Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School is a public, co-educational high school, middle school and elementary school of the Hawaii State Department of Education. It serves kindergarten through twelfth grade and was established in 1881.
Serving 488 students in grades Prekindergarten-12, Kau High & Pahala Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Hawaii for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 24% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 89% (majority Asian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 488 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 70-74% (Btm 50% in HI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School's student population of 488 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
488 students
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
Year Founded
1881
Colors
Maroon and White
Campus Size
33 acres
School Rankings
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 292 schools in Hawaii (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kau High & Pahala Elementary School is 0.72, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.80. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#284 out of 292 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
Asian
13%
24%
Hispanic
15%
19%
Black
1%
1%
White
9%
11%
Hawaiian
46%
25%
Two or more races
16%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
70-74%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)66.8%
33.6%
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Trojans
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kau High & Pahala Elementary School's ranking?
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School is ranked #284 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Kau High & Pahala Elementary School?
The graduation rate of Kau High & Pahala Elementary School is 70-74%, which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 86%.
How many students attend Kau High & Pahala Elementary School?
488 students attend Kau High & Pahala Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Kau High & Pahala Elementary School students are Hawaiian, 16% of students are Two or more races, 15% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Asian, 9% of students are White, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Kau High & Pahala Elementary School?
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Kau High & Pahala Elementary School offer ?
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Kau High & Pahala Elementary School part of?
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
School Reviews
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