Best Schools in Hilo, Hawaii
18 schools · 10 Elementary · 2 Middle · 3 High · 3 Other
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.1/10
- Median household income
- $78,537
- Median home value
- $458,100
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 34%
- Avg commute
- 20 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 66%
35% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Hilo compares
Hawaii rank
#15 of 29
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-0.2
below Hawaii avg (6.3)
Median household income
$79k
84% of Hawaii median
Schools in this city
17
About Schools in Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii is home to 18 schools, including 16 public schools and 2 private schools. The city's schools span 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools.
With an average rating of 6.1 out of 10, schools in Hilo show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Hilo is St Joseph School with a composite score of 8.3/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Hilo is served by 1 school district: Hawaii Department of Education. These districts collectively serve 169,308 students.
Hilo's community shows 34% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $78,537. The poverty rate in the area is 13.8%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
10 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 446 students · Pre-K–6th | 7.9 | ||
| 2 | 132 students · Pre-K–6th | 7.1 | ||
| 3 | 228 students · Pre-K–6th | 7.0 | ||
| 4 | 725 students · Pre-K–5th | 6.8 | ||
| 5 | 185 students · Pre-K–8th | 6.7 | ||
| 6 | 465 students · Pre-K–6th | 6.1 | ||
| 7 | 672 students · Pre-K–5th | 6.1 | ||
| 8 | 358 students · Pre-K–6th | 4.3 | ||
| 9 | 384 students · Pre-K–6th | 2.9 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | MAUNA LOA SCHOOL
Private
61 students · Kindergarten–8th | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 486 students · 7th–8th | 7.7 |
| 2 | 854 students · 6th–8th | 4.2 |
High Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,217 students · 9th–12th | 6.1 |
| 2 | 1,192 students · 9th–12th | 4.6 |
| 3 | 26 students · 7th–12th | — |
Other Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 275 students · Pre-K–12th | 7.5 | ||
| 2 | 346 students · Kindergarten–12th | 5.9 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | ST JOSEPH SCHOOL
Private
185 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated | ||
Schools in Hilo
Hilo, Hawaii · 18 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$78,537
Median Home Value
$458,100
Median Rent
$1,346/mo
Population
50,971
College Educated
34%
Homeownership
66%
Avg Commute
20 min
Poverty Rate
13.8%
Community Profile
Hilo has a median household income of $78,537. It is an area where 34% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $458,100, with a median rent of $1,346/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.8%. The average commute for residents is 20 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- Hawaii
- Total Schools
- 18
- Elementary
- 10
- Middle
- 2
- High
- 3
- Districts
- 1
- Avg Rating
- 6.1/10
School District
Nearby Cities
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Hilo, Hawaii
How many schools are in Hilo, Hawaii?
Hilo has 18 schools, including 16 public and 2 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Hilo, Hawaii?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Hilo is 6.1 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Hilo, Hawaii?
The top-ranked school in Hilo on MySchoolScout is St Joseph School with a composite score of 8.3/10.
What is the best elementary school in Hilo, Hawaii?
The top-ranked elementary school in Hilo on MySchoolScout is Hilo Union Elementary School with a composite score of 7.9/10.
What is the best middle school in Hilo, Hawaii?
The top-ranked middle school in Hilo on MySchoolScout is Hilo Intermediate School with a composite score of 7.7/10.
What is the best high school in Hilo, Hawaii?
The top-ranked high school in Hilo on MySchoolScout is Waiakea High School with a composite score of 6.1/10.
How many school districts serve Hilo, Hawaii?
Hilo is served by 1 school district: Hawaii Department of Education.
What is the education level in Hilo, Hawaii?
According to Census data, 34% of adults in Hilo have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Hilo, Hawaii?
The median household income in Hilo is approximately $78,537 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Hilo, Hawaii?
Yes, Hilo has 2 private schools alongside 16 public schools. The top-rated private school is St Joseph School with a score of 8.3/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Hilo, Hawaii?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Hilo is 14.6:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Hilo, Hawaii?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Hawaii Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.