West Hawai'i Explorations Academy, officially West Hawaii Explorations Academy Public Charter School, is a public charter school located in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i, United States, founded on May 4, 2000. It includes a middle school and a high school, with a total student body of about 280.
Serving 286 students in grades 6-12, West Hawaii Explorations Academy ranks in the top 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 25-29% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 89% (majority Asian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 286 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in HI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West Hawaii Explorations Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
School Overview
West Hawaii Explorations Academy's student population of 286 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 19% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
286 students
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Year Founded
2000
School Calendar
School Motto
To facilitate authentic learning through integrative, hands-on, self-selected projects related to real world challenges.
School Rankings
West Hawaii Explorations Academy ranks within the top 50% of all 292 schools in Hawaii (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Hawaii Explorations Academy is 0.75, 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
#130 out of 292 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
5%
24%
Hispanic
18%
19%
Black
1%
1%
White
39%
11%
Hawaiian
13%
25%
Two or more races
24%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
86%
Eligible for Free Lunch
20%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Hawaii Department Of Education School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Nautilus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Hawaii Explorations Academy's ranking?
West Hawaii Explorations Academy is ranked #130 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are West Hawaii Explorations Academy often compared to?
West Hawaii Explorations Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Kealakehe High School, Innovations - Pcs by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
What is the graduation rate of West Hawaii Explorations Academy?
The graduation rate of West Hawaii Explorations Academy is 90%, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 86%.
How many students attend West Hawaii Explorations Academy?
286 students attend West Hawaii Explorations Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of West Hawaii Explorations Academy students are White, 24% of students are Two or more races, 18% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Hawaiian, 5% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Hawaii Explorations Academy?
West Hawaii Explorations Academy has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does West Hawaii Explorations Academy offer ?
West Hawaii Explorations Academy offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Hawaii Explorations Academy part of?
West Hawaii Explorations Academy is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
School Reviews
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