Best Public Schools in Zip Code 96816

ZIP code 96816 in Honolulu is home to 11 schools — seven elementary, two middle, one high school, and one alternative school — all part of the Hawaii Department of Education, together serving about 4,717 students from kindergarten through high school.

Academically, the area splits sharply. Kaimuki Middle School is the standout, ranking 3rd of 85 Hawaii middle schools — the 96th percentile, 5 stars — with 77% ELA, 68% math, and 60% science across 1,019 students. Among elementaries, Mayor John H Wilson Elementary School ranks 10th of 203 (95th percentile, 5 stars) with 78% ELA, 76% math, and 74% science, and has the ZIP's lowest chronic absenteeism (6%) and lowest free/reduced lunch rate (15.01%). Hokulani Elementary School, King Liholiho Elementary School, Kahala Elementary School, and Aliiolani Elementary School are all 5-star schools ranked in the 90th percentile or better. Aliiolani is especially notable for reaching that level with a 45.89% free/reduced lunch rate.

At the other end, Kaimuki High School ranks 52nd of 65 high schools (20th percentile, 1 star), with 37% ELA, 23% math, and 6% Biology I, plus the ZIP's highest absenteeism (45%) and a 78% graduation rate. William P Jarrett Middle School (44th percentile, 2 stars) and Palolo Elementary School (36th percentile, 2 stars; 90.32% free/reduced lunch) also face challenges, though Palolo improved from 1 star. Anuenue School, the alternative school, is unranked but posts a 95% graduation rate. Chronic absenteeism tracks closely with achievement here, and neither spending nor class size explains results — Kaimuki High spends the most per student ($20,128) yet ranks lowest, while Kaimuki Middle has the highest student-teacher ratio (17.7) and ranks highest.