Mission of Catholic Education

Catholic school education is a ministry in the Church. The Catholic school is committed to the development of the whole person. It is in Christ, that all human values find their fulfillment. The school, through constant and careful attention, cultivates in students the intellectual, creative, and aesthetic dimensions of the human person. Students are guided to live a responsible and moral life.

Educational Philosophy

Faith in Jesus Christ makes Catholic education essentially and distinctively what it is. Through this faith, life and culture are enriched and nurtured. The enduring goodness of Catholic education introduces a powerful new hope and love into human relations. Together, with our colleagues in public education, Catholic educators contribute to the building up of a literate and morally sound citizenry. Among the objectives Catholic educators set for themselves, the Gospel call to community and service in the spirit of Christ is essential. Community and service are the distinguishing marks of Catholic education.

Church Governance

A Catholic school exists with authorization from the local Bishop and his council. Canon law (Church law) defines and designates responsibility of schools by the relationships among the bishop, pastors, administrators, boards and the schools' superintendent.

History in Hawaii

Catholic schools in Hawaii date back to the reign of King Kamehameha III. On October 15, 1840, the King enacted a law that gave rise to a remarkable growth of public education taught in sectarian schools, Protestant and Catholic. Catholic schools in Hawaii were first established by the Sacred Hearts Fathers in 1840 and have grown as an effective system to serve Hawaii's youth. Hawaii's Catholic schools represent a religiously, socially, ethnically, and economically integrated system. Today, there are 43 Catholic schools employing 600 teachers and another 400 school personnel and enrolling over 11,400 students in grades PreK through 12. This expansive system has a strong tradition of student achievement and academic excellence.

Accreditation/Standards

Hawaii Catholic schools are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS).