This review is for their summer school only…read more I LOVE this summer school for my kids, especially at the early elementary school age. They are smaller so it's easier for children who don't go here normally to adapt (and not get lost). The school is very organized and the children get name tags with their classes listed so the adults can help them get to their classes in the beginning of the year. They offer a variety of classes that are a nice blend of academics and fun and really have the kids engaged. My son just enjoyed his summer here and raved about it daily! He even wanted to be dropped off early! They have a very nice open house towards the end of summer school to be able to see what your child has been doing. The teachers do a great job of showing what the children have been learning and it's amazing how much they do over the course of the weeks. There are 2 morning classes, a midday care (lunch optional and separate) and 1 afternoon class ending at 2pm. Alternatively they have a care that lasts through midday through all afternoon (I think till 5:30ish?). So there are good alternatives depending on what your needs are. Summer classes run roughly $500 each with midday care a separate price. I believe the afternoon care is a different price as well. Ample information on their website and what I love is that you can register at the same time as the children who attend the school. FANTASTIC!

I have fond memories of visiting this school as a parent and parent of alum. The school's culture…read moreemphasizes exactly what "hanahauoli" means...Happy Work. They encourage students to love learning and doing. They encourage teamwork. They foster community by all of their school traditions. They encourage parents to accept their children's individual uniqueness and strengths. Each student I have met has such strong self esteem and a happy demeanor. I thought the former Headmaster who has since retired was amazing. He knew and greeted each child every day. What a blessing to attend this school or their annual Children's Fair.

I went here when it was still K-6 and overall I had a good experience. Of course there were the…read moretypical bullies and childhood drama, but I have good memories of making a few close friends, going to the cafeteria and the library, and selling ice cream after school to fundraise for different things. I played on the playground and fields A, B, and C, learned how to play the viola and ukulele, and made some student films. I learned how to type and use the old style Mac computers, and took after school Japanese classes. Times were simpler then, and now that I look back I really appreciate the teachers who really cared about us crazy kids.

My daughter just started kindergarten with Mrs Okamoto. She's a fantastic teacher and fantastic…read moreschool. The principal is very hands on and involved. The school property is clean, the pickup and drop off service is also very organized.

I went to this school and graduated as a May 2018 graduate and I had a really good time. All the…read moreteachers and staff really encourage to do your best and the school is like a family and everyone from Kindergarden to 5th grade know each other and its nice to have that because some schools are not like that. So I really appreciated this thought my time being there and it has really shaped me into who I am today academically and emotionally. So if you are thinking of sending your kid here or kids then you are making the right choice!

Aloha bags are popular and it was very cool to find out they even made totes in Hawaiian print for…read moreMid Pac. We came today to check out what was available. Spent a pretty penny there. I'm not an alum but being the shopaholic that I am, it got the better of me. Happy with our purchases.

Many people are saying Mid-Pac athletics has a problem. I don't know, I'm just telling you what I…read moreheard. Very unfair what happened to me. The runner tripped me. The coaches watched. The officials did nothing. It's a disgrace. One star. Look into it.

Love this gem of a school!…read more My child is now finishing our second year of school at Honolulu Waldorf School, and will be starting 2nd grade next year. It was very important for our family to attend a progressive school, and in this case "developmentally progressive" in terms of educating the whole child. Our child is very active and talkative, and we didn't want to go the traditional route of public school - especially when on our first tour of a public school they pointed out a "wiggle chair" in a corner that kids would go sit in if they couldn't sit still for long periods of time, and that particular teacher indicating our child might not do well there. For kindergarten, and where our child was developmentally - this was not going to work and we could visualize a year of phone calls about inability to sit still. In Waldorf education (and many other countries) children don't start classroom lessons at desks until they are in 1st grade and 6-7 rather than 5-6. And for us, that felt like the right fit. The teacher we had in kindergarten in the early childhood program (EC) was phenomenal, and I loved that the kindergarteners are in a mixed age class ranging from age 3-6 with various stages of development acknowledged (star children age 3-4, moon children age 4-5, and sun children aka kindergarteners age 5-6). When my child was a "sun child" they were the oldest in the class and became leaders in many opportunities. They have a very structured day which leads to a lot of centeredness and calmness as they move through play time, reading circle, snack time (provided by school and quite nutritious!), arts, more play time, nap time, music - lots of singing - and each activity meeting the child where they are and building on that. My child was very resistant to arts at the start of kindergarten, and by the end was weaving, sewing (!), painting, and drawing. Being restless was not an issue throughout the year, and going without a nap during nap time was also something that could be worked around. After finishing kindergarten, the children move into 1st grade with a beautiful crossing of a symbolic bridge leaving the grounds of the early childhood area and entering the grounds of the grades area / classrooms. In 1st grade, a the class size was 16 children which was a great size for us, and subjects of reading/writing, math, Spanish, Japanese, Hawaiian studies, handwork, movement, music are covered throughout the week. If a child needs more attention in an area, they are quick to spot it and suggest additional support of needed. Our teacher was incredible at holding the class, and attentive to all of each child's progress and needs. What's also amazing is that the same teacher continues into 2nd, 3rd and beyond as is part of the Waldorf pedagogy. Sometimes life changes happen (pregnancy / moving etc), but at this school the same teacher can be expected to continue on for many grades, building a beautiful bond between teacher and student. Also for the community; the school fosters a great sense of community with a strong Parent Hui group (parent volunteers) that work to make each of the many Waldorf traditions come alive. The school participates in Waldorf events of Michaelmas, Saint Nicholas Day, the Winter Spiral, Lantern Walk, and also brings in via its Spanish program a celebration of Dia del los Muertos, Salsa Night, and through its Japanese program Girls Day, Children's Day, Hawaiian - La Mei (May Day) and more. When thinking about all of the events throughout the year it's a magical, welcoming and educational experience for the children and families alike. Not knowing a lot about Waldorf education at the start of our attendance, I have gained a whole new perspective on childhood development as this school also educates parents on how children learn. The reading and literacy is on a different timeline than public school for valid developmental reasons and by 3/4th grade many students are avid readers reading and comprehending books well above their public school peers. Overall, I believe the children become excellent learners through and can tackle any topic with the curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Last, the school is screen free up to a grade (6th?) This is a huge incentive for our family, as we do not want our child to be exposed to screens more than necessary - as we learn how it is negatively affecting brain development in young children. Eventually, the concept of appropriate screen use is introduced in Cyber Civics classes in middle school - as it is unrealistic for screens to be completely avoided in life, and an awesome opportunity to teach children about how to have an online presence, be responsible and respectful online, and to have personal boundaries around its use with social media, and length of time. Big fan of the school, the caring teachers and admin, and the awesome and strong parent community that goes above and beyond to be involved in their children's learning and environment.

