Is West Hawaii Explorations Academy a good school?

West Hawaii Explorations Academy ranks 18 th of 67 Hawaii high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

How many students attend West Hawaii Explorations Academy?

In the 2023-24 school year, 275 students attended West Hawaii Explorations Academy.

What is the racial makeup of West Hawaii Explorations Academy?

Students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy are 42% White, 22% Two or more races, 19% Hispanic, 12% Pacific Islander, 4% Asian.

West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Summary:

West Hawaii Explorations Academy is a public charter high school serving grades 6-12 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, with a student population of 274. The school stands out for its diverse student body, strong academic performance, and high graduation rates compared to nearby public high schools.

With a more diverse student population than Konawaena High School and Kealakehe High School, West Hawaii Explorations Academy has consistently high academic achievement. In the 2022-2023 school year, 59% of students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, and 27% were proficient or better in Mathematics, both exceeding state averages. The school's 11th-grade students, in particular, demonstrated exceptional performance, with 74% proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 59%. Additionally, 54% of students were proficient or better in Biology I, significantly higher than the state average of 33%.

West Hawaii Explorations Academy also boasts a strong four-year graduation rate of 87.8% for the 2023-2024 school year, outpacing the nearby public high schools. However, the school faces some challenges, including a relatively high chronic absenteeism rate of 28.1% and uneven performance among student subgroups, with Hispanic and Pacific Islander students performing exceptionally well, but Asian, African American, English Language Learner, and Special Education students performing relatively poorly. Despite these challenges, West Hawaii Explorations Academy remains a standout public charter school in the region, offering a diverse and high-quality educational experience for its students.

Detail:

Public, Charter 6-12

73-4500 Kahilihili St
Kailua Kona, HI 96740

(808) 327-4751

District: Hawaii Department of Education

SchoolDigger Rank:
18^th of 67 Hawaii High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $8,444

Student/teacher ratio: 12.2

Number of students: 275

Racial breakdown:

White:

41.8%

Two or more races:

21.8%

Hispanic:

18.9%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 17.8%

See top rated Hawaii high schools

Compare West Hawaii Explorations Academy to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details West Hawaii Explorations Academy ranks better than 76.4% of middle schools in Hawaii. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 59.66. (See more...)

Compare Details West Hawaii Explorations Academy ranks better than 73.1% of high schools in Hawaii. It also ranks 15^th among 44 ranked high schools in the Hawaii Department of Education School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 59.66. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at West Hawaii Explorations Academy is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (41.8%), two or more races (21.8%), Hispanic (18.9%). (See more...)

Compare Details 17.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at West Hawaii Explorations Academy is 12.2, which is the 6^th best among 44 high schools in the Hawaii Department of Education School District. (See more...)

Compare West Hawaii Explorations Academy employs 22.5 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at West Hawaii Explorations Academy is $8,444, which is the lowest among 44 high schools in the Hawaii Department of Education School District!

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

West Hawaii Explorations Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks West Hawaii Explorations Academy 21^st of 89 Hawaii public middle schools. (See West Hawaii Explorations Academy in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

English Language Learner students:

Special Education students:

Asian students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

Pacific Islander students:

White students:

SchoolDigger ranks West Hawaii Explorations Academy 18^th of 67 Hawaii public high schools. (See West Hawaii Explorations Academy in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

English Language Learner students:

Special Education students:

Asian students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

Pacific Islander students:

White students:

Hawaii Department of Education:

SchoolDigger ranks Hawaii Department of Education 1^st of 1 Hawaii school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Rating:

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Rank History for West Hawaii Explorations Academy

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Rank History for all middle school students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	HI State Percentile
2006	87.71	5^th	69	92.8%
2007	81.47	7^th	71	90.1%
2009	79.55	8^th	68	88.2%
2010	74.16	9^th	65	86.2%
2011	78.62	9^th	71	87.3%
2012	72.87	14^th	73	80.8%
2013	64.71	20^th	76	73.7%
2015	56.08	24^th	72	66.7%
2016	66.13	19^th	73	74.0%
2017	48.96	22^nd	82	73.2%
2018	69.55	15^th	67	77.6%
2019	59.41	23^rd	70	67.1%
2021	60.72	20^th	73	72.6%
2022	59.98	21^st	72	70.8%
2023	51.55	27^th	73	63.0%
2024	59.66	21^st	89	76.4%

See the entire list of Hawaii High School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school English Language Learner students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	18.31	64^th	81	21.0%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for middle school Special Education students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	0.00	76^th	89	14.6%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for middle school Asian students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	36.13	58^th	87	33.3%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for middle school African American students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	48.98	38^th	71	46.5%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	80.41	8^th	68	88.2%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for middle school Pacific Islander students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	84.28	7^th	81	91.4%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for Pacific Islander Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	44.64	40^th	86	53.5%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Hawaii State Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for West Hawaii Explorations Academy

