Education in Hawaii
Hawaii is a special place to teach, with students representing a variety of multi-ethnic backgrounds. Therefore, the professional staff must be individuals who are sensitive to the enriching contributions that can be made to the total teaching-learning environment by the island students. Over 50% of the Hawaiian public school students are considered disadvantaged. Fifteen percent of Native Hawaiians have a four-year degree compared to the 42% of Caucasians that hold a four year degree.
How many schools and how many students do you have?
There are 256 public schools and 2 special schools under one single statewide district with over 177,000 students. The school district is about the tenth largest school district in the United States.
How long is the school year for teachers?
The vast majority of Hawaii public schools have adopted single-track year-round, or modified calendars. School begins at the end of July, on the modified calendar, with a Fall break in October and a longer-than-average Christmas break.
What are the student-to-teacher ratios?
Hawaiian schools tend to have a higher ratio of students to teachers than the national average. The average student-to-teacher ratio in primary and high schools is 17.5:1. The average student-to-teacher ratio in middle schools is 17:1.
Does Hawaii have any magnet schools?
There are 31 charter schools within the public school system.
Do you have any special centers or schools for disabled or gifted students?
There are thirty high school Learning Centers that offer special programs in business, computer technology, communication arts, humanities, international studies, music, performing arts, science, marine science, agriculture, mathematics, and vocational studies. Several schools offer Academy Programs that provide specific career training. The Academies are funded by national grants and support from local business and industry.
Hawaii also has the Hawaii Center for the Deaf and Blind, the Jefferson Orthopedic Unit, and Pohukaina. |
