independent, Non-Denominational Private Schools in Honolulu

Finding a good private school in Honolulu can be challenging. There are several to choose from and finding the right school can require a lot of research. The majority of schools found in Honolulu are affiliated with a church or religion. The following is a list of the best independent and non-denominational private schools found in Honolulu.

Hanahau'oli School on Makiki Street in Honolulu was founded in 1918 by George and Sophie Cooke (of Castle and Cooke). The school is recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Education for its excellence. The curriculum is very progressive and students discuss topics such as the environment, racial prejudice and social justice, all before they enter high school. The Hanahau'oli School has about 200 students in preschool through sixth grade. The curriculum is based on the progressive teachings of John Dewey who believed that education is a social process. Examples of the curriculum include learning about being an astronaut in space and dehydrating their own food. The classes are multiage and students have the same teacher two years in a row. Tuition for the Hanahau'oli School is about $15,000.

The Mid-Pacific School was founded in 1908 after the merging of The Kawaiaha'o Seminary and The Mills Institute for Boys. The Mid-Pacific School was quite progressive in its day, being one of the first private schools on Oahu to offer coeducation. Mid-Pacific is located just behind the University of Hawaii Manoa campus. The school has about 1500 students in preschool through grade twelve. Although originally founded under Christian values, its curriculum today is more spiritual, encouraging peace and love. Elementary student learning is very hands on, while high school students are challenged with multiple advanced placement courses and an International Baccalaureate Program. Tuition at Mid-Pacific School is also about $15,000.

Punahou, which can now boast its most famous alum President Barack Obama, is without a doubt one of the most prominent private schools in the Pacific. Founded in 1840 by missionaries, it is also one of the oldest private schools in Hawaii. With close to four thousand students in kindergarten through grade twelve, it is also one of the largest. Admission into Punahou is very competitive. They receive close to three thousand applicants annually and only admit about four hundred. The curriculum at Punahou is very comprehensive with nationally recognized math and science programs. Students are required to take courses in critical thinking and in ethical, spiritual and community responsibility as well. In addition, students have a plethora of electives to choose from including genetics, astronomy and oceanography. Although Punahou is an independent school, students are taught morals and spirituality consistent with the Christian values it was originally founded on. Punahou costs about $16,000 annually.

Private schools are plentiful on the island of Oahu. Narrowing your search to exclude religion can make finding the right private school for you a lot easier. Hopefully the above will help you to find the best independent schools in Honolulu.