Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School

278 Ainako Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(School attendance zone shown in map)
10/
10
Top 10%
Serving 465 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Hawaii for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 73% (which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75% (which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 89% (majority Asian).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 465 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 88%
  • : Top 10% in HI
  • : 73% (Top 10%)
  • : 75% (Top 10%)
  • : 75-79% (Top 5%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School's student population of 465 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
View AI Prompt
Total Students
465 students
View AI Prompt
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
View AI Prompt
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. Jun 1, 2026

School Rankings

Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 292 schools in Hawaii (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School is 0.77, 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.
This School
State Level (HI)
#18 out of 292 schools
(Top 10%)
View AI Prompt
73%
39%
View AI Prompt
75%
52%
View AI Prompt
75-79%
40%
No Summary generated because only 2 years of data available
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
14:1
View AI Prompt
American Indian
n/a
n/a
View AI Prompt
Asian
14%
24%
View AI Prompt
Hispanic
23%
19%
View AI Prompt
Black
n/a
1%
View AI Prompt
White
12%
11%
View AI Prompt
Hawaiian
16%
25%
View AI Prompt
Two or more races
35%
20%
View AI Prompt
All Ethnic Groups
0.77
View AI Prompt
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
37%
View AI Prompt
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
9%
View AI Prompt
School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School's ranking?
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School is ranked #18 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School often compared to?
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Haaheo Elementary School, Hilo Union Elementary School, Kaumana Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
73% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 75% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
How many students attend Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School?
465 students attend Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School students are Two or more races, 23% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Hawaiian, 14% of students are Asian, and 12% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School?
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School offer ?
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School part of?
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.

School Reviews

Review Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 465 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 88%
  • : Top 10%
  • : 73% (Top 10%)
  • : 75% (Top 10%)
  • : 75-79% (Top 5%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education

Request Information

Quick Links