University Laboratory School is a charter school in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States, and it serves students from grades K-12. Prior to 2002, the school was known as the Education Laboratory School or University High School when it was a part of the College of Education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Serving 450 students in grades Kindergarten-12, University Laboratory School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Hawaii for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 44% (which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65% (which is higher 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 83% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 89% (majority Asian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 450 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in HI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
University Laboratory School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
School Overview
University Laboratory School's student population of 450 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
450 students
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Year Founded
1895
Colors
White, Green
School Motto
Kulia i ka Nu‘u (Striving for the Highest) and Holomua (Moving Forward)
School Rankings
University Laboratory School ranks within the top 30% of all 292 schools in Hawaii (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of University Laboratory School is 0.61, 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
#77 out of 292 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
58%
24%
Hispanic
3%
19%
Black
2%
1%
White
17%
11%
Hawaiian
16%
25%
Two or more races
3%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
7%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University Laboratory School's ranking?
University Laboratory School is ranked #77 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are University Laboratory School often compared to?
University Laboratory Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Voyager - A Public Charter School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
What is the graduation rate of University Laboratory School?
The graduation rate of University Laboratory School is 90%, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 86%.
How many students attend University Laboratory School?
450 students attend University Laboratory School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of University Laboratory School students are Asian, 17% of students are White, 16% of students are Hawaiian, 3% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of University Laboratory School?
University Laboratory School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does University Laboratory School offer ?
University Laboratory School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is University Laboratory School part of?
University Laboratory School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
In what neighborhood is University Laboratory School located?
University Laboratory School is located in the Manoa neighborhood of Honolulu, HI. There are 3 other public schools located in Manoa.
School Reviews
Review University Laboratory School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
