Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Kamuela, Hawaii
Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy, founded in 1949, is an independent coeducational school providing a full range of opportunities for students from kindergarten through grade 12. Our boarding program admits students in grades 8 through 12. The school has two campuses in the town of Waimea (Kamuela) on the island of Hawaiʻi. The Lower and Middle Schools are located on nine acres in the heart of Hawaiʻi's ranching country, while the Upper School is located just two miles away on a 200-acre campus at the foot of the Kohala Mountains.
HPA features many unique courses and activities (marine science field studies, sea turtle research, scuba certification, and more) that make use of Hawaii's geographical setting and give students a strong sense of Hawaii and its culture. Offerings also include programs in the visual and performing arts as well as a successful Upper School interscholastic athletic program that stresses school-wide participation and teaches the values of sportsmanship and fair play.
HPA enrolls boarding students from all over the world. In 2009-2010, our students came from the Hawaiian Islands, 14 other states and U.S. territories, and 19 other countries. There are 350 students at the Upper School – half boarders and half day students – with virtual parity in the number of boys and girls. Class sizes at the Upper School range from 6 to 20 students, averaging 13 students per class. Grades K-8 at the Village Campus comprise 250 students, with an average class size of 17.
Upper School students use three computer laboratories that house over 100 Macintosh and PC computers. The Upper Campus is fully networked with fiber optic, CAT5, and wireless infrastructure. A Filtered DS 3 (45 mbps) and 8 mbsp backup Internet connection is provided in all classrooms and in all Upper School dorm rooms. At the Village Campus, two computer labs feature Macintosh systems and the Lynn Taylor Library also has a bank of computers used for research and class projects. Middle School boarders have Internet access in their dorm rooms and they also have access to the computer labs after school. HPA provides a variety of software, including the Microsoft Office Suite, graphic arts, browsers, and e-mail, and digital media classes are available to students on both campuses.
More information through StudyUnitedStates EU <- click for e-mail
See the Hawaii Preparatory Academy Sea Turtle Tagging Programme:
Study at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Also see our summer programme and our Equestrian Program
Hawai'i Preparatory Academy is the premier college preparatory boarding and day school in the Pacific region. The school encourages students to explore and realize their potential as individuals and as members of society. Realizing that the HPA Experience is a solid blend of all, we strive for a balance among academics, art, athletics, and community service to help our students achieve their goals.
For many students, the boarding program at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy is central to the HPA experience. The ability to live with students from Hawai‘i and all around the world gives each student the chance to be a part of a community of motivated students and dedicated teachers. The connections made between students develop into life-long friendships and foster a genuine feeling of ‘ohana (family). Each week, all Upper School students participate in varsity sports and other co-curricular activities for a two hour daily activity period after school.
The curriculum of Hawaii Preparatory Academy's Upper School, grades 9-12, is college preparatory, with emphasis placed on acquiring basic knowledge in all subject areas. Advanced Placement courses in 19 subject areas are offered. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1; most classes number between 8 and 20 students. Modern academicfacilities provide clean and bright learning environments.
HPA expects each of its students to pursue a rigorous academic course of studies in the basic disciplines. Students should understand this philosophy and work to their potential to achieve the goals of strong basic skills and well-based knowledge in the humanities, arts, and sciences. The Academy encourages students to take courses that stretch as well as expand their intellect.
Success in college is largely dependent on the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that students acquire in their high school years. HPA works hard to make these three areas solid pillars on which to build the edifice of further education. The Academy's experience is that students working to meet the school's educational requirements have had abundant success in both their academic and their social pursuits.
All Upper School students participate in co-curricular sports activities each day, Monday through Friday. A daily two-hour sports period offers students the opportunity to participate in interscholastic, intramural, and non-competitive sports. HPA boasts state and league titles in many sports and our program emphasizes teamwork, commitment, and good sportsmanship. Many sports activities are coached by faculty members.
Boarding Tuition for 2024 - 2025:
US$ 79,900 International (grades 9-12)
Tuition increases annually.