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Rank History for all high school students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	HI State Percentile
2006	45.46	31^st	56	44.6%
2007	88.20	5^th	60	91.7%
2009	98.12	1^st	55	98.2%
2010	67.76	16^th	56	71.4%
2011	51.50	27^th	56	51.8%
2012	94.10	1^st	58	98.3%
2013	62.06	19^th	56	66.1%
2015	36.81	35^th	51	31.4%
2016	33.05	40^th	53	24.5%
2017	48.96	18^th	63	71.4%
2018	39.35	34^th	53	35.8%
2019	78.50	9^th	52	82.7%
2021	71.11	14^th	48	70.8%
2022	49.45	30^th	52	42.3%
2023	77.76	10^th	53	81.1%
2024	59.66	18^th	67	73.1%

See the entire list of Hawaii High School Rankings!

Rank History for high school English Language Learner students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	18.31	48^th	59	18.6%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for high school Special Education students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	0.00	56^th	67	16.4%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for high school Asian students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	36.13	50^th	65	23.1%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for high school African American students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	48.98	35^th	55	36.4%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for high school Hispanic students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	80.41	5^th	52	90.4%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for high school Pacific Islander students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	84.28	6^th	61	90.2%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for Pacific Islander Students!

Rank History for high school White students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	HI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	44.64	38^th	64	40.6%

See the entire list of Best Hawaii High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Hawaii State Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Hawaii Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a teacher
Thursday, March 5, 2009

It is a public charter school, and not a private school.
www.whea.info Close Quote

Enrollment information for West Hawaii Explorations Academy

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2001	82	0	33	3	3	n/a	n/a	121
2002	76	0	35	3	2	n/a	n/a	116
2003	76	0	35	3	2	n/a	n/a	116
2004	66	0	42	3	3	n/a	n/a	114
2005	80	1	49	4	1	n/a	n/a	135
2006	86	2	56	11	2	n/a	n/a	157
2007	81	1	47	8	6	n/a	n/a	143
2008	71	1	47	8	4	n/a	n/a	131
2009	116	1	37	11	1	n/a	n/a	166
2010	129	2	40	8	1	n/a	n/a	180
2011	114	2	24	8	3	41	4	196
2012	117	2	26	11	5	34	0	195
2013	116	3	23	7	3	53	15	220
2014	119	4	22	9	5	60	15	234
2015	127	4	22	10	4	66	15	248
2016	151	4	26	9	6	72	18	286
2017	134	5	25	13	3	63	23	266
2018	132	5	15	12	2	63	23	252
2019	148	6	13	19	2	51	27	266
2020	159	4	14	24	1	46	32	280
2021	140	4	15	31	1	44	40	275
2022	145	3	11	32	2	40	43	276
2023	121	2	16	41	2	42	50	274
2024	115	1	12	52	1	34	60	275

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2001	121	6.0	20.2	27.3
2002	116	9.5	12.2	15.5
2003	116	9.5	12.2	15.5
2004	114	6.5	17.5	17.5
2005	135	7.0	19.3	18.5
2006	157	11.0	14.3	14.6
2007	143	12.0	11.9	7
2008	131	14.0	9.4	1.5
2009	166	16.0	10.4	5.4
2010	180	15.0	12.0	2.8
2011	196	15.5	12.6	7.1
2012	195	17.0	11.4	9.2
2013	220	14.0	15.7	35.9
2014	234	16.0	14.6	35.9
2015	248	16.0	15.5	43.1
2016	286	18.0	15.8	40.9
2017	266	19.0	14.0	38.7
2018	252	18.0	14.0	31.7
2019	266	18.5	14.3	42.9
2020	280	20.5	13.6	41.4
2021	275	20.5	13.4	45.8
2022	276	20.5	13.4	37
2023	274	25.0	10.9	41.6
2024	275	22.5	12.2	17.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2001	121	6.0	20.2	27.3
2002	116	9.5	12.2	15.5
2003	116	9.5	12.2	15.5
2004	114	6.5	17.5	17.5
2005	135	7.0	19.3	18.5
2006	157	11.0	14.3	14.6
2007	143	12.0	11.9	7
2008	131	14.0	9.4	1.5
2009	166	16.0	10.4	5.4
2010	180	15.0	12.0	2.8
2011	196	15.5	12.6	7.1
2012	195	17.0	11.4	9.2
2013	220	14.0	15.7	35.9
2014	234	16.0	14.6	35.9
2015	248	16.0	15.5	43.1
2016	286	18.0	15.8	40.9
2017	266	19.0	14.0	38.7
2018	252	18.0	14.0	31.7
2019	266	18.5	14.3	42.9
2020	280	20.5	13.6	41.4
2021	275	20.5	13.4	45.8
2022	276	20.5	13.4	37
2023	274	25.0	10.9	41.6
2024	275	22.5	12.2	17.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$619 (7.3%)	$7,825 (92.7%)	$8,444

