Niihau High & Elementary School

Niihau High & Elementary School is a small alternative public school in Waimea, Hawaii, serving grades PK-12 with just 17 students. The school stands out for its unique student population, with 100% of its students identifying as Pacific Islander, in contrast to the more diverse racial compositions of nearby schools.

Academically, Niihau High & Elementary School has struggled, with 0% of its students proficient or better in both English Language Arts and Mathematics. This is significantly lower than the nearby Kawaikini - NCPCS and Kula Aupuni Niihau A Kahelelani Aloha - NCPCS, which have higher proficiency rates, albeit still relatively low. However, Niihau High & Elementary School boasts a 100% four-year graduation rate, higher than the nearby charter schools. The school also has a lower chronic absenteeism rate of 8.3%, compared to the higher rates at the nearby charter schools.

Interestingly, Niihau High & Elementary School has significantly higher spending per student at $29,065, compared to the $9,276 to $15,359 range at the nearby charter schools. This suggests the school may have access to more resources, though this does not seem to be translating into better academic performance. The high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 56.95% to 72% at the nearby schools, indicates these schools serve communities with significant socioeconomic challenges, which may impact academic outcomes.