Skip to main content

Average

#197 of 292 schools in HI

West Hawaii Explorations Academy

High School · Hawaii Department of Education

73-4460 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy #105, Kailua-kona, HI 96740

Charter

Enrollment

275

Student-Teacher

12.5:1

Score

5.6

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Hawaii schools

#197 of 292

In Kailua-kona

#2 of 6

public schools

In district

#197 of 292

Hawaii Department of Education

School environment

9.4 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around West Hawaii Explorations Academy?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

West Hawaii Explorations Academy

5.6/10

High School in Kailua-kona · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Kealakehe High School

5.2/10

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

Makua Lani Christian Academy

5.5/10

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

About West Hawaii Explorations Academy

West Hawaii Explorations Academy is a public high school in Kailua-kona, HI, part of Hawaii Department of Education. West Hawaii Explorations Academy serves approximately 275 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 12.5:1 student-teacher ratio. West Hawaii Explorations Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 out of 10 and ranks #197 of 292 schools in HI.

Structured state assessment records for West Hawaii Explorations Academy show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.8 pts below district
  • This school 5.6 · Average
  • District avg 6.4
  • HI avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

West Hawaii Explorations Academy is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

West Hawaii Explorations Academy 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.0Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.2 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.9Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency22% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency62% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency42% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)64% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-22.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile31th
College Readiness4.1Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate84.5%
AP Participation0.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.4Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,056
Chronic Absenteeism27.3%

West Hawaii Explorations Academy — Students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy score 42% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

17.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores HI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 39.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 69.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

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

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
47%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
52%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
57%
ELA
92%
2012
Math
52%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
52%
ELA
82%
2014
Math
32%
ELA
52%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
57%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
62%
2017
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
62%
2020*
Math
27%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
62%
2022
Math
22%
ELA
62%

* 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: 5.0/10.

How West Hawaii Explorations Academy Compares

See how West Hawaii Explorations Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.6/10
33th percentile in HI
Academic
4.9/10
Below Average
Growth
5.0/10
Average
Environment
9.4/10
Excellent
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
18%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
22 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.3%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses3 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

73-4460 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy #105, Kailua-kona, HI 96740

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering West Hawaii Explorations Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Konawaena High School (rated 6.4/10, 16.2 miles away, in nearby Kealakekua), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Kealakehe High School (rated 5.2/10, 3.9 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Kailua-kona, see our Kailua-kona schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 31.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Kealakehe High School Kailua-Kona 3.9 mi 5.2
MAKUA LANI CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Kailua-Kona 4.0 mi 5.5
KULEANA EDUCATION ACADEMY Kailua-Kona 4.4 mi 6.0
Kealakehe Intermediate School Kailua-Kona 4.6 mi 2.8
MAKUA LANII CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Kailua-Kona 4.6 mi 4.0
Kealakehe Elementary School Kailua-Kona 4.7 mi 2.4
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS KONA Kailua-Kona 6.5 mi
Innovations - PCS Kailua-Kona 6.9 mi 6.2
Kahakai Elementary School Kailua-Kona 7.9 mi 5.4
Holualoa Elementary School Holualoa 8.8 mi 4.3
Kona Pacific - PCS Kealakekua 15.5 mi 8.5
Ke Kula o Ehunuikaimalino Kealakekua 16.1 mi 4.6
Konawaena Elementary School Kealakekua 16.2 mi 4.3
Konawaena High School Kealakekua 16.2 mi 6.4
Konawaena Middle School Kealakekua 16.2 mi 5.6
KONA ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Captain Cook 17.5 mi 3.3
Honaunau Elementary School Captain Cook 20.9 mi 3.1
Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School Waikoloa 22.7 mi 4.8
Hookena Elementary School Captain Cook 24.8 mi 3.1
HAWAII PREPARATORY ACADEMY Kamuela 31.0 mi 6.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 96740 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$94,091

Median Home Value

$730,600

Median Rent

$1,692/mo

Population

40,805

College Educated

34.8%

Homeownership

70.9%

Avg Commute

22.7 min

Poverty Rate

12.5%

Median Age

43.2

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Molokai High School Hoolehua, HI 5.6
Kohala High School Kapaau, HI 6.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about West Hawaii Explorations Academy

What grades does West Hawaii Explorations Academy serve?

West Hawaii Explorations Academy serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend West Hawaii Explorations Academy?

West Hawaii Explorations Academy has an enrollment of approximately 275 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at West Hawaii Explorations Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at West Hawaii Explorations Academy is 12.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does West Hawaii Explorations Academy rank in HI?

West Hawaii Explorations Academy ranks #197 of 292 schools in HI.

What is West Hawaii Explorations Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

West Hawaii Explorations Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 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 West Hawaii Explorations Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, West Hawaii Explorations Academy has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is West Hawaii Explorations Academy a charter school?

Yes, West Hawaii Explorations Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is West Hawaii Explorations Academy a Title I school?

No, West Hawaii Explorations Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Hawaii Explorations Academy?

17.8% of students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy 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
14 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
29 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
275
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
22
Free/Reduced Lunch
17.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Hawaii County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.3%
4-Year Graduation
84.5%

District

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

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.