Hawaii Preparatory Academy is a co-educational, college-preparatory, day and boarding school. On Hawai'i Island, you will live and learn within spectacular landscapes, vital ecosystems, and a mix of world cultures. At Hawai'i Preparatory Academy, we embrace these unique resources to create research partnerships, signature programs, and exceptional learning opportunities that make HPA a school like no other.
HPA is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 application season! We are accepting applications now through our priority deadline of February 10, 2024. After that, we will move into the rolling application phase.
Hawai'i Preparatory Academy is a top rated, private, boarding school. It has 572 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1. Tuition is $64,800 for the highest grade offered. After graduation, 95% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college.
The school is located in the beautiful, rural setting of Waimea on the northern side of the spectacular island of Hawaii, which National Geographic named one of the best places in the world to live.
At HPA, our location allows us to offer a high school education like no other. We combine a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum with the chance to design and conduct your own real-world research, arts, or community projects. Through capstone classes, 16 Advanced Placement courses, our award-winning Energy Lab, immersive local learning, and other signature programs, we support and empower you to hone skills, build confidence, and create an impressive body of work for college and later life.
Students are given the opportunity to do cutting edge research in independent projects such as brain research, genetics, astronomy, and geology; and HPA partnerships with organizations like Stanford University, Cornell, Keck Observatory, and NASA expose students to more "real world" research and a strategic advantage when applying to universities.
HPA offers two, three-week summer school for students ages eleven through seventeen with mostly enrichment courses including SAT prep, math, science, English, ESL, and the arts.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: (Boarding Students) 9-12, PG
- Grades: (Day Students) K-12, PG
- Enrollment: 400 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $64,800
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $32,500
- Acceptance rate: 42%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / Feb. 10 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 98 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Faculty Education
Offering Breadth
Student Test Scores
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1949
1907
Campus Size
220 acres
125 acres
School Calendar
Student Body
Enrollment
400 students
319 students
% Students of Color
53%
27%
% International Students
17%
21%
% Students Boarding
45%
67%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
18
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
86%
72%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$51 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$64,800
$66,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$32,500
$35,500
Tuition international students
$76,100
$58,300
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$59,100
$49,300
Summer Program Cost
$4,800
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$12,750
$25,000
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / Feb. 10 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Average Percentile SSAT
65%
-
Acceptance Rate
42%
64%
Director of Admissions
Mrs. Tiare Judd Police, '86
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
18
Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Psychology, Statistics, U.S. History, Art History, Comparative Government and Politics, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, Human Geography, Physics C, Physics I, Precalculus, Spanish Language and Culture
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
23
16
College Matriculation
Year:
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
- School Mascot: Ka Makani
- Founded in 1949, Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) offers a rigorous, K-12 college-preparatory education, offering a dynamic global learning community. Rooted in the inclusive concept of ohana, HPA is a unique place to learn global citizenship and prepare for the college experience. HPA combines a traditional, vigorous foundation in the liberal arts with student-driven, project-based learning. Our curriculum and school culture are deeply influenced by a strong sense of place here on Hawaii Island, in the heart of world-famous Parker Ranch.
- HPA serves 600 students in grades K-12 on two campuses, the Village Campus and the Upper Campus. The Village Campus is home to our Lower and Middle Schools and comprises eight acres in the heart of downtown Waimea and where our kindergarten through grade 8 students attend classes. The Upper Campus comprises 220 acres in the foothills of the Kohala Mountains and is located a few minutes outside of Waimea. It is home to the Upper School (grades 9 to 12, and postgraduate).
- The Upper School academic program combines traditional education with our capstone project-based learning. HPA`s international award-winning Energy Lab hosts students engaged in independent research and serves as the school`s sustainability program hub. Here students concentrate on advanced computer science, robotics, and drones. Biotechnology projects using DNA PCR thermocycler and UV transilluminator, digital journalism and storytelling, electrical and mechanical engineering.
- Over the years, students have partnered with organizations like NASA, the W. M. Keck Observatory, NOAA, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and others. Upper School students can also select from an extensive schedule of Honors and 17 AP classes. In addition to the Energy Lab, HPA offers a large heated pool, Issacs Art Gallery, tennis court with four courts, various water sports, an established after-school athletic program, horseback riding, a world-renowned Sea Turtle Tagging program, and many extracurricular activities where you can get your SCUBA diving certification or star in the fall musical.
- Day students from Hawaii are joined by boarding students from 15 states and 25 countries to create a diverse, international `ohana. Boarding students live in three residence halls located on the Upper Campus, where they gain independence and are immersed in school life that extends well beyond the classroom. Graduates often end up attending the finest universities around the world.
- HPA is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Hawai`i Association of Independent Schools.
- Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy accreditations: HAIS, WASC, NAIS, TABS
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Laura Jim ’91, Co-Director, HPA Sea Turtle Research Program, PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, Science Educator -
- Ford Stallsmith ’20 -
- Jim Kennedy, class of 1966 -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy cost?
Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy's tuition is approximately $64,800 for boarding students and $32,500 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy?
The acceptance rate of Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy is 42%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy?
Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy famous alumni include: Laura Jim ’91, Co-Director, HPA Sea Turtle Research Program, PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, Science Educator, Ford Stallsmith ’20 and Jim Kennedy, class of 1966.
What sports does Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy offer?
Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy offers 23 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Polo, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo and Wrestling. Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy is ranked as one of the top boarding schools for most sports offered.
Does Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy's ranking?
Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Large student body (number of students), High percent faculty with advanced degrees, Most sports offered and High SSAT scores.
When is the application deadline for Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy?
The application deadline for Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy is Jan. 15 / Feb. 10 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 / Feb. 10 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
HPA stands out for its remarkable sense of community, which truly feels like one big family. The connections between students, teachers, coaches, and faculty create an environment where everyone genuinely cares about each individual. This. . .
HPA Campus is set up in a unique natural surrounding.
HPA does a lot of volunteer work.
HPA has a lot of good and nice teachers. They help you where they can. . .
The boarding and day community were both very diverse, inclusive, and welcoming. They encouraged a lot of socializing and bonding that effectively made the school feel like family. The events that were held such as. . .
Show more reviews (5 reviews)
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The nearest boarding school to Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy is Iolani School (162.7 miles away)
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