Serving 889 students in grades 6-8, King David Kalakaua Middle 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 33% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 889 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in HI
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
King David Kalakaua Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
King David Kalakaua Middle School's student population of 889 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 60 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
889 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
60 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
'Commit to Achieve'
School Rankings
King David Kalakaua Middle 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 King David Kalakaua Middle School is 0.54, 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
#187 out of 292 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
63%
24%
Hispanic
5%
19%
Black
n/a
1%
White
n/a
11%
Hawaiian
24%
25%
Two or more races
8%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
55%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is King David Kalakaua Middle School's ranking?
King David Kalakaua Middle School is ranked #187 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are King David Kalakaua Middle School often compared to?
King David Kalakaua Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Governor Sanford B Dole Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
How many students attend King David Kalakaua Middle School?
889 students attend King David Kalakaua Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of King David Kalakaua Middle School students are Asian, 24% of students are Hawaiian, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of King David Kalakaua Middle School?
King David Kalakaua Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does King David Kalakaua Middle School offer ?
King David Kalakaua Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is King David Kalakaua Middle School part of?
King David Kalakaua Middle School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
In what neighborhood is King David Kalakaua Middle School located?
King David Kalakaua Middle School is located in the Kalihi Palama neighborhood of Honolulu, HI. There are 10 other public schools located in Kalihi Palama.
School Calendar
View the King David Kalakaua Middle School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Fall Break (Upcoming Events)
October 06, 2025 (Monday)
Spring Break (Upcoming Events)
March 16, 2026 (Monday)
School Reviews
Review King David Kalakaua Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.