Hawaii earns 'C' for education quality, future outlook

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A national educational publication says Hawaii ranks 25th in the United States when it comes to average academic performance and overall school quality.

Education Week gave Hawaii an average score of 73.8 -- good for a C on most grading scales -- when it comes to overall school performance. The grade is comprised of scores in three separate components: a student's K-12 classroom performance, their chance for future success after exiting the school system, and an education department's financial health.

Hawaii fared well when it came to early childhood education. The publication found that the state earned a grade of B-plus in terms of helping children get off to a good start with such programs, above the national average.

The publication was significantly less satisfied with Hawaii's K-12 performance, giving failing grades to the state's current performance in such categories standardized test scores and high school graduation rates.

Hawaii was also given middling grades when it came to opportunities for future success.