I have mixed feelings about friendship school in Ewa Beach. My kids went there years ago. The good things I remember are good, but the bad things i remember are ugly. These are some of the things that i will never forget, but i have forgiven and moved on from Frist I would say that the principal called me into her office and lectured me about a conversation over payment that i had with her spoiled staff. She was extremely rude and would not hear myside of the argument. I am not a student but a grown man. Be respectful. There also was a time that it was raining. I was with my son who had autism and as we were walking inside the school building, me and my son fell hard to the ground due to a wet area. There was no wet floor signs. I was bleeding so was my son, just a little. We were both ok overall. But i remember no one helped us. People saw it and no one said a word. I was a few steps from the front office and i heard someone tell the front desk staff about the incident, yet no one from the staff made any effort to check on us. There office was literally steps away. As we got up and finished walking my daughter to class, i saw someone put up the wet floor sign. I really felt like an outcast that day but it gets worse. At their graduation ceremonies, you will really feel like an outcast if either you don't attend their church or not Hawaiian. I remember laud applauses for most of the local kids at the gradation, but my kids turn came, all the other parents where silent. This happened year after year. By the third year, I'm screaming at the top of my lungs. How can you treat my kids this way? Don't you know things like this stick in their heads for year and years There was an older coaches worked there. He send letters to my daughters and i guess, most the students who were on summer break. I always felt a little uncomfortable having letters go to my 10-year-old. Something just felt off. I mean a least announce that you will be sending out stay well letters to all the kids in the summer. I did not give her any of the letters My other daughter was struggling in 1st grade in all subjects. I met with the teacher and she told me that there is one child who is exceling and doing well who sits close to me daughter. She ask me if I wanted that child to help my daughter during school hour in class. i asked her why would she consider a young kid teaching another kid? I thought that was the teachers job? Fastforward my daughter now is at the top of her class in another school. In my opinion, only certain students are going to receive the "attention" they need to keep up with the class, let alone excel. Everything I'm saying is the truth I forgive you......but I'm glad we moved on for my kids' sake. read more

I went to this school and it was great. I learned a lot of bible verse. they taught me about a lot. plus they use books so, yes they might be a little heavy but there better than starring at a screen all day right. if you are Christian this is the school for you read more

I really believe the people leaving bad reviews have no idea what it's like at other schools. I know how horrible the other schools in the area are so I'm so thankful to have found Friendship. Yes friendships campus is outdated. But where else are you going to find such an affordable tuition?!?! Also, no where else are you going to staff/ teachers/ women who were obviously born to do their job. The teachers love the kids and true invest so much in each child. If it was up to me, Mrs Westmoreland (Kindergarten teacher) would be my son's teacher forever! If you're not really a Christian family and you are not an intentional parent who invests in their kids... Friendship is not for you. But if you are a Christian family and don't want your child growing up around worldly influences... You'll appreciate and love Friendship Christian School. read more

absolutely terrible. The paint is chipping, the buildings are boarded up, and my child complains all the time that the bathrooms break. I don't feel safe sending my child here when there's absolutely zero security around whatsoever. read more

Best school on island! If you're looking for a school to help you train your child with Biblical principles, character, and great academics, at an affordable price, then Friendship Christian is for you and your child. I love the individual attention, well balanced education, and sports that my sons can be a part of. Most importantly, I know my children are prayed for. read more

My sister attended this school for high school. The teachers bent over backwards to help her succeed. She went from D's and C's to A's and B's in about a semester's time. This school motivated her to study. There were FREE help classes offered for each subject, and the teachers even offered to give her individual help from time to time as needed. *Sad that "hurtful" people leave comments based on unfactual information. read more

went here for a couple years as a kid back in the 90s, seemed good back then. Figured my kids should go here too. Well, to Jew a long story short, the school refused to accommodate one of my children's medical issues even with two very specific Dr notes. Within three weeks of me giving them the Dr note, they emailed me and said I need to dis enroll my child. They call themselves a Christian school but the leadership are hypocrites. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of genuine caring people that work at this school but the leadership is crap. I still cannot believe to this day that they kicked my child out due to a medical condition which is literally a minor burden upon them. They made the situation way harder than it had to be then decided to just kick my child out instead of help them. This isn't the only problem this school has. I personally know of a bully student who daily physically abuses other kids in class. Several kids left the school because of this bullying. The principal and pastor have been constantly told about this kid over the years and guess what he still goes to the school. I'm not talking about pushing and saying mean words, I'm talking about stomping on kids heads, stabbing little girls with pencils and many other deranged behaviors. It's amazing to me that this kid is still there but they kick my child out who has a legitimate medical issue and has good grades and has great behavior. Hypocrites, hypocrites, fake Christians. read more

