Hongwanji Mission School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

Name: Open House
Start: 2026-09-30T05:30:00-10:00
End: 2026-09-30T07:00:00-10:00
Location: Hongwanji Mission School

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked HI School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 396 students
Yearly Tuition: $13,700
Acceptance rate: 85%
Average class size: 18 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

Upcoming Events

Open House - Wed., September 30, 2026 - get more information!

School Rankings

Hongwanji Mission School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Religious Affiliation

Other

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Hongwanji Mission School
Pre-K	80
Kind	54
1	33
2	42
3	49
4	35
5	36
6	28
7	24
8	15

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Year Founded

1949

Colors

White, Purple

Summer School Offered

Yes

Student Body

Total Students

396 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

80%

State avg.: 72%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

32 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

12:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

99%

Average Class Size

18 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

attire must be appropriate for school

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$13,700

View national tuition avg.

Summer Program Cost

$1,600

% on Financial Aid

10%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$1,000

Acceptance Rate

85%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Dr. Denalee Vasconcellos

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

2 sports

Sports

BasketballVolleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

3 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

1. After school classes (Ukulele, Japanese Language, drama program, Chess, Hawaiian, Dance, Art, Sports)

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Basketball leagueVolleyball

School Notes

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 three year old- grade 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.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Hongwanji Mission School cost?

Hongwanji Mission School's tuition is approximately $13,700 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 78%.

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

5.00 out of 5 (4 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.

- Posted by Parent - Yosh

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.

- Posted by Parent - Mark J

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.

- Posted by Parent - yoshi

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.

- Posted by Parent - shelb

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Honolulu, HI is $19,590 for elementary schools and $22,064 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Honolulu, HI is 75% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).