The BREAKDOWN: Oahu Public School Districts
Hello from Bri Steel, Broker/Realtor® & Owner of Cocolani Realty!
Oahu stands out as the most populous island in the state of Hawaii. It is home to a number of school districts that serve the educational needs of its students. These districts are responsible for the administration of public schools and are governed by the Hawaii State Department of Education. Notably, the department is governed by the Hawaii State Board of Education, which is composed of appointed members who set policies and make decisions that impact the state's educational system. Within Oahu, the education system is divided into several school districts, each of which is responsible for the administration of public schools within its boundaries. Each district has a superintendent and school board mandated to set policies and make decisions concerning educational matters.
Oahu school districts include:
Source: www.hawaiipublicschools.org
HONOLULU DISTRICT
Elementary Schools
Fern
Puuhale
Kalihi Waena
Kailihi Kai
Kalihi Uka
Lanakila
Maemae
Kaewai
Nuuanu
Kauluwela
Pauoa
Lincoln
Manoa
Likelike
Royal
Ala Wai
Kuhio
Jefferson
Waikiki
Liholiho
Kahala
Wilson
Aina Haina
Hahaione
Pololo
Kamiloiki
Noelani
Kaahumanu
Kamoloiki
Linapuni
Kapalana
Lanakila
Lunalilo
Kaiulani
Koko Hea
Middle Schools
Dole
Kalakaua
Central
Washington
Stevenson
Kawanakoa
Jarrett
Niu Valley
Kaimuki
High Schools
Farrington
Roosevelt
McKinley
Kaimuki
Kalani
Kaiser
Special School
The deaf and blind school
The district is known for its strong emphasis on cultural education, with a number of schools offering Hawaiian language and cultural immersion programs. This emphasis is driven by the district's commitment to preserving and promoting the unique culture and history of Hawaii, particularly within the local community. To realize this objective, this region implemented a number of programs and initiatives, including:
Hawaiian Language and Cultural Immersion Programs: Many schools in the district offer Hawaiian language and cultural immersion programs, which provide students with the opportunity to learn about and participate in traditional Hawaiian practices and customs.
Cultural Festivals and Events: The district supports a number of cultural festivals and events, which provide opportunities for students and the community to celebrate and learn about different cultures.
Partnerships with Local Cultural Organizations: The district has established partnerships with local cultural organizations, such as the Polynesian Cultural Center, which provide students with opportunities to learn about and experience different cultures.
Source: www.hawaiipublicschools.org
CENTRAL DISTRICT
This district encompasses the urban areas of Honolulu, including the neighborhoods of Makiki, Manoa, and Moiliili. It is the largest school district on Oahu; hence, it serves a diverse student population.
Elementary Schools
Haleiwa
Waialua
Kaala
Solomon
Daniel K. Inouye
Helemano
Wahiawa
Iliahi
Wheeler
Kipapa
Mililani Ike
Mililani Mauka
Mililani Waena
Mililani Uka
Waimalu
Pearl ridge
Scott
Aiea
Webling
Red Hill
Salt Lake
Hickam
Mokulele
Pearl harbor
Moanalua
Nimitz
Shafter
Pearl harbor kai
Makalapa
Middle Schools
Wheeler
Wahiawa
Mililani
Moanalua
Aliamanu
Intermediate and High Schools
Waialua
High Schools
Leilehua
Mililani
Aiea
Radford
Moanalua
Many schools in the district offer a wide range of sports teams, clubs, and organizations for students to get involved in, which can help to foster a sense of community and belonging. In addition, this district advocates for early childhood education including pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes. These programs are designed to provide a strong foundation for future academic success.
Source: www.hawaiipublicschools.org
LEEWARD DISTRICT
This district is located in the western coast of Oahu, integrating the communities of Ewa Beach, Kapolei, and Waianae.
Elementary Schools
Makaha
Waianae
Leihoku
Maili
Nanakuli
Nanaikapono
Mauka lani
Makakilo
Kanoelani
Waikele
Ahrens
Waipahu
Honowai
Ewa
Holomua
P.C. highlands
Manana
Pearl city
Palisades
Waiau
Momilani
Barbers Point
Hookele
Awa Beach
Kaimiloa
Iroquois Pt.