The MonkeyPod Mākeke at Honolulu Waldorf School is a cozy shop open for 45 minutes after school on…read moreFridays. Created and run by parents, it has beautiful Waldorf art supplies: beeswax molding clay, watercolors, colored pencils, and coloring blocks - alongside small treasures children love to choose for themselves or friends: journals, necklaces, and other thoughtful trinkets under $3. You'll also find handcrafted gifts like felt leis made with care by parents and teachers. I purchased one for Mother's Day! It is a warm, intentional space that brings joy to the children and community alike.

Election day/year, 11.7.2016, we visited the school's cafeteria to cast our votes and it sure…read morebrought back memories. As I was checking on Yelp, @ Lunalilo School, I noticed there wasn't any photos. I took just a few and my son tells me, "I loved Lunalilo school, you better not write a bad review". My kids since graduated from Lunalilo, 6 years ago. As a parent, I do agree with my son. I had no problems ( with the school, staff, etc) while my kids were @ Lunalilo. Here are important school information: Principal : Amy Kantrowitz Address:810 Pumehana Street Phone: (808) 973-0270 Fax: (808) 973-0276 Website: Lunalilo Elementary Grade levels: Kinder-5th grade. ABOUT LUNALILO: Lunalilo Elementary school has a strong academic emphasis, well-rounded curricular programs and an effective array of comprehensive student support services. It has implemented curricular projects across all grades that are aligned with the educational outreach of Malama Honua, the Worldwide Voyage of the Polynesian sailing canoes Hokule'a and Hikianalia, with a mission to explore and spread learning grounded in culture, leadership, navigation, ocean, sustainability, and voyaging. The school community emphasizes standards-based learning, college and career readiness, active participation in a safe and drug free environment and a vibrant network of school-family-community partnerships. The school has an award-winning Video Technology Club and Math Team. The School community council, which includes administration, staff, parents, and students helps guide the school's academic and financial plan. Lunalilo Elementary is part of the Kaimuki complex. Honolulu District is broken up in to 6 complex. The parking lot and side streets can get busy before school and after school due to drop off and pick up. As with all public schools, visitors must check in at the office. I remembered my son was very active with the Video Technology club, he enjoyed this and during my son's time in school, they won many awards. My son was involved in the Math team for one year. I agree with this, they do have an award-winning Video Technology club and Math team. I loved the Thursday envelope which is when all memos were sent home via this envelope on Thursdays, a signature is required on the envelope., I enjoyed receiving the newsletter from principal, that had helpful info. with updates etc. Parent teacher conference were held once a year. All of my kid's teacher were all awesome. If you live within boundary, Lunalilo is your home school. I had to get a GE for my kids to attend Lunalilo. I was grateful for approval of my GE. ( GE, geographic exceptions) * * If you are free & in the area, 11.19.16 is Lunalilo's school fair, once a year fair /fundraiser to raise school funds.-please come out to support them.

Me and my family did a family activity the last weekend till summer starts and schools will be on…read moresummer break. We made bracelets with our names on them and my son, who is 1st grade, was very proud about the bracelets we made. He ask me to tie his bracelet on his wrist so that it never comes off, which I did. And on his last day of school I noticed he wasn't using his bracelet anymore. I asked him and he got very teary and said his teacher cut his bracelet off because it was a distraction. Without any warning. I'm so upset.

This is probably the most educating campus i have ever enrolled my keikis into. I love the teachers…read moreand staff here. And my keikis they love it here. The breakfast and lunch program they have is way awesome and nutritional. I recommend this school to any parent.

I'm not a big reviewer but I do read Yelp reviews frequently and saw scant reviews so I felt…read morecompelled to leave one. From my experience this school has been amazing for my son. It's the first school (after attending 5) that he has felt comfortable. I wouldn't say that he loves school but he doesn't complain about it--which is a huge victory--and was even a little bit excited to start school this year. I feel that the comprehensive approach including built in therapy is the greatest asset of this school. Additionally the class room isn't fixed so that the children can attend various subjects that are more suited to their strengths or weaknesses.

I was put off by another review, but after doing some research and talking with the staff, decided…read moreto give Variety School a try. So far, I've been very pleased with the program and the people. Staff are responsive to my student's and my concerns, and have adapted the program for my child. Variety may not be for everyone, but it is a good fit for my child--the first successful placement in years.