Although this is suppose to be a CHRISTIAN school I believe it is FAR from it. There are some teachers and office workers that display CHRISTIAN values, however, they are very few. Majority of the teachers there and sad to say the Administrator DO NOT display a CHRISTIAN attitude and DO NOT treat their students fairly. Although the tuition here is one of the cheapest who'll find for a private school you will surely take your chances and hope your child learns. My child attended this school from Preschool-6th grade and when I decided to put my child in the DOE Public School system for Intermediate my child was far behind the State requirements and had a lot of catching up to do. This school has no sense of how children should be treated and treat them as things rather than a child. I have talked to other parents who also had their children in this school and they also agreed that the way they were treated as parents was far from what they expected being the school is suppose to be an example of a "Good Christian". I had one parent tell me if they did not know the Bible or anything about God they would have been scared away by how they were treated. In my personal opinion this school is all about money and not about teaching your child the way of God. Actions is always greater than words. If it wasn't all about the money tutoring wouldn't be a charged option it would be a donation or other method. As I said prior my child is currently in the DOE Public School System and the education is A LOT BETTER than this school and tutoring is not something parents have to pay for and the teachers DO NOT get paid extra or PAID as good for that fact. In the DOE Public School System you know the teachers LOVE to teach because it is a known fact teachers are underpaid and yet they still give it a 110% to work with your child. When researching this school DO YOUR HOMEWORK as parents and really explore your options, sometimes CHEAPER is not always the best. read more

Great school with good values. They use a traditional styled curriculum, Abeka. While there are pros and cons depending on your (personal) goals for your child, I personally love the curriculum they use, especially for elementary ages. It sets an awesome foundation for learning. As far as Christianity goes, I believe each teacher does try to exemplify biblical Christian values--key word is biblical. If you're one of those parents who believe truancy, disrespect, rebellion, and outright naughty behavior should not be corrected or disciplined, maybe this school won't be for you. Parents shouldn't expect teachers to raise their children--discipline, character values, and socially acceptable behavior should be set at home. A teacher's job is to teach, but when bad behavior gets in the way, how can they? Public schools barely can protect their teachers from the children they teach because it's no longer socially correct to scold a child who disrespects a teacher. Even in Hawaii (crazy!!!) Granted, there should be guidelines and an agreement of what disciplinary actions are and there is. With that said, I know some children who've enrolled in the school and I know each parent/guardian is told before enrollment, as with other private schools, the rules of conduct, tuition, mission statement, etc, in which the parents are required to read and even sign off that they read it and consent. I read a comment on here about some parents who got mad about not getting refunded. Pretty crazy, but GUARANTEED that was included in the paperwork they signed off on. I would hate to be the administrator who had to speak to that disgruntled parent who didn't care they already signed off in agreement to it. I personally grew up in the Hawaii public school system. When I saw what my friends' kids were learning and WHEN they were learning, I was blown away. Kids are taught phonics and math in 4K! That's just PRESCHOOL!! Seriously impressed with this school. read more

I love this Christian school! Just a fact about me, I am a Christian saved by grace! My niece goes to this school and I am so impressed! She's 10 years old and she knows the bible and memorize more bible verses than I do! Lol, I learn so much from her. She really loves this school! I love how they keep and teach from the basics and thats how learning should be! If you're looking for a bible base, God fearing, a school that's founded on values from God, this Christian school is right for you! I just got married and God willing when I have kids of my own, they'll be going to this school! :) read more