Data source: Hawaii Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on West Hawaii Explorations Academy

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 23^rd of 70 Middle schools	Ranks 27^th of 73 Middle schools	4.1%
Ranks 9^th of 52 High schools	Ranks 10^th of 53 High schools	1.6%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (West Hawaii Explorations Academy)	61	62	1%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Hawaii)	53	51	2%
6th Grade Mathematics (West Hawaii Explorations Academy)	50	38	12%
6th Grade Mathematics (Hawaii)	41	39	2%
7th Grade English Language Arts (West Hawaii Explorations Academy)	47	50	3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Hawaii)	53	51	2%
7th Grade Mathematics (West Hawaii Explorations Academy)	32	26	6%
7th Grade Mathematics (Hawaii)	38	34	4%
8th Grade English Language Arts (West Hawaii Explorations Academy)	72	54	18%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Hawaii)	52	50	2%
8th Grade Mathematics (West Hawaii Explorations Academy)	31	21	10%
8th Grade Mathematics (Hawaii)	38	31	7%
11th Grade English Language Arts (West Hawaii Explorations Academy)	72	74	2%
11th Grade English Language Arts (Hawaii)	59	59
11th Grade Mathematics (West Hawaii Explorations Academy)	34	22	12%
11th Grade Mathematics (Hawaii)	30	25	5%
All Grades English Language Arts (West Hawaii Explorations Academy)	63	59	4%
All Grades Mathematics (West Hawaii Explorations Academy)	37	27	10%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	266	274	3%
African American	6	2	66.7%
American Indian	2	2
Asian	13	16	23.1%
Hispanic	19	41	115.8%
Pacific Islander	51	42	17.6%
White	148	121	18.2%
Two or More Races	27	50	85.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	42.9%	41.6%	1.3%

Schools Near West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				HSA Biology I (2024)	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts (2024)	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	HSA Biology I All Grades	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts All Grades	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
West Hawaii Explorations Academy	Public, Charter	6-12	73-4500 Kahilihili St	Kailua Kona	96740	Hawaii County	Hawaii Department of Education	Yes	(n/a)	No	No	(808) 327-4751	275	23	12.2	17.8%	115 (41.8%)	1 (0.4%)	52 (18.9%)	12 (4.4%)	1 (0.4%)	34 (12.4%)	60 (21.8%)	59.7	18^th of 67 public high schools	73.1%		77.8	10^th of 53 public high schools	81.1%	8	45.9	53.1	17.7	$8,444	$619	$7,825
Kealakehe High School	Public	9-12	74-5000 Puohulihuli St	Kailua Kona	96740	Hawaii County	Hawaii Department of Education	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(808) 327-4300	1,397	82	17.1	51.9%	231 (16.5%)	3 (0.2%)	249 (17.8%)	218 (15.6%)	3 (0.2%)	524 (37.5%)	169 (12.1%)	45.8	34^th of 67 public high schools	49.3%		65.5	20^th of 53 public high schools	62.3%	14	30.5	50.7	15.3	$14,828	$1,132	$13,696
Konawaena High School	Public	9-12	81-1043 Konawaena School Rd	Kealakekua	96750	Hawaii County	Hawaii Department of Education	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(808) 323-4500	924	49	18.8	51.7%	157 (17.0%)	2 (0.2%)	205 (22.2%)	119 (12.9%)	1 (0.1%)	304 (32.9%)	136 (14.7%)	56.9	21^st of 67 public high schools	68.7%		49.7	28^th of 53 public high schools	47.2%	7	33.3	57.8	19.6	$16,244	$1,596	$14,648

West Hawaii Explorations Academy

West Hawaii Explorations Academy:

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Hawaii Department of Education:

Average Rating:

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Rank History for West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for all middle school students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for middle school English Language Learner students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for middle school Special Education students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for middle school Asian students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for middle school African American students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for middle school Pacific Islander students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for middle school White students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for all high school students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for high school English Language Learner students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for high school Special Education students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for high school Asian students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for high school African American students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for high school Hispanic students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for high school Pacific Islander students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rank History for high school White students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Review counts

Enrollment information for West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Student/Teacher Ratio West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Per Pupil Expenditures for West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Impact of COVID-19 on West Hawaii Explorations Academy

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near West Hawaii Explorations Academy