Holomua
Kaleiopuu
Lehua
Keineula
Kapolei
Middle Schools
Waianae
Waipahu
Honouliuli
Highlands
Kapolei
Ewa makai
Ilima
High Schools
Campbell
Waianae
Pearl city
Waipahu
Kapolei
High School and Intermediate
Nanakuli
It is known for its strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, with several schools offering specialized STEM programs and resources. These initiatives include hands-on projects, labs, and field trips, alongside access to advanced coursework in STEM fields.
Moreover, the school administrators collaborate with local businesses and organizations focusing on these sectors to offer students with valuable opportunities to learn from professionals in these industries, such as job shadowing and internships. Most importantly, the education department has invested in professional development for teachers. In particular, the Leeward District supports the professional development of its teachers, including training in effective STEM teaching practices. This can help to ensure that teachers have the knowledge and skills to effectively engage students in STEM subjects.
The board places a strong emphasis on preparing students for success after high school. This focus is driven by the belief that students need to be well-prepared for success after high school, whether they choose to attend college or enter the workforce. To achieve this goal, the Waianae District has implemented a number of programs and initiatives, including:
Advanced Coursework: The district provides access to advanced coursework, such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, which can help students to develop college-level skills and knowledge.
Career and Technical Education: The Waianae District offers a range of career and technical education programs, which provide hands-on learning experiences in a variety of fields. These programs can help students to explore potential career paths and develop skills that are in demand in the local job market.
College and Career Counseling: The district provides access to college and career counseling services, which can help students to explore their options and make informed decisions about their future.
By providing access to advanced coursework, career and technical education programs, and college and career counseling, the district is able to support the academic and personal growth of its students as they prepare for their future.
Source: www.hawaiipublicschools.org
WINDWARD DISTRICT
This district covers the eastern coast of Oahu, including the towns of Kailua and Kaneohe. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and a number of schools that take advantage of this unique environment by incorporating outdoor learning and activities into their curriculum.
Elementary Schools
Sunset Beach
Kahuku
Laie
Huula
Kaaawa
Waiahole
Kahaluu
Ben Parker
Ahuimanu
Heeia
Kapunahala
Kaneohe
Pope
Koelu
Enchanted Lake
Kainalu
Mokapu
Aikahi
Maunawili
Middle Schools
King
Kailua
High Schools
Castle
Kailua
Kalaheo
Intermediate and High Schools
Olomana
Kahuku
Specifically, this can include field trips to local beaches, forests, and other natural areas, as well as outdoor classroom instruction and hands-on projects. the education department claims that outdoor learning has benefits for students, such as:
Improved academic performance, where students who participate in outdoor learning experiences tend to have higher test scores and grades than those who do not.
Enhanced physical health in which outdoor learning can promote physical activity and help to reduce sedentary behaviors, which can improve overall health and well-being.
Increased environmental awareness, where outdoor learning can help to foster a sense of appreciation and stewardship for the natural world can lead to increased environmental awareness and personal growth of students.
Conclusion
The school districts of Oahu play a crucial role in the education of the island's students. These districts are responsible for the administration of public schools and are governed by the Hawaii State Department of Education. Each district has its own unique characteristics and serves a specific area of the island. At the individual school level, each school is managed by a principal amongst other administrators, who are responsible for the daily school operations. Teachers and other staff members also play a key role in the education system, as they are responsible for delivering instruction and supporting the learning of students. Furthermore, the five school districts are committed to meeting the needs of all students, including those with disabilities. The districts offer a range of special education services, including individualized education plans and support services, to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Overall, the education system in Oahu aims to provide a high-quality education for all students, with a focus on preparing students for success after high school. To achieve this goal, the system provides a range of programs and resources including early childhood education, special education services, advanced coursework, and extracurricular activities.
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Call or email us to set up an appointment with our broker and owner, Bri Steel.
Bri Steel
Broker/Realtor® + Owner
Cocolani Realty
831.200.6338
bri@cocolanirealty.com
Bri Steel at the Cocolani Realty office with her two mini Aussies Kiwi and Fiji.
