Opened in 2003, Pacific Buddhist Academy (PBA) is the first college-preparatory Shin Buddhist high school in the United States.

Accredited by the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), PBA offers students of all faiths and spiritual traditions an inclusive learning environment to foster leadership, intellect, and spirit in the service of peace.

Open to grades 9-12. 

student painting

At Pacific Buddhist Academy, we believe all things are interdependent. When subject areas are integrated, students realize that the fields of language, math, history, and science affect each other. This concept of interdependence animates our academic philosophy – we prioritize inquiry, interdisciplinary and collaborative learning.  PBA’s curriculum is based on universal values like compassion, gratitude, and interdependence.

The Advantages of the Small School Environment

PBA’s small school environment is beneficial for students on multiple levels. Students receive the individualized attention they seek from their teachers.

With a student to teacher ratio of 12:1 teachers can adjust their curriculum to fit student needs.

Students also receive one-on-one mentoring from teachers when they struggle with the level of academic challenge, social environment, and difficulties they inevitably face as emerging adults. 

Teachers build deep, productive relationships with students, challenging them to think independently by going beyond textbook, lecture and classroom. We view our students as equals and ask they work with us to forge an intentional community. We encourage students to use PBA as a foundation upon which they can chart pathways to peace and contentment.