Hongwanji Mission School

Hongwanji Mission School (HMS) is a private co-educational preparatory school (grades pre-school through eighth) located in Nuuanu Valley and adjacent to Downtown Honolulu. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, HMS first opened its doors in 1949 and was the first Buddhist school established outside of Japan.

HMS stresses a diverse and challenging academic curriculum with emphasis on moral and spiritual values. The institution recognizes each student as an individual entity worthy of personal attention. Under this philosophy, HMS has maintained small class sizes, with a maximum student-teacher ratio of 18:1. This allows their teachers an opportunity to provide as much guidance and instruction as possible.

The campus offers superb, state-of-the-art facilities which include a gymnasium, swimming pool, library, and computer center. In addition, they offer their students an extensive after school, holiday daycare, and summer school programs.

At HMS, their commitment to both the parents and the students is to provide the highest standard of academic excellence.

In 2003, HMS was pleased to announce the opening of a Buddhist high school, Pacific Buddhist Academy, which shares a campus with HMS.

Mission statement

"To develop the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually and physically, rooted in Buddhist values and community service."