For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public elementary schools serving 5,070 students in 96720, HI.
The top ranked public elementary schools in 96720, HI are Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakea Elementary School and Kaumana Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 96720 have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Hawaii public elementary school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in 96720, HI have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Hawaii public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public elementary school average of 88% (majority Asian).
Best 96720, HI Public Elementary Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
278 Ainako Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4855
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4855
Grades: PK-6
| 465 students
Rank: #22.
Waiakea Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
180 W Puainako St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7215
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7215
Grades: PK-5
| 725 students
Rank: #33.
Kaumana Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1710 Kaumana Dr
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4190
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4190
Grades: PK-6
| 228 students
Rank: #44.
Waiakeawaena Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2420 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7200
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7200
Grades: PK-5
| 672 students
Rank: #55.
Haaheo Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
121 Haaheo Rd
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4111
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4111
Grades: PK-6
| 132 students
Rank: #66.
Hilo Union Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
506 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0900
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0900
Grades: PK-6
| 446 students
Rank: #77.
Waiakea Intermediate School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
200 W Puainako St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7231
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7231
Grades: 6-8
| 854 students
Rank: #88.
Keaukaha Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
240 Desha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4181
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4181
Grades: PK-6
| 358 students
Rank: #99.
Kua O Ka La - Ncpcs
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
345 Makalika
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-5866
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-5866
Grades: PK-8
| 185 students
Rank: #1010.
Ka Umeke Kaeo - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1500 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0470
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0470
Grades: PK-12
| 275 students
Rank: #1111.
Connections - New Century Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
174 Kamehameha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-3664
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-3664
Grades: K-12
| 346 students
Rank: #1212.
Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
966 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4160
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4160
Grades: PK-6
| 384 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in 96720, HI?
The top ranked public elementary schools in 96720, HI include Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakea Elementary School and Kaumana Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 96720?
12 public elementary schools are located in 96720.
What is the racial composition of students in 96720?
96720 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public elementary schools average of 88% (majority Asian).
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
