West Schools See Higher Enrollment

West and Central Oahu public schools are maintaining their high enrollment, following a count of students for 2014-2015.

The state Department of Education — the nation’s only statewide educational system — recently released figures for all of its 255 schools and 34 charter schools. Though the kindergarten count had an expected drop (4,400), owing to a change in entry age, the DOE said all other grades increased by a total of 823 students. The department also projects 500 more students for the next school year because of a birth-rate increase.

The “winners” for high school enrollment this year are Campbell (3,024), Waipahu (2,494), Farrington (2,417), Mililani (2,415) and Kapolei (2,024). Mililani Middle School topped the intermediate grades with 1,766 students, followed by Kapolei (1,435), Waipahu (1,281), Maui Waena (1,109) and Kalakaua (988).

For elementary schools, West Oahu made the top four: August Ahrens (1,320), Holomua (1,264), Ewa (1,143), Kapolei (1,086) and Waipahu (1,086).

Hawaii’s most-populated public charter school also is located in West Oahu: Hawaii Technology Academy in Waipahu with 1,154 students in grades K-12.