St. Joseph School
In 1948 St. Mary's and St Joseph's were consolidated into a coeducational institution which was built on the present site at the intersection of Ululani and Hualalai streets.
Some nine hundred and sixty-three students were enrolled for the first year.
In 1951 the Marianist Brothers were reassigned to teaching posts elsewhere.
They were replaced in Hilo with a larger staff of Sisters as well as dedicated lay teachers.
The opening of the new school in 1951-52 was a memorable event for it marked the beginning of St.
Joseph as a complete coeducational school directly under the Pastor of St.
Joseph Parish. In 2000 the Franciscan Sisters celebrated 100 years of service in St.
Joseph School. St. Joseph School has since expanded its program to include a Montessori-based preschool, thus providing nearly 400 students a Catholic education from preschool through grade twelve.
The student body is diverse in race, national origin and creed.
St. Joseph School builds a nurturing community through demonstration of Catholic values and implementation of an academically rigorous and spiritually rich curriculum.
St. Joseph students learn, in a safe and disciplined environment, to care for themselves and others and to accept responsibility for making a just and loving society through the generous use of their personal talents and gifts.
The mission of Saint Joseph School is to proclaim the message of Jesus through education, worship and service in the Catholic tradition.
The St. Joseph Curriculum Committee monitors and evaluates the curricular offerings of the school.
For this reason changes may occur from year to year.
All changes are made to meet the overall needs of the student with due consideration to academic potential.
Whatever the reasons for curricular changes, it is the intention of the school to assure the students that there is sufficient structure within the curriculum to address their academic needs.
Quick Stats (2022-23)
- Top Ranked HI School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 343 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
St. Joseph School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for:
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1869
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
343 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
81%
State avg.: 72%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.: 13:1
Number of AP Courses
5 courses
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
School uniform
School uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. Joseph School's ranking?
St. Joseph School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Joseph School?
The application deadline for St. Joseph School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
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