In my opinion, Friendship is a good Christian school. Both my sons started from Preschool & are in Kindergarten right now. Yes, we've had some issues but what school doesn't?? When you find the "PERFECT" school, please let me know because they don't exist. My family attends Friendship Baptist Church & I can tell you "first hand" that our Pastor & his wife are terrific people & they DON'T have a Cadillac. And even if they did, so what? Since when do we judge people on what they drive, wear,etc... If you're going to write a review at least have your facts straight. Yes we've been collecting donations on our new building...are they money hungry? NO! If that was the case, the school's tuition would be higher. Our church strives on helping others & providing ways for children to attend our church such as providing the bus ministry which picks up children without means of transportation. Please don't discriminate against people or an organization without truly knowing what they do. I am very appreciative that Friendship offers an affordable education with good Christian beliefs. And...they still teach our children cursive!! I still can't believe other schools have stopped teaching kids cursive but hey that's another story... If you want "top notch" academics send your kid to Punahou, Iolani, HBA or one of those high end schools & PAY the price. If you want a decent elementary education w/ Christian teachings, Friendship is great. I hope this review was helpful to any parents inquiring on a good school. read more

As a staff member and a parent I have two sides to review. I have worked at Friendship since August of 2000. I can say I have never had a better work environment. Are we perfect? No, but we do work to provide a quality education for the students, and do genuinely love each of the children. As a parent, I am so thankful for the teachers my son has had. They have all worked with him to learn self-control, to have a loving and kind attitude toward others, and to love God and hide His Word in his heart. I couldn't ask for a better education for him. I am confident that he is safe and happy, and will continue to thrive at Friendship! read more

We are blessed to have such a wonderful Christian school that is affordable and has a staff that cares so much for our children's education and spiritual growth. The teachers and staff are highly qualified professionals that create a warm & friendly learning environment. Our children love going to this school and we look forward to the next 12 years at Friendship Christian Schools. read more

The review from Mr And Mrs Edward M. is a ridiculous rant by an uneducated parent. This is a great school. read more

My daughter goes to this school because my wife and I wanted a Christian school that taught values and lessons from the Bible. I went to a private Christian school myself for 1st through college and am very pleased with the way this school teaches, disciplines, and acts. By far one of the best Christian schools on the island! read more

My husband and I (and both our daughters that attend FCS) are very pleased with our decision to send our children to Friendship Christian School! We have had our daughters here for 7 school years now and have been pleased with all 11 of the teachers our girls have had. Both my husband and myself grew up going to public school and as parents we made the decision to send our children to a Christian school where the teachers are going to help us raise our children with the Bible as their handbook, as it is in our home. I was sad and disappointed to read the negative comments posted earlier and want to encourage parents out there that might be considering sending their children to FCS- it is worth the investment! Children are very impressionable and it pleases and comforts my husband and myself to know that our kids are in the care and guidance of teachers who love the Lord and who are praying with and for our kids! Also- I read the 2 negative reviews and one of them is grossly inaccurate, sometimes we make judgement based on what we see without gettintg the facts- if you question someone's integrity or a ministry's intention- go to the source and ask!!! Overall FCS is one the top 2 reasons we have chosen to make Hawaii our home for the past 8 years! read more

Matthew 7; 1-5 is what the people with negative reviews need to read. This school is AMAZING and so is everyone who is employed within it. Before moving to Hawaii i researched long and hard for the perfect school that my daughter who is in first grade would attend to get the best education and the closeness with Jesus. This is the best choice we have made for her education she has excelled greatly with a christian based teacher, small classes, and a great school staff. My daughter was in a public school (Clarksville, Tennessee) for Kindergarten and her teacher was great but, the class size was 25 kids per teacher,so not enough individual time with each student and if anything happened and i wanted to speak with the principal, i had to fill out a request form! One day an assistant at the school pulled my child off the bus to try and place her in car that was not mine! I lost it and the office tried to give me a form to fill out to speak with the principal! Friendship Christian has given me piece of mind with my daughters class having 13 children, the principal I see everyday outside with the kids watching over them, if I go into the office they know me by name and don't even need to ask where something goes if I leave anything for my child at the office. The teacher puts her in the car everyday and I have great piece of mind knowing she is loved and safe. My daughter now takes piano lessons from a teacher at the school, and she loves going to school. I am so pleased with everything at this school. It was money well spent on my child and her education! read more

Absolutely agree with Julie O. and Craig D. Jay M. & Mr & Mrs Edward M. really need to get their facts straight, before posting such negative comments on here. My daughter went Friendship for 3 years, but due to financial reasons, I had to remove her from here. Hopefully I'll be able to send her back next year. We'll see. Since when does the reflection of your character depend on what we drive, Jay M.? read more

