61 questions & answers about Catholic Schools in Hawaii

The Hawaii Catholic Herald and the Hawaii Catholic Schools office assembled 61 answers to frequently asked, and not so frequently asked, questions about Catholic schools in Hawaii. They cover history, statistics, standards, mission and identity, money matters, enrollment, curriculum, governance and more.

History

1 What was the first Catholic school in Hawaii?

On Oct. 15, 1840, King Kamehameha III enacted a law that established a public school system run in part by missionary groups. By 1850, the Catholic mission had established 102 small and widely scattered schools throughout the islands. St. Ann’s School in Kaneohe traces its origins back to that period, to 1841. Ahuimanu College, which Saint Louis School claims as its forerunner, was founded by the Sacred Hearts Congregation in 1845.

2 When was the last time a brand new Catholic school opened in Hawaii?

A number of early learning centers have emerged recently, but the last elementary school to open was Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Ewa Beach in 1967. St. Francis opened a satellite high school campus on Kauai in 1997, but it closed in 2001.

3 When was the last time a Catholic school closed in Hawaii?

Holy Trinity, Kuliouou, and St. Joseph elementary grades, Makawao, this past June.

4 Why are there no Catholic schools on Molokai and Lanai?

Historically, those two islands have never had parochial schools probably because their Catholic populations are too small to support them.

5 Maui and the Big Island have Catholic high schools; why not Kauai?

A high school requires a huge investment and community commitment. The Sisters of St. Francis opened a St. Francis High School in Lihue in 1997 but low enrollment and financial challenges prevented it from being a success. It closed four years later.

6 Why isn’t there a Catholic high school in leeward Oahu?

It has been a longtime dream, though an elusive one so far, to open a Catholic high school in leeward or central Oahu, which recently has experienced much growth and expansion. The idea is revisited from time to time by different groups. For it to materialize, it will require the right convergence of people, location, interest, support, need and money. That has not yet happened.

Statistics

7 How many students are enrolled in Catholic schools in Hawaii?

The Hawaii Catholic Schools office records enrollment at the start of the school year and at the end. The total number of school students at the beginning of the 2009-10 school year was 10,328. The number at the close of the year was 10,315.

8 How many Catholic schools are there in Hawaii?

Hawaii has 12 stand-alone Catholic preschools and early learning centers, 24 grade schools (some of which include preschool grades), seven high schools (some of which have lower grades), and one university.

9 What percentage of Catholic secondary school students graduate?

99.09 percent

10 How many year-round Catholic schools does Hawaii have?

Ten elementary schools and one high school

Standards

11 Are Catholic Schools accredited by any accrediting organization?

All Hawaii Catholic grade schools and high schools are accredited by both the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Some, particularly the high schools, are also accredited by the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS).

12 How do Hawaii Catholic school test scores compare with state and national standards?

Catholic school students ordinarily score above the national average in all subject areas.

13 Do incoming students have to take any kind of entrance test?

Incoming students take a placement exam to help the school determine the best program for each applicant.

14 What standardized tests do Hawaii Catholic schools administer?

Assessment of Catechesis/Religious Education (ACRE), TerraNova, Third Edition Complete Battery and InView ECRA Writing Assessment.

15 What kinds of colleges and universities will my child be able to get into after graduation?

Hawaii’s Catholic high schools all have excellent college preparation and counseling, plus AP courses and testing. Hawaii’s students regularly move on to the best Catholic universities and colleges, Ivy League institutions and state universities, as well as, smaller colleges.

Mission and identity

16 Why choose a Catholic school for your child?

Catholic schools develop the whole child, forming Gospel values and morals for life, in a safe and well-disciplined environment with high academic standards, at a reasonable price.

17 Does a child have to be Catholic to attend a Catholic school?

No.

18 What percentage of Hawaii Catholic school students are Catholic?

60 percent

19 Do students who are not Catholic have to attend school Masses?

Yes. All students are expected to attend regular school Masses and to participate in class prayers, religion classes and retreats. Students who are not Catholic, of course, do not receive the sacraments.

20 Is sacramental preparation for First Communion, Confession and Confirmation done in Hawaii Catholic schools?

First Communion and Confession preparation is part of the religion curriculum of every Catholic school. The actual celebration of the sacraments are usually reserved for individual parishes. Confirmation preparation is done through a special program in the parishes.

