Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School is a public, co-educational high school, middle school and elementary school of the Hawaii State Department of Education. It serves kindergarten through twelfth grade and was established in 1881.
Serving 520 students in grades Prekindergarten-12, Kau High & Pahala Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Hawaii for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 12% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 24% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 89% (majority Asian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 520 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 70-74% (Btm 50% in HI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School's student population of 520 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
520 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Year Founded
1881
School Calendar
School Rankings
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 292 schools in Hawaii (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kau High & Pahala Elementary School is 0.70, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.80. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#287 out of 292 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
40%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
13%
24%
Hispanic
13%
19%
Black
1%
1%
White
10%
11%
Hawaiian
49%
25%
Two or more races
14%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
70-74%
86%
Eligible for Free Lunch
68%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Trojan
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kau High & Pahala Elementary School's ranking?
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School is ranked #287 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% HI state average), while 24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Kau High & Pahala Elementary School?
The graduation rate of Kau High & Pahala Elementary School is 70-74%, which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 86%.
How many students attend Kau High & Pahala Elementary School?
520 students attend Kau High & Pahala Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Kau High & Pahala Elementary School students are Hawaiian, 14% of students are Two or more races, 13% of students are Asian, 13% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are White, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Kau High & Pahala Elementary School?
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Kau High & Pahala Elementary School offer ?
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Kau High & Pahala Elementary School part of?
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
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