Very Good
#66 of 292 schools in HI
Top 22% in state
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School
Elementary School · Hawaii Department of Education
278 Ainako Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Enrollment
465
Student-Teacher
18.6:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
465
Student-Teacher
18.6:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Hawaii schools
#66 of 292
In Hilo
#2 of 15
public schools
In district
#66 of 292
Hawaii Department of Education
Academic performance
9.6 / 10
Excellent
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Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School
Elementary School in Hilo · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Hilo Intermediate School
1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Hilo High School
1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School is a public elementary school in Hilo, HI, part of Hawaii Department of Education. Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School serves approximately 465 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 18.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #66 of 292 schools in HI.
Structured state assessment records for Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School show 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 79% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 7.8 · Very Good
- District avg 6.4
- HI avg 6.4
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School — Students at Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School score 73% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
28.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores HI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 test records from HI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.2/10.
How Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School Compares
See how Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
278 Ainako Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Kua o ka La - NCPCS (rated 7.7/10, 4.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Hilo Union Elementary School (rated 7.5/10, 1.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Waiakeawaena Elementary School (rated 7.5/10, 3.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Hilo, see our Hilo schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hilo Intermediate School Hilo | 1.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Hilo High School Hilo | 1.4 mi | 5.9 |
| Hilo Union Elementary School Hilo | 1.7 mi | 7.5 |
| MAUNA LOA SCHOOL Hilo | 1.8 mi | 5.1 |
| ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Hilo | 2.0 mi | 8.3 |
| Connections - New Century PCS Hilo | 2.1 mi | 5.1 |
| Kaumana Elementary School Hilo | 2.1 mi | 7.1 |
| Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School Hilo | 2.4 mi | 2.8 |
| Waiakea High School Hilo | 2.6 mi | 7.9 |
| Haaheo Elementary School Hilo | 2.7 mi | 4.3 |
| Waiakea Intermediate School Hilo | 2.6 mi | 5.0 |
| Waiakea Elementary School Hilo | 2.8 mi | 6.4 |
| Waiakeawaena Elementary School Hilo | 3.6 mi | 7.5 |
| Kua o ka La - NCPCS Hilo | 4.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Keaukaha Elementary School Hilo | 4.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Ka Umeke Kaeo - PCS Hilo | 5.4 mi | 4.9 |
| Ke Ana Laahana - PCS Hilo | 5.4 mi | — |
| Prince Jonah Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate School Papaikou | 5.7 mi | 2.7 |
| KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS HAWAI'I Keaau | 8.0 mi | 4.1 |
| Keaau Middle School Keaau | 7.9 mi | 3.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 96720 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$78,537
Median Home Value
$458,100
Median Rent
$1,346/mo
Population
50,971
College Educated
33.7%
Homeownership
66%
Avg Commute
20.2 min
Poverty Rate
13.8%
Median Age
42.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Kahala Elementary School Honolulu, HI | 7.8 |
| Waiau Elementary School Pearl City, HI | 7.8 |
| Waimalu Elementary School Aiea, HI | 7.8 |
| Major Sheldon Wheeler Elementary School Wahiawa, HI | 7.7 |
| Aikahi Elementary School Kailua, HI | 7.9 |
| Kapalama Elementary School Honolulu, HI | 7.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School
What grades does Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School serve?
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School?
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 465 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School is 18.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School rank in HI?
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School ranks #66 of 292 schools in HI.
What is Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School has 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 79% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School a charter school?
No, Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School?
28.2% of students at Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 465
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 25
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 28.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Hawaii County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 23.2%
- Phone
- (808) 974-4855
Resources & Links
District
Hawaii Department of Education- District Enrollment
- 169,308
- Schools in District
- 295
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,056
- District Rank
- #66 of 292
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