With an emphasis on a challenging academic curriculum and a personalized learning environment, the Hongwanji Mission School (HMS) focuses on developing students into confident, compassionate and well-rounded citizens.
HMS, serves grades Preschool-8 with an educational pathway committed to a student-centered learning philosophy to ensure the development of the whole child through active and creative learning that incorporates Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education and Technology Literacy.
Offering an average class size of 18:1, the WASC/HAIS accredited school takes pride in stimulating, age-appropriate classes taught by dedicated and knowledgeable teachers. Working families appreciate HMS' full-day program at its convenient, centrally located campus in lower Nuuanu.
For its youngest students, preschool is an inclusive all-day educational program.
Parents of K-8 students also have available all-day educational programs to keep their children engaged and safe. Technology Literacy is integrated into classroom instruction as a tool integral to learning as well as to prepare students for the 21st century workplace.
Study tours culminate most grade levels. Some are short overnight stays; Zoo, Aquarium, Bishop Museum and other are extended; Grade 4 (Big Island), Grade 5 (East Coast) and Grade 8 (Japan).
These study tours maximize learning and fun while they broaden students' horizons in history, culture and the natural environment.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked HI School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 396 students
- Yearly Tuition: $12,200
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Hongwanji Mission School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1949
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
396 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
80%
State avg.: 72%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
99%
Average Class Size
18 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
attire must be appropriate for school
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$12,200
Summer Program Cost
$1,600
% on Financial Aid
10%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$1,000
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Dr. Denalee Vasconcellos
Sports
Total Sports Offered
2 sports
Sports
School Notes
- There is a group observation, individual assessment and parent interview as part of our evaluation. We require teacher reference report, progress report from current and past school year.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Hongwanji Mission School cost?
Hongwanji Mission School's tuition is approximately $12,200 for private students and $1,600 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Hongwanji Mission School?
The acceptance rate of Hongwanji Mission School is 85%, which is higher than the national average of 81%.
What sports does Hongwanji Mission School offer?
Hongwanji Mission School offers 2 interscholastic sports: Basketball and Volleyball.
What is Hongwanji Mission School's ranking?
Hongwanji Mission School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Hongwanji Mission School?
The application deadline for Hongwanji Mission School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Hongwanji Mission School located?
Hongwanji Mission School is located in the Nuuanu Punchbowl neighborhood of Honolulu, HI. There are 1 other private schools located in Nuuanu Punchbowl.
School Reviews
5 7/21/2018
What an amazing school! I`ve heard so many great things about this school and can now attest to it. The staff puts their hearts into what they do and it shows amongst the students who truly thrive in this wonderful and nurturing environment. The academics are challenging, but it pushes the students to their fullest potential. They offer numerous after school programs, including sports, swimming, hula, ballet, drama, robotics, Japanese, etc., enriching the students with a well rounded life. The facilities are impressive for a small school and it amazes me how much they have to offer.
5 7/12/2017
After a disappointing 3rd grade at Waialae PCS (new hire, no previous teaching experience) we put our son in 4th grade at HMS. He had been attending summer school since 1st grade at HMS. The integration of pc use and google apps to reinforce their daily classes helped our son to improve reading, vocabulary, math and science skills. He loves the school and so do we. After school provides many challenging learning experiences such as Japanese and coding.
5 2/26/2016
My three children attended HMS preschool and thrived. My middle child is back attending HMS middle school. He did not thrive under the DOE system. He is doing much better at HMS with the small class size and individual attention he is receiving. HMS has been instrumental in helping build he academic confidence and he has become a much happier child in general.
5 9/30/2014
My daughter is in upper elementary and has attended this school since Preschool. She is growing up to be a very confident, happy individual as HMS has provided her with a warm, caring environment where she is encouraged to develop all aspects of herself; academic, social, physical, emotional. She loves the resource classes the most -- Drama, Japanese Language, Music, PE, Art, as it provides a balanced school experience for her. Teacher:Student ratio is low, which allows individual attention. Very warm, caring staff.
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