Top Private Schools in Waianae and on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii

Finding a good private school in Waianae and the North Shore can be challenging. The choices are limited in the country. But with the right information parents can make an educated decision on where to send their kids to school. The following is a list of the private schools located in Waianae and the North Shore.

The Adventist Malama Elementary School, located in Waianae, is a coed school with approximately 50 students. The classes are multiage and serve students in preschool through eighth grade. Following Adventist values, the school emphasizes good physical and mental health, along with traditional Christian values bringing "students into harmony with God, that they may more fully reflect His image". The curriculum includes studies in art, music, spelling, reading, social studies, English, handwriting, math, science, physical education and health. Most of the students are from west Oahu. Adventist Malama Elementary School is run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Waianae. Tuition cost ranges from $2,900 to $5,800, the discounted rate is reserved for members of the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Also in Waianae is the Ma'ili Bible School, founded in 1974. The school is located on the grounds of the Ma'ili Bible Church. It is a fundamental, evangelical Christian school and teaches that the Bible has complete and final authority in all matters. The school has approximately 145 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. The curriculum is Bible based and students are taught basic skills in science, social studies and world history as stated in the Bible. Tuition costs are about $3,700 for kindergarten through eighth grade and $2,900 for high school students. High school students are taught through a series of video courses.

Over on the North Shore in Waialua, you can find St. Michael's School, a Roman Catholic school. St. Michael's has approximately 240 students in preschool through grade eight. The students are a mix of local and military families. The curriculum is set by the Catholic Diocese. Students study math, English, science, history, social studies, literature, and religion. All students are expected to participate in religious exercises and activities. Physical education, music and art are also offered to the students. Tuition costs are about $3,600.

Sunset Beach Christian School, in Haleiwa, was founded in 1953 and is part of the Sunset Beach Church of Christ. The school is small with about 70 students from kindergarten to grade eight. Sunset Beach is a Christian school and curriculum is based on the Bible, particularly the New Testament. Students are taught math, science, reading, and history as seen through the eyes of God. Sunset Beach Christian School also encourages students to be patriotic. Tuition costs are about $4,300.

The private schools located in the more rural areas of Oahu are a little smaller than those located in Honolulu, but they are also more reasonably priced. Hopefully the above descriptions will help Waianae and North Shore families find the right school for their children.