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 Facts (2026)
- 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 20 boarding schools (out of 307 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Faculty Education
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1949
1909
Campus Size
220 acres
125 acres
School Calendar
Student Body
Enrollment
400 students
300 students
% Students of Color
53%
25%
% International Students
17%
20%
% Students Boarding
45%
70%
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
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
86%
70%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$51 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$64,800
$59,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$32,500
$33,500
Tuition international students
$76,100
$53,975
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$59,100
$44,000
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%
58%
Director of Admissions
Mrs. Tiare Judd Police, '86
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
17
Courses
Biology Calculus AB
Calculus BC Chemistry
Japanese Physics B
Psychology Spanish
Statistics Studio Art
U.S. History World History
Art HistoryEnglish Language and Composition
English Literature and CompositionEnvironmental Science
FrenchPhysics C
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
22
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
28
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Japanese ClubKa Makani Flyers
Literary MagazineMarine Expeditions
Math ClubMediation Club
Model UN ClubNutrition Club
Outdoor ProgramPeer Tutoring
PlayRed Cross Youth Group
Robotics ClubSAT Club
Seaside Education Action (SEA) ClubService Learning Advisory Council (SLAC)
Set CrewSteel Drums
Arts and Music Programs:
Dormitory ProctorSchool of Rock (rock band)
Songwriters AnonymousWeb Design Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
College Matriculation
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
University of Hawai‘i-Manoa
25
University of Oregon
18
Santa Clara University
13
University of Washington
11
University of Denver
9
Colorado State University
8
University of Colorado-Boulder
8
Oregon State University
7
The George Washington University
6
University of Southern California
6
School Notes
- 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 -
- School Mascot: Ka Makani
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 58%.
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 22 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 and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo and Wrestling.
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 High percent faculty with advanced degrees.
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 is nestled in the verdant green hills of Waimea, on the Big Island of Hawaii. The atmosphere of the school personifies the Hawaiian word Ohana, which means Family. Most people leave high school. . .
HPA offers a unique learning environment for students in several ways. The campus is located in one of the nicest rural settings on earth, with rolling hills, and a lot of beautiful open spaces. Students. . .
HPA has a beautiful campus that looks out over the Big Island and the ocean. The extra-curricular activities are truly unique (i.e. Sea Turtle Research, free camping trips all over the island etc.).. . .
Show more reviews (1 review)
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy also viewed these schools: Stevenson School, Asheville School, Cate School, Choate Rosemary Hall and Phillips Academy Andover.
The nearest boarding school to Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy is Iolani School (162.7 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
3152 Forest Lake Road
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
2332.3 miles
Gr: 9-12 | PK-12 (day) | 510 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Avg. class size: 12 students Tuition listed
360 Asheville School Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 254-6345
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 254-6345
4494.8 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 297 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Avg. class size: 13 students Acceptance rate: 40% Tuition listed
1960 Cate Mesa Road, P.O. Box 5005
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
2420 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Avg. class size: 10 students Acceptance rate: 17% Tuition listed
333 Christian Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 697-2239
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 697-2239
4954.1 miles
Gr: 9-12, PG | 867 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Avg. class size: 12 students Acceptance rate: 16% Tuition listed
180 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
5022.4 miles
Gr: 9-12, PG | 1,154 student Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Avg. class size: 13 students Acceptance rate: 13% Tuition listed
Recent Articles
Famous Boarding School Alumni & Parent Lessons
Discover what famous boarding school alumni teach parents about leadership, resilience, and opportunity in 2026.
Boarding Life for Student Athletes in 2026
Explore how boarding schools help student athletes balance academics and competitive sports in 2026 with structure, support, and recruiting guidance.
Supporting First-Generation Students in Boarding Schools
A 2026 guide to supporting first-generation students in boarding schools, with strategies for access, retention, and family engagement.
