Laupahoehoe Community - PCS

Laupahoehoe Community - PCS is an alternative public school in rural Laupahoehoe, HI, serving 307 students in grades PK–12 as part of the Hawaii Department of Education, the state’s single statewide district. It is the only school in its immediate comparison set that offers a full PK–12 pathway, with nearby options including Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate School (PK–9, about 10.25 miles away) and Connections - New Century PCS (K–12, about 19.83 miles away in Hilo). Most recent data show a 57.0% graduation rate, 19.0% chronic absenteeism, 38% ELA proficiency, 16% math proficiency, and 19% science proficiency in 2025–26.

Attendance stands out as the school’s clearest strength. At 19.0%, chronic absenteeism is lower than Paauilo’s 28.0% and far lower than Connections’ 59.0%, even though Laupahoehoe serves a wider grade span. The school also has the lowest poverty concentration of the three, with 61.24% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, though that figure has risen slightly over three years. Its student–teacher ratio, 12.0, is essentially the same as both peers, so staffing ratios do not explain the attendance difference. Per-student spending is lean at $10,823 (2018–19), close to Connections’ $10,316 but roughly 55% of Paauilo’s $19,693.

Graduation and math are the biggest concerns. The graduation rate fell from 73.6% in 2023–24 to 57.0% in 2024–25, a 16.6-point single-year drop and 22 points below Connections’ 79.0%. Because the school is small, that swing may reflect a handful of students, but it is still a strong signal to ask about credit accumulation, transfers, and senior supports. Math proficiency is only 16%, the lowest in the available trend and a 22-point gap below ELA; science is 19%. By comparison, Paauilo scores higher in every subject, but it serves only PK–9, so its results reflect a younger tested population and are not a like-for-like instructional comparison. Laupahoehoe still outperforms Connections in ELA and math. Families should weigh the strong attendance culture against the need for clearer graduation and math improvement.