21 Do non-Catholic students have to take religion classes?

Hawaii Catholic schools offer a value-based education grounded in the Catholic faith. Jesus and his message is integral to and cannot be separated from the educational experience. Christian values are prominent and part of the school culture. All students learn about the Catholic faith, share in prayer and join in the preparation of sacraments even if, not being Catholic, they will not be receiving those sacraments.

22 Do Catholic schools try to convert non-Catholic students?

No. But it is always the hope that the teaching of the Catholic faith and the sharing of Catholic values will have a positive impact on students who are not Catholic, so that they would consider themselves welcome and invited to inquire about the faith. All students learn about the message of Jesus Christ in order to make an impact on the world as they form values for life.

Money matters

23 What is the average cost of tuition in a Catholic school?

The average cost of tuition for preschool and early learning centers is about $650 a month. For elementary schools it is about $6,000 a year although a couple of schools are less than $4,000, and one is $12,000. High school tuition ranges from $9,000 to $13,000.

24 Are there local scholarships available for families who want to send their children to Catholic schools?

The Augustine Educational Foundation offers partial scholarships for grade school and high school students based on need: $1,000 for grades K-8, and $1,250 for grades 9-12. This school year the foundation will distribute $564,000. The foundation also helps eight Hawaii parishes, with and without schools, manage their own scholarship programs. For information, call Sue Ferandin at 203-6736, or go to augustinefoundation.org.

25 How can I donate money for scholarships for Hawaii Catholic school students?

You may write to the Augustine Educational Foundation, 6301 Pali Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744. If you would like to help a particular school, include the name and city of the school on the memo section of your check. To make a credit card donation, or a planned gift, call 203-6736 or send an e-mail message to info@augustinefoundation.org and a representative will contact you.

26 Are there national scholarships available for primary and secondary Catholic schools in Hawaii?

No.

27 What if I can’t afford to send my child to a Catholic school?

Catholic schools do their very best to make tuition affordable. But sending your child to a Catholic school demands a financial sacrifice, especially for the parent or guardian but also for the educators and administrators who often work for lower pay. But as an investment in your child’s formation and future, it is worth it.

28 Do Catholic schools receive any government funding?

Catholic schools try to access title funds to assist in enhancing student programs and teacher development opportunities.

29 Do parents receive a tax break or tax credit for paying Catholic school tuition?

No.

30 Do Hawaii Catholic schools offer discounts for more than one child?

Some do. Inquire at the individual school.

31 Why does tuition always go up and never comes down?

Tuition pays for school utilities and maintenance, insurance, professional development, new technology, energy costs, office equipment, teachers’ salaries and more. Those costs always go up.

32 Are Catholic schools more or less expensive than other private schools?

Catholic schools are generally less expensive than other private schools. One of the missions of Catholic schools is to provide a Catholic education to those families who would not necessarily have the means to afford a private education. Catholic schools strive their best to be open for everyone, not just for families rich enough to afford high tuitions.

Enrollment

33 How do I enroll my child?

Contact the school you are interested in. Go to www.hawaiicatholicschools.com. Each school has its own enrollment procedure, which usually includes an interview at the school. Most schools require a birth certificate, a baptism certificate if Catholic, previous school reports and a medical record.

34 If my child goes to a Catholic elementary school will he or she be automatically accepted into a Catholic high school?

Catholic school students must apply and take the entrance tests for Catholic high schools like any other student, but Catholic elementary schools provide excellent preparation and the vast majority are accepted.

35 Do Catholic schools accept children with disabilities or special needs?

While a few Catholic schools in Hawaii have accepted students with special needs on an individual basis, in general they do not have the resources or facilities to accept these children, as much as they would like to.

36 Why do the schools all have different start dates?

Each school is run independently to suit the needs and desires of its particular community and its students, and so school calendars will be different.

37 What is the required number of school days?

176

38 Will my child have to wear a uniform?

Most schools have uniforms, or at least strict dress codes, but many have added variety to the required clothes with shorts and polo shirts.

Curriculum

39 Do Hawaii Catholic schools offer classes in fine arts and foreign languages?

Yes.

40 What sports and athletic opportunities are offered at Hawaii Catholic schools?

On Oahu, at the elementary school level, students may participate in the Catholic School League in volleyball, basketball and track. Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island have county and independent leagues in many sports. At the high school level, schools participate in intermediate, junior varsity and varsity sports leagues on their respective islands.

