Needs Improvement
#290 of 292 schools in HI
Pahoa Elementary School
Elementary School · Hawaii Department of Education
15-3030 Puna Rd, Pahoa, HI 96778
Enrollment
394
Student-Teacher
16.4:1
Score
2.5
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
394
Student-Teacher
16.4:1
Score
2.5
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Hawaii schools
#290 of 292
In Pahoa
#4 of 4
public schools
In district
#290 of 292
Hawaii Department of Education
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Pahoa Elementary School
Elementary School in Pahoa · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Pahoa High & Intermediate School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science Pcs
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Pahoa Elementary School
Pahoa Elementary School is a public elementary school in Pahoa, HI, part of Hawaii Department of Education. Pahoa Elementary School serves approximately 394 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 16.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Pahoa Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.5 out of 10 and ranks #290 of 292 schools in HI.
Structured state assessment records for Pahoa Elementary School show 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 2.5 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 6.4
- HI avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
Pahoa Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
60% of students at Pahoa Elementary 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Pahoa Elementary School — Students at Pahoa Elementary School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 20%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
84.5%
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
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 1.9/10.
How Pahoa Elementary School Compares
See how Pahoa Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
15-3030 Puna Rd, Pahoa, HI 96778
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Pahoa Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Kua o ka La - NCPCS (rated 7.7/10, 14.4 miles away, in nearby Hilo), which scores notably higher. Another option is Waiakeawaena Elementary School (rated 7.5/10, 15.5 miles away, in nearby Hilo), which scores notably higher. Additionally, MALAMALAMA WALDORF SCHOOL (rated 7.0/10, 4.8 miles away, in nearby Keaau), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Pahoa, see our Pahoa schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 17.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Pahoa High & Intermediate School Pahoa | 0.1 mi | 4.7 |
| Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science PCS Pahoa | 0.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Keonepoko Elementary School Pahoa | 2.6 mi | 3.8 |
| NA HUNAAHI Pahoa | 2.6 mi | — |
| MALAMALAMA WALDORF SCHOOL Keaau | 4.8 mi | 7.0 |
| Ke Kula o Nawahiokalaniopuu Iki - Laboratory PCS Keaau | 9.6 mi | 5.0 |
| Keaau High School Keaau | 10.1 mi | 5.2 |
| Keaau Elementary School Keaau | 10.3 mi | 2.6 |
| Keaau Middle School Keaau | 10.9 mi | 3.1 |
| CHRISTIAN LIBERTY ACADEMY Keaau | 10.9 mi | 5.8 |
| KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS HAWAI'I Keaau | 10.9 mi | 4.1 |
| Mountain View Elementary School Mountain View | 11.2 mi | 4.0 |
| Na Wai Ola - PCS Mountain View | 11.5 mi | 3.6 |
| Kua o ka La - NCPCS Hilo | 14.4 mi | 7.7 |
| Waiakeawaena Elementary School Hilo | 15.5 mi | 7.5 |
| Waiakea Elementary School Hilo | 16.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Waiakea Intermediate School Hilo | 16.5 mi | 5.0 |
| Waiakea High School Hilo | 16.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Keaukaha Elementary School Hilo | 17.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Ke Ana Laahana - PCS Hilo | 17.8 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 96778 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$34,863
Median Home Value
$241,200
Median Rent
$1,321/mo
Population
14,225
College Educated
21.8%
Homeownership
80%
Avg Commute
34 min
Poverty Rate
35.4%
Median Age
45.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Prince Jonah Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate School Papaikou, HI | 2.7 |
| Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School Hilo, HI | 2.8 |
| Paia Elementary School Paia, HI | 2.0 |
| Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate School Waimanalo, HI | 3.1 |
| Princess Victoria Kaiulani Elementary School Honolulu, HI | 3.2 |
| Waianae Elementary School Waianae, HI | 3.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pahoa Elementary School
What grades does Pahoa Elementary School serve?
Pahoa Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Pahoa Elementary School?
Pahoa Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 394 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Pahoa Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Pahoa Elementary School is 16.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Pahoa Elementary School rank in HI?
Pahoa Elementary School ranks #290 of 292 schools in HI.
What is Pahoa Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Pahoa Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.5 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 Pahoa Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Pahoa Elementary School has 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Pahoa Elementary School a charter school?
No, Pahoa Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Pahoa Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Pahoa Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pahoa Elementary School?
84.5% of students at Pahoa 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 394
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 24
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 84.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Hawaii County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 60.4%
- Phone
- (808) 965-2141
Resources & Links
District
Hawaii Department of Education- District Enrollment
- 169,308
- Schools in District
- 295
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,056
- District Rank
- #290 of 292
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