These two reviews are garbage. Don't base your opinions off of them. Sincerely, a senior and student at Friendship Christian School since kindergarten. #blessed read more

First of all let state that I am surprised the review by "Mr And Mrs Edward M." has stood this long unchallenged. The argument is flawed and by their grammatical errors it is apparent they are uneducated, likely a product of the substandard Hawaii State DOE schools that Mr And Mrs Edward M. have the misfortune of believing are even close to acceptable. My child attends FCS and I am very pleased with the institution. I do not work for them. In fact, if you read this entire review you will see that FCS would probably prefer I not had posted it. That's because they are good and patient people. I, on the other hand, am a bit of a realist and like to pull people like Mr And Mrs Edward M. back into reality. When I compare what my child has learned at FCS, both academically and socially, to his public school peers I am very satisfied. Now hold on to your politically correct oversensitivity because this next statement certainly would not be endorsed by the school and some may argue is not Christian, however when it comes to the formative years of our children I don't think we need to make concessions for popularity's sake. If you are looking at a school, show up in the morning when all of the students are being dropped off. Take a look at the parents--how they dress, how they carry themselves, how they treat others, how they treat their children, how they act in the agitating traffic--and begin to ascertain their values. There will always be at least a small population at every public school of lowlifes who use free public education as day care so they can pursue their passions of pointlessness and government suckling. These lowlifes pass on their lack of morals to their children whom your child will be forced to tolerate, experience, and learn from. Fortunately these lowlifes don't value education enough to spend anything on it and they are much harder to find at private schools. Hawaii has more than its fair share of lowlifes (some of them are even public school teachers and administrators). Now let's review some of Mr And Mrs Edward M.'s statements: 1. "My child attended this school from Preschool-6th grade and when I decided to put my child in the DOE Public School system for Intermediate my child was far behind the State requirements and had a lot of catching up to do. " I don't believe this, although I suppose it's possible. In such a case it is likely your fault. Given your review here I'd say your writing ability isn't much above an elementary level, thus you were unable to assist in educating your child. You are probably one of those parents who think your child's education is entirely the responsibility of the school you send them to. 2. "Actions is always greater than words." Case in point. 3. "If it wasn't all about the money tutoring wouldn't be a charged option it would be a donation or other method." What you fail to understand is that the DOE has been extorting and squandering money from the citizens of Hawaii for years, and some of that money (thankfully) actually filters to public schools. FCS, like other private schools, does not receive that same level of funding. This is why they have to charge for tutoring. If your child required paid tutoring in elementary school, let me point out once again your lack of education. You should have been able to help your child with their elementary school homework. Also, the belief that everything you want should be freely given to you is a lowlife attribute. 4. "As I said prior my child is currently in the DOE Public School System and the education is A LOT BETTER than this school and tutoring is not something parents have to pay for and the teachers DO NOT get paid extra or PAID as good for that fact." This is a wonderful run-on sentence (you can google it). I have already addressed your total lack of understanding regarding the funding of your beloved DOE. I do suppose that you actually do not know what your child's DOE teachers' salaries are, nor do you have any clue what his or her teachers at FCS made. Thus you have no basis for this statement. 5. "In the DOE Public School System you know the teachers LOVE to teach because it is a known fact teachers are underpaid and yet they still give it a 110% to work with your child." This idea is as laughable as your writing style. Really, it is. Given the standardized test scores that have consistently put Hawaii at the bottom of the nation I do not think you can claim that Hawaii teachers love to teach and "give it a 110%." Are you a teacher in a Hawaii public school? Given your grammatical ability I'm thinking if you are not an employee of the DOE you've missed your calling in life. 6. "...sometimes CHEAPER is not always the best" I have to agree with you here. The free education that your child is receiving in a Hawaii public school is probably not as good as what they would receive at any private school in the state. read more