41 Are schools academically challenging enough?

Hawaii Catholic schools accept students with a wide range of abilities and motivate them to be their best academically, socially, and in service to others.

Teachers

42 Do teachers have to go through background checks before they are hired?

Yes, all new teachers must submit to a criminal background check.

43 What qualifications do Catholic school teachers have? Do they need a teaching degree?

Our teachers are highly qualified and trained in the areas they teach. Teachers in our schools have bachelor’s degrees and many have post-graduate qualifications. The Hawaii Catholic Schools office considers the professional development of teachers to be very important.

44 How do I apply to be a Catholic school teacher?

Each school hires its own faculty and staff. Resumes and inquiries need to be submitted to any school that has an open position

45 How much do Catholic school teachers make?

A teacher’s salary varies according to experience and degrees, but generally speaking, to keep Catholic education affordable, Catholic school teachers usually make less than teachers at a public or independent school.

46 Are the teachers mostly nuns still?

About half of the Catholic schools in Hawaii have at least one religious sister on the faculty or as a member of the administration. But gone are the days when entire faculties were made up of nuns. A few schools have religious brothers and priests on the faculty.

Governance

47 Is the bishop the head of all Catholic parish schools in Hawaii?

Bishop Larry Silva is the spiritual head of the Catholic Church in Hawaii. As such, he has the responsibility to see that all institutions that carry the name “Catholic” are faithful to their Catholic mission and identity. However, the bishop delegates the management of Hawaii’s Catholic schools to the pastors who are the primary administrators of parish schools.

48 Is there a superintendent of Catholic schools?

Yes. Her name is Carmen Himenes, Ed.D.

49 Is there a diocesan board of education? If so, what do they do?

The diocese has a 17-member Board of Education which advises the superintendent and the bishop on the policies and strategic direction of Catholic education in Hawaii.

50 What is the School Planning Task Force?

Read story here.

51 Who makes the decision to open a new school?

The decision to build a new school would be a collaborative one involving the community, the diocese and, if there is one, a sponsoring group such as a religious order. A need would have to be established, a location acquired and a source of financing determined.

52 Who makes the decision to close a school?

In the case of a parish school, it is the pastor’s decision to close. It is always a decision made in consultation with the school administration, the parish pastoral and finance councils and the Hawaii Catholic Schools office, with the ultimate approval of the bishop.

53 What is the difference between a private Catholic school and a parochial Catholic school?

Private Catholic schools in Hawaii are run by religious orders like the Marianists and the Sisters of St. Francis. Parochial schools are attached to parishes with the pastor is the lead administrator. Private Catholic schools in Hawaii are Saint Louis, Saint Francis, Sacred Hearts Academy, Damien Memorial, Chaminade University, and some of the Early Learning Centers.

54 What’s a diocesan school? Does Hawaii have any?

As the name implies, a diocesan school is administered by the diocese, not a religious order or a parish. Hawaii has only one diocesan school — St. Anthony Jr./Sr. High School in Wailuku.

55 It used to be that Catholic schools only had principals. Now some have presidents and “heads of school.” What is the difference?

Catholic schools have evolved in their governance and management models. With the growth of school boards and the increasing importance of marketing and development issues, presidents have emerged. A president is the overall manager of all the stakeholders of the school and works to market the school and gain financial resources so that the principal can focus on the school’s learning and faith culture. Head of school is a term commonly used in private schools. Some Catholic schools have chosen head of school instead of principal to identify those elements in the school that go beyond teaching and learning.

Other

56 Are parents expected to do much volunteer work at their children’s school?

Most, if not all, schools have a parent-teacher organization that helps with school fundraisers and other events. Parents are also often asked to help with chaperoning, maintenance projects and other activities.

57 Do Hawaii Catholic schools offer before-school and after-school care?

Many do. Check with the individual school.

58 Do Hawaii Catholic schools have busing?

There is no overall Catholic school bus system in Hawaii, but a few schools may offer their own bus transportation. It is best to ask the school. Many schools on Oahu are easily accessible by TheBus.

59 Do Hawaii Catholic schools offer lunch programs?

Many do, but not all.

60 Is there a central website for Catholic schools in Hawaii?

Yes, www.hawaiicatholicschools.com.

61 Are there any single-sex elementary schools in Hawaii?

Sacred Hearts Academy is a girls-only kindergarten through grade 12. Damien and Saint Louis both have all-boys middle schools through grade 12.