Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of St. Joseph School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

St. Joseph School

  • LocationHilo, HI
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades PK–12 · 163 students
Official website

St. Joseph School in Hilo, Hawaii, is a Catholic school founded in 1869 that serves preschool through grade 12. The school says its faith is the foundation of all learning, and theology is required in each high school grade.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Joseph School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miSaint Joseph Church: 0.7 mi1St. Joseph School Campus Ministry: 0.1 miSt. Joseph School (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Joseph Church — 0.7 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearA few times a year (One annual all-school Mass is published (the St. Joseph Feast Day Mass, held in March 2026).)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Joseph Feast Day Mass Honors Alumni Who Answered the Call to Serve | St. Joseph High Schoolsjshilo.com/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25940/St-Joseph-Feast-Day-Mass-Honors-Alumni-Who-Answered-the-Call-to-Serve · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “On Friday, March 13, the St. Joseph School community gathered for a truly meaningful celebration of faith, vocation, and alumni fellowship during our annual St. Joseph Feast Day Mass.”
      The school holds an annual all-school Feast Day Mass.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (A school Mass is confirmed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. St. Joseph Feast Day Mass Honors Alumni Who Answered the Call to Serve | St. Joseph High Schoolsjshilo.com/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25940/St-Joseph-Feast-Day-Mass-Honors-Alumni-Who-Answered-the-Call-to-Serve · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “On Friday, March 13, the St. Joseph School community gathered for a truly meaningful celebration of faith, vocation, and alumni fellowship during our annual St. Joseph Feast Day Mass.”
      The school holds an annual all-school Feast Day Mass.
    2. Head of School's Message | St. Joseph High Schoolsjshilo.com/Home/Head-of-School%CA%BBs-Blog · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “St. Joseph School Leadership: Father Ty Apolinario, Bishop Larry Silva, Kumu Maile Kipapa”
      Father Ty Apolinario is listed under school leadership; no role is stated.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Theology is one required course in each of grades 9 to 12, counted as four full-year courses (one per grade). Theology in grades 7 and 8 is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2026 Course Descriptions (school document linked from the High School page)docs.google.com/document/d/1sK_PM7s3yzQsG8mccrtayU3QAYcUcy4yYFopT6B590A/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Theology: New Testament Studies Required: Grade 9”
      Theology is required in grade 9.
      “Theology: Church History / Sacraments Required: Grade 10”
      Theology is required in grade 10.
      “Theology: Morality Required: Grade 11”
      Theology is required in grade 11.
      “Theology: Catholic Social Teachings / Lifestyles Required: Grade 12”
      Theology is required in grade 12, a course on Catholic social teaching and Christian lifestyles.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
N/ACampus culture: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Campus culture

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    RetreatsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two campus ministry staff are named: the Campus Minister and the Assistant Campus Minister.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Jr-Sr High | St. Joseph High Schoolsjshilo.com/Faculty-Staff/Jr-Sr-High · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Mrs. Chrislyn Villena Dean of Faculty Campus Minister Assistant Athletics Director”
      Chrislyn Villena is Campus Minister.
      “Mr. Xavier Tablit High School STEM Teacher Assistant Campus Minister xtablit@sjshilo.org”
      Xavier Tablit is Assistant Campus Minister.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (One student campus ministry group is named on the school's news pages (May 2026).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry Students Share Aloha at KTA Frozen Food Fest | St. Joseph High Schoolsjshilo.com/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26154/Campus-Ministry-Students-Share-Aloha-at-KTA-Frozen-Food-Fest · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students from the St. Joseph School Campus Ministry proudly represented our school community at the KTA Frozen Food Fest”
      A student Campus Ministry group is active at the school.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required service hoursNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The required grade 12 theology course applies Catholic social principles.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2026 Course Descriptions (school document linked from the High School page)docs.google.com/document/d/1sK_PM7s3yzQsG8mccrtayU3QAYcUcy4yYFopT6B590A/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Theology: Catholic Social Teachings / Lifestyles Required: Grade 12”
      Theology is required in grade 12, a course on Catholic social teaching and Christian lifestyles.
      “is an application of Catholic Social Principles to a wide range of issues based on the respect and dignity of human life”
      The grade 12 theology course applies Catholic social principles to a wide range of issues.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Theology is required in each high school grade, grades 9 to 12.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2026 Course Descriptions (school document linked from the High School page)docs.google.com/document/d/1sK_PM7s3yzQsG8mccrtayU3QAYcUcy4yYFopT6B590A/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Theology: New Testament Studies Required: Grade 9”
      Theology is required in grade 9.
      “Theology: Church History / Sacraments Required: Grade 10”
      Theology is required in grade 10.
      “Theology: Morality Required: Grade 11”
      Theology is required in grade 11.
      “Theology: Catholic Social Teachings / Lifestyles Required: Grade 12”
      Theology is required in grade 12, a course on Catholic social teaching and Christian lifestyles.
  • The grade 12 theology course applies Catholic social principles to a wide range of issues.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2026 Course Descriptions (school document linked from the High School page)docs.google.com/document/d/1sK_PM7s3yzQsG8mccrtayU3QAYcUcy4yYFopT6B590A/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “is an application of Catholic Social Principles to a wide range of issues based on the respect and dignity of human life”
      The grade 12 theology course applies Catholic social principles to a wide range of issues.
  • Two campus ministry staff members are named on the school's staff page.
    Sources (1)
    1. Jr-Sr High | St. Joseph High Schoolsjshilo.com/Faculty-Staff/Jr-Sr-High · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Mrs. Chrislyn Villena Dean of Faculty Campus Minister Assistant Athletics Director”
      Chrislyn Villena is Campus Minister.
      “Mr. Xavier Tablit High School STEM Teacher Assistant Campus Minister xtablit@sjshilo.org”
      Xavier Tablit is Assistant Campus Minister.

