Mary Star Of The Sea School And Its Student-first Results
- 01. What Is Mary Star of the Sea School?
- 02. Core Identity and Marist Heritage
- 03. Key Historical Milestones
- 04. Academic Program and Student Outcomes
- 05. Faith Formation and Marist Values
- 06. Extracurriculars and Athletics
- 07. Admissions and Tuition
- 08. Frequently Asked Questions
- 09. Why Families Choose Mary Star of the Sea
What Is Mary Star of the Sea School?
Mary Star of the Sea School is a private Catholic K-8 school located in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 1946 by the Diocese and Parish and staffed by the Marist Community. Serving 242 students with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio, the school delivers a faith-enriched learner-centered education that prepares students for high school success while nurturing spiritual growth, critical thinking, and leadership.
Core Identity and Marist Heritage
The school embodies Marist pedagogy-a holistic approach emphasizing presence, simplicity, and family spirit-aligned with the Society of Mary's mission to form students through faith, service, and academic rigor. Its motto, "Nurture - Unite - Inspire: Empowered to Succeed, Guided by Faith," reflects a student-first results orientation that prioritizes individual growth and ethical citizenship.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1946: School established by Diocese/Parish with Marist staff on a 14-acre Waialae-Kahala site
- 1950s-1970s: Expanded from elementary to junior high, adding science labs and arts programs
- 2005: Accredited by WASC and WCEA, confirming academic excellence
- 2023: Updated enrollment at 242 students with 59% students of color
- 2026: Continued rolling admissions with average class size of 15 students
Academic Program and Student Outcomes
Mary Star of the Sea employs a differentiated learning model in grades K-8, featuring fully air-conditioned classrooms, a learning commons center, technology and science labs, and an art studio. The school's individualized attention model ensures each child receives targeted support to excel academically and spiritually.
| Metric | Value | National/State Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | 242 students | N/A |
| Grades | Kindergarten-8 | K-8 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 10:1 | 13:1 (national avg.) |
| Average Class Size | 15 students | 18 students (private K-8 avg.) |
| Yearly Tuition | $14,200 | $15,800 (Hawaii private K-8 avg.) |
| % Students of Color | 59% | 72% (state avg.) |
Faith Formation and Marist Values
The curriculum integrates Catholic values throughout all subjects, fostering respect for all persons and choices grounded in faith. Daily faith formation includes Mass, prayer services, and service-learning projects that connect classroom learning to community impact.
"Our core beliefs, based on our deep and abiding loyalty to Christ and to Our Lady, Mary, Star of the Sea, serve as the foundation of our curriculum."
Extracurriculars and Athletics
The school offers 13 extracurricular programs and 6 interscholastic sports, including Star Robotics, 3-D Fabrication Lab, Garden Club, Basketball, Track and Field, and Volleyball. Students also participate in co-curricular leadership activities like Explorers Club, Jr. Soarers, and Homework Help.
- Robotics & STEM: Star Robotics, 3-D Fabrication Lab
- Arts & Music: Piano, Art Studio programs
- Service & Leadership: Garden Club, Homework Help, Kamaaina Kids
- Athletics: Basketball, Track & Field, Volleyball, Archery, Ballet, Cheering
Admissions and Tuition
Admissions operate on a rolling deadline with no fixed cutoff, allowing families to apply year-round. The Admissions Director, Charlene Muneno, guides families through enrollment, which includes ESL support ($2,015 additional) and summer program options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Families Choose Mary Star of the Sea
Families select this school for its family atmosphere, where talents are nurtured, leadership skills develop, and critical thinking is cultivated through individualized guidance. The affordable dynamic Catholic learning environment produces self-assured, well-rounded citizens prepared for global society.
Expert answers to Mary Star Of The Sea School And Its Student First Results queries
What grades does Mary Star of the Sea School serve?
The school serves Kindergarten through 8th grade (K-8) with 242 co-ed students.
Who staffs Mary Star of the Sea School?
The school is staffed by the Marist Community and operates under the Diocese and Parish.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
The ratio is 10:1, with 24 classroom teachers and an average class size of 15 students.
How much is tuition for 2026?
Yearly tuition is $14,200, with ESL adding $2,015 and rolling admissions available.
What sports and extracurriculars are offered?
The school offers 6 sports (Archery, Ballet, Basketball, Cheering, Track & Field, Volleyball) and 13 extracurriculars including robotics, garden club, and piano.
Is the school accredited?
Yes, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA).