Don't know about this previous review - the Phonteics, Arithmetic, Reading, Spelling - everything in the ciriculum is much better than the Public School system - my daugther was already learning cursive in 1st grade with Ms. Link. It's very hard to believe any of the staff would act inappropriately towards parents and to be characterized as "un-Christian" is a very nasty term that deserves specific examples and reasoning, ie. "when I went to get my daughter...this happened..." And even then, to even say such a thing shows your spiritual immaturity and shallow understanding of what it means to be a Christian. I am sorry but I disagree with your assessment very much, I can't see Mr. Holt, Mrs. Lei, Becca, and others as having nothing but the best of quality in character. One thing that is a given, is that parenting and education go hand in hand, involvement and stewardship is the responsibility of the parents, regardless of where your child is enrolled. No, tutoring is not free - tutoring is extra incentive teachers take to assist after class because they care about your child's education - and thankfully Mrs. Norden is willing to do so freely. There are three factors that could be impacting your child's learning impediment - teacher, student, and tools. Perhaps you had bad luck with a teacher - possible. Maybe the student is having difficulty learning, not willing or causes trouble. The third and most likely culprit is an absence of involvement in a child's scholastic environment - if this be the case there is no one to blame for bad grades or poor achievement and it's time to assume ownership of responsibility. Train up your child in the way he/she should go...how long did it take to realize your child was behind? If you were actively involved, wouldn't you either notice your child either struggling or not being engaged? When it comes down to it, you best know what your children are capable of, how to ultimately get through and where they really should be regardless of where the class is...hate to say this but #1 teacher should be Y O U. Teacher is just a guide, Public or Private - there's an old adage, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. Parental support is the key that provides the catalyst for learning - teachers can't take away X-Boxes or make children do homework, provide the proper positive reinforcements for a job well done. At least in Private you have the benefit of not worrying about the class being unfairly held back academically - that's very surprising to see such a disturbing comparison you make, but because my daughter is only in the 2nd grade - maybe the program is different for the mids? Please elaborate and cite examples and names, would be interested to hear something worth giving credence. If not, please consider how bad your review is for parents looking for a safe haven in Ewa and consider showing a little more maturity. Have you put your children in some of the neighboring Public school systems? Spend the day watching how terribly the kids interact and you maybe you'll get the picture. Lastly, attitudes are a two-way street; For every reaction there is an interaction and a lasting impression - you can have the worst reputation, and in one sitting it's possible to change someone's attitude towards you, by showing quality of character because they have an unformed opinion of you - but in general, Christians are human beings and will treat you the way you treat them or in like manner with what they feel you deserve. And because we are human, we have a bad way of Aside, love the school, love the community, love the staff - programs are great, one great pottery class! Christmas plays are always good stuff. Allyssa is very much engaged in the Word and loves her Bible songs, school and church friends - FCS plays a big role in this. If you want to engrain your child in the faith, surround them with a wall of Christian friends and influences in a warm welcome environment, and give them a quality education, FCS is a great school. Concerned Parent, Ernest read more

I had to write this review because I found it very disturbing the information that my cousin is experiencing with this school. Her and her family had signed up to start their son in kindergarten there this year but for their own reasons, changed their minds. They already had paid for the school year, which does not start for another month and a half and now, one of the administrators are giving them a hard time on getting their refund. Not only do they NOT want to give them their money back, when my cousin was on the phone, SHE HUNG UP ON HER, which I found very DISRESPECTFUL. Now, seriously, you just told someone that you will not refund THOUSANDS of dollars back to them, do you really think they won't be angry? And no swear words were in the conversation, just frustration and a lack of understanding to why they won't refund. How can a school refuse to refund back thousands of dollars when the child has never gone there and school doesn't start for another month and half? Are they that hard up for money? Her answers where stumbling upon each other and not making any sense!! I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL!!! Very terrible way to work the system and rob families of hard earned money when you have done nothing for that money! read more

To bad some parents don't take the time to teach their kids how to be respectful. This is very common in today's society. Blame is easy to throw around. I am very happy with the school. Past elementary not sure what I am going to do. However to build a strong foundation at home and at school I have no reservations that friendship schools has been a great foundation. My older children went to Hanahauoli and Punahou both very good schools, not wanting to fight traffic yet give my kids a good foundation I chose Friendship after the recommendations from neighbors, I have not been disappointed. Yes, issues do arise from time to time no matter what school you go to, but that is where a strong family involvement and teacher and staff communication are essential to ensure that your child is set on the right path. Easy to blame the school staff, but maybe try as a parent to teach your child respect towards elders first before bashing a school trying to do what most schools are afraid to do. TEACH WITH DISCIPLINE. read more