As you PCS to Hawaii with your school-aged children, you may be a bit daunted by the task of finding out about the local schools and education opportunities. Thus, to lighten the load, here are school and education resources around Schofield Barracks in the areas of Mililani, Wahiawa, Waialua, Haleiwa.

First, for families moving to Hawaii as part of a PCS (Permanent Change of Station), there are resources to assist in the transition to Hawaii Public Schools for their children:

  • Hawaii’s Department of Education hosts a website specifically for Military Families with a great list of contacts for more information.
  • Additionally, the Military Child Education Coalition is focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children. 

Now, let’s talk schools. From public to private and homeschool opportunities, we’ve compiled all the information below.

Public Schools Near Schofield Barracks

Note: In order to attend a public school outside of your home’s zoning or district, one must complete the Geographic Exception process beginning in January of the school year before you wish for your student to attend.

Mililani

Families with elementary aged children have many options in the North and Central areas. Four of the five elementary schools in Mililani have names in common, beginning with the name of the town “Mililani.”

The schools are: Mililani Waena Elementary meaning “center” of Mililani, Mililani Mauka Elementary meaning “towards the mountains”, and Mililani Uka Elementary meaning “inland” of the others. Mililani Ike Elementary means “vision” in Hawaiian. Kipaa Elementary is named after the valley in which it sits at the southeastern edge of Mililani.

Both Mililani Uka and Mililani Mauka have appeared in the top 25 of public elementary schools in Honolulu Magazine’s ranking in years past.

  • Middle School

Mililani Middle School is currently the state’s largest middle school and has the 11th largest enrollment among public schools statewide, following 10 high schools. Its new three-story Building J houses 15 classrooms to serve its 1,660 students and provides the expanded capacity needed to allow the school to adopt a single-track calendar.

  • High School

Mililani High School is known for its expansive accelerated studies program, high college readiness index, and high ranking among Hawaii public high schools.

Wahiawa

  • Elementary

Iliahi Elementary is the smallest school in Wahiawa and gets rave reviews for established teachers and the popular ukulele performing music progra, Na Kamali’i O ‘Iliahi. Ka’ala Elementary is praised for its reading and tutoring programs. On base at Schofield Barracks are Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School and Solomon Elementary. They have strong programs designed to help families experiencing deployment and dealing with transition.

  • Middle School

Wheeler Middle School is located on 11 acres within the Wheeler Army Airfield. It was a 2021 Blue Ribbon school and serves grades 6-8. It is also well-prepared for military dependents with a useful transition center. Wahiawa Middle School approaches learning by each student belonging to an interdisciplinary team of teachers where the same group of students belong to a core group of teachers for language arts, math, science and social studies along with a grade level counselor and vice principal.

  • High School

Leileihua High School serves approximately 1,600 students in grades 9-12. It is proactive in its outreach to students regarding academics and course selection. In 2022, a $1 million DOE grant was awarded the Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua district complex to support improving educational outcomes, narrowing achievement gaps and providing access to academic programs that promote continuity in districts with a high population of military-connected students. The focus areas are Military Connected Academic, and Support Programs and World Language Advancement and Readiness.

Waialua & Haleiwa

  • Elementary

On the North Shore there are two elementary options: Waialua Elementary and Hale’iwa Elementary. Waialua is known for its rural setting and strong reading programs, having achieved Blue Ribbon status. Hale’iwa’s Hawaiian Studies and computer programs are well-liked, along with their small class sizes and very involved teachers.

  • Middle School & High School

In Wailua, the middle school and high school are combined at Waialua High and Intermediate and will receive part of the $1 million DODEA grant awarded.

  • Private Schools

Parents wishing to send their child to private schools have many to choose from in the Central and North areas of Oahu. St. Michael School in Waialua is a Pre-K through 8th grade Catholic school with small class sizes and required community service at all grade levels. For private Protestant education, Trinity Lutheran in Wahiawa serves Pre-K through 8th grade as well. For Pre-K through 12th grade in Mililani, Hanalani Schools offers another Christian education option and is popular for its well-established teaching staff.

Homeschooling and Virtual Schooling

For families that choose to Homeschool while stationed in Hawaii, the Department of Education outlines the state requirements here. According to homeschooling parents, the DOE makes it easy to transition to homeschooling. Here are some additional options:

  • The Hawaii Homeschool Association has monthly meetings in Central Oahu, bringing together families with homeschoolers of many ages. 
  • Some families in Hawaii choose a hybrid program as part of a public charter school called Myron B. Thompson Academy, formerly E-School.
  • In addition, tuition-free public charter school, Hawaii Technology Academy offers K-12 students both face-to-face and virtual classes.

Higher Education: College & Universities

Hawaii offers multiple community college, public and private universities, and specialty school options for college-aged children, spouses, veterans, and active duty military seeking to advance their degrees. Check out the higher education options in the state of Hawaii.

Now that you’ve learned more about the schools and education options for your PCS to Hawaii via Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, find out more information about the local area at www.hawaiivaloans.com/pcs-hawaii.

Contact Hawaii VA Loans at 808-792-4251 or go to our secure online loan application to get pre-approved for your no down payment VA home loan and become a Hawaii homeowner, too!