Concerns

  • The one school Mass found is annual.
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Joseph Feast Day Mass Honors Alumni Who Answered the Call to Serve | St. Joseph High Schoolsjshilo.com/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25940/St-Joseph-Feast-Day-Mass-Honors-Alumni-Who-Answered-the-Call-to-Serve · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “On Friday, March 13, the St. Joseph School community gathered for a truly meaningful celebration of faith, vocation, and alumni fellowship during our annual St. Joseph Feast Day Mass.”
      The school holds an annual all-school Feast Day Mass.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

St. Joseph School Campus Ministry

  • Address: 1000 Ululani St., Hilo, HI 96720
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: docs.google.com, verified Oct. 13, 2026, sjshilo.com, verified Oct. 13, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

3 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 2 location not published

Service 1

  • Campus Ministry student serviceOff campus
    May 2026
    Campus Ministry students served at the KTA Frozen Food Fest, representing the school beyond its campus.
    sjshilo.com

Faith formation 1

  • Christian Leadership Institute - Hawaii (CLI-HI)
    June 2026
    Youth leadership program in Hawaii; delegates from St. Joseph Church and School attended in June 2026.
    sjshilo.com

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • St. Joseph Feast Day Mass
    Annual, March (held on Friday, March 13, 2026)
    An annual Mass for the school community on the school's feast day, with alumni who became priests and a deacon honored.
    sjshilo.com

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (4)
  1. Jr-Sr High | St. Joseph High Schoolsjshilo.com/Faculty-Staff/Jr-Sr-High · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Mrs. Chrislyn Villena Dean of Faculty Campus Minister Assistant Athletics Director”
    Chrislyn Villena is Campus Minister.
    “Mr. Xavier Tablit High School STEM Teacher Assistant Campus Minister xtablit@sjshilo.org”
    Xavier Tablit is Assistant Campus Minister.
  2. Campus Ministry Students Share Aloha at KTA Frozen Food Fest | St. Joseph High Schoolsjshilo.com/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26154/Campus-Ministry-Students-Share-Aloha-at-KTA-Frozen-Food-Fest · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Students from the St. Joseph School Campus Ministry proudly represented our school community at the KTA Frozen Food Fest”
    A student Campus Ministry group is active at the school.
  3. 2025-2026 Course Descriptions (school document linked from the High School page)docs.google.com/document/d/1sK_PM7s3yzQsG8mccrtayU3QAYcUcy4yYFopT6B590A/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Campus facilities include a computer laboratory, a computer learning center, science laboratories, and library with an adjoining media center, classrooms, counseling offices, chapel, cafeteria, soccer field and gymnasium.”
    The campus has a chapel.
  4. Contact | St. Joseph High Schoolsjshilo.com/Contact · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “1000 Ululani St. (High School) 999 Ululani St. (Preschool & Elementary School) Hilo, Hawaii 96720 High School Phone: (808) 935-4936”
    The high school campus is at 1000 Ululani St., Hilo, Hawaii 96720.

Reach out

Contact details for Chrislyn Villena (Dean of Faculty and Campus Minister) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
91 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.95%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.7.4 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeDiocesan school
DioceseDiocese of Honolulu, HI
GradesPK–12
Students (all grades)163
Students in grades 9–1241
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio7.4 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges95%
SettingTown

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Diocese of Honolulu

The Most Reverend Michael Castori, SJ, Bishop of Honolulu

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is St. Joseph School a Catholic high school?
Yes. St. Joseph School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Honolulu.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

More in Hawaii · Hawaii rankings