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#175 of 292 schools in HI

Hilo High School

High School · Hawaii Department of Education

556 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720

Enrollment

1,192

Student-Teacher

15.3:1

Score

5.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Hawaii schools

#175 of 292

In Hilo

#9 of 15

public schools

In district

#175 of 292

Hawaii Department of Education

Academic growth

9.5 / 10

Excellent

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Hilo High School

5.9/10

High School in Hilo · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Hilo Intermediate School

6.4/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Hilo Union Elementary School

7.5/10

0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Hilo High School

Hilo High School is a public high school in Hilo, HI, part of Hawaii Department of Education. Hilo High School serves approximately 1,192 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Hilo High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #175 of 292 schools in HI.

Structured state assessment records for Hilo High School show 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.5 pts below district
  • This school 5.9 · Average
  • District avg 6.4
  • HI avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

34% of students at Hilo High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.5Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.43 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendStable
Academics5.4Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency52% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency38% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)42% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-4.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile36th
College Readiness3.8Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%
AP Participation5.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.2Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,056
Chronic Absenteeism34.3%

Hilo High School — Students at Hilo High School score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

50.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores HI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 28.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 60.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 test records from HI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
33%
ELA
65%
2010
Math
30%
ELA
56%
2011
Math
42%
ELA
62%
2012
Math
24%
ELA
66%
2013
Math
39%
ELA
68%
2014
Math
25%
ELA
46%
2015
Math
21%
ELA
49%
2016
Math
23%
ELA
55%
2017
Math
25%
ELA
53%
2018
Math
31%
ELA
60%
2019
Math
31%
ELA
60%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
74.5%
2021*
Math
24.5%
ELA
74.5%
2022
Math
24%
ELA
52%

* 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: 9.5/10.

How Hilo High School Compares

See how Hilo High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.9/10
40th percentile in HI
Academic
5.4/10
Average
Growth
9.5/10
Excellent
Environment
5.2/10
Average
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.5
Sports
27
12 boys' · 15 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
51%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
78 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
34.3%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
5.1% participation·State avg: 2.5 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics27sports offered
12 boys'·15 girls'·30 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

556 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Hilo High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ST JOSEPH SCHOOL (rated 8.3/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Waiakea High School (rated 7.9/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School (rated 7.8/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Hilo, see our Hilo schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Hilo Intermediate School Hilo 0.1 mi 6.4
Hilo Union Elementary School Hilo 0.3 mi 7.5
MAUNA LOA SCHOOL Hilo 0.5 mi 5.1
Connections - New Century PCS Hilo 0.7 mi 5.1
ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Hilo 1.0 mi 8.3
Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School Hilo 1.3 mi 2.8
Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School Hilo 1.4 mi 7.8
Haaheo Elementary School Hilo 1.6 mi 4.3
Waiakea High School Hilo 2.1 mi 7.9
Waiakea Intermediate School Hilo 2.2 mi 5.0
Waiakea Elementary School Hilo 2.3 mi 6.4
Waiakeawaena Elementary School Hilo 3.3 mi 7.5
Kaumana Elementary School Hilo 3.5 mi 7.1
Keaukaha Elementary School Hilo 3.4 mi 5.8
Ka Umeke Kaeo - PCS Hilo 4.1 mi 4.9
Ke Ana Laahana - PCS Hilo 4.1 mi
Kua o ka La - NCPCS Hilo 4.4 mi 7.7
Prince Jonah Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate School Papaikou 4.7 mi 2.7
CHRISTIAN LIBERTY ACADEMY Keaau 7.8 mi 5.8
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
Kapaa High School Kapaa, HI 6.0
King Kekaulike High School Pukalani, HI 6.1
President William McKinley High School Honolulu, HI 6.1
Kauai High School Lihue, HI 6.2
Waimea High School Waimea, HI 6.2
Henry Perrine Baldwin High School Wailuku, HI 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hilo High School

What grades does Hilo High School serve?

Hilo High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Hilo High School?

Hilo High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,192 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Hilo High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Hilo High School is 15.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Hilo High School rank in HI?

Hilo High School ranks #175 of 292 schools in HI.

What is Hilo High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Hilo High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 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 Hilo High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Hilo High School has 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Hilo High School a charter school?

No, Hilo High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Hilo High School a Title I school?

No, Hilo High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Hilo High School?

50.9% of students at Hilo High 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
22 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
45 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,192
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
78
Free/Reduced Lunch
50.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Hawaii County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
34.3%
4-Year Graduation
80.0%

District

Hawaii Department of Education
District Enrollment
169,308
Schools in District
295
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,056
District Rank
#175 of 292

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