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.

Our experience with Honolulu Waldorf was extremely disappointing and felt unprofessional from start…read moreto finish. We applied for a preschool spot after being told there were openings, only to later learn that there were no available spots at all. The application process was expensive -- especially considering the admissions fee -- yet nothing meaningful happened after we submitted everything. There was also a very strange "visit day" where our child was invited along with a group of babies who were not even old enough to be admitted. It was clear many of those parents were simply trying to get on a waitlist, and the entire event felt disorganized and like a complete waste of time. We were never given any information about next steps, timelines, or what to expect. We had to follow up multiple times just to get basic updates, and only then were we told that we were not being offered a spot. When we asked about the possibility of a waitlist, our inquiry was essentially ignored. To make matters worse, the school recently experienced a cyberattack, which only reinforced our impression that the overall operations and communication practices are not being handled professionally. On a positive note, we have since found a wonderful Montessori‑inspired school that has been everything we hoped for -- warm, organized, communicative, and genuinely invested in the children. The contrast has been night and day, and we are very happy with where we ended up. Based on our experience, I would strongly recommend that families proceed with caution and ask very clear questions before investing time and money into the application process.

Weekly fair on Tuesdays. It starts at 4pm, not sure when it ends. Parking is limited.read more

I'm not happy about the graduation ceremony dress code as I'm sure a lot of students feel that they…read moreshould get to be themselves on the last day that defines their end to childhood and entry into young-adulthood marked by ceremony and walking to accept their diploma is a heavy and weighty feeling. To finally experience a relief of the culmination of their hard work- matching everyone and being so strict about it just defines the Hawaii Public School's under-funding and in my opinion, over exertion of "power." They don't need a strict dress code of matching colors of white and black only! They'll look like a class of waiters or servers. Please fix this. School colors would be okay, or just have a simple dress code of "professional!" Why is that not okay? Side Note: Hawaii schools look like prisons. I implore people to do more for Hawaii Public Schools; redesign, fix, and change is necessary. Take your cues from the schools like Issaqua High School, in Issaquah, WA., Eastlake HS, etc. Not having DECA, choices for lunch, and zero snack machines is crazy!! You can make so much money for the school through programs set up by Coca Cola and Pepsi and there are so many ways to make the school better- plus the office people. Please fix their terrible attitudes and sickening power issues they possess. I've never hated going to a high school office more than yours. Growing up the ladies and gentlemen in the office of a High School were always helpful, caring, inviting, & friendly. It's outrageous to experience this front desk team of mean people. I don't know if it's designed that way but it's wrong on so many levels. I shall digress, back to the main point: Their cap and gown and sashes for upstanding presidents list & 4.0 (4.25 this year) students should be your focus (Cum Laude/Summa Cum Laude, etc.,), are you even doing that? How do parents get so little information from the school? It's about time you people stepped up to the plate and stopped your worry about what's under their cap & gowns and focus on your real problems. I've seen the way some kids are dressed for school in items that leave nothing to the imagination. So why, on this day, are you acting like you have it all together? For show? That's kinda about right, unfortunately. And you put it on the families or the kids can't walk. If other parents watched the video by Mr. Taraoka, he must've threatened detention 25 times or more or telling seniors, "you won't be able to walk!" Totalitarian is the definition I'd use. It's distressing to say the least. The class of 2023 is kind, generous, smart, funny, and skilled. Treat them like the young adults they are and remove the dress code for graduation to "professional," minus the color matching. It's a simple thing, really, and would make the most sense. Mahalo Nui Loa!

This school concession stand for the gym is terrible. The ladies that let you in at the door do NOT…read moreSTOP everyone with food from going in! They have a double standard of letting certain people in with food. I cant believe it! WHY do they food if you cannot eat it in the gym, thats what sells the food! Hello

The Administration (specifically the Principal) cares nothing about the teachers or the students…read more He only protects himself. The Principal is an ineffective, inadequate, impotent and incompetent leader. He has zero communication with the teachers and is biased towards those who kiss up to him. He gives all the advanced courses to teachers who he favors instead of to those who teach with quality and care for students. His skill as as a school administrator is flaccid and his inability to lead and to guide with objectivity is worsening every quarter. He should not be the Principal. He should retire. His lack of leadership is detrimental to the students at this high school. The students who need the most help are being overlooked due to the principal's discrimination against the teachers who are ready and willing to help them. The current Principal at Kalani High is a coward and will not stand up to protect anyone except himself. By his idiotic standards, he should just hire YouTube videos with outdated curriculum because those are the type of "teachers" he favors.

from the review of "AIden W" I remember asking what was wrong. It was because you were moved to…read morewhere my friend and I were. I got in trouble and had to move. I got yelled at for simply asking what's wrong, and after that, I was just talking with my friend, and after a bit, we got yelled at to get our "shit" out of there

As Kaimuki Middle School student, I have noticed that the school only really takes action when…read morecrises really happens even though they were notified countless times of events that could lead up to these crises ahead of time. Some staff don't really care about things that's happening right in front of them. One time someone stole my ID and I had to chase after them everywhere, when that person who took my ID went in the hall a staff member noticed and stopped the chase with a very firm voice. When I tried explaining that the guy stole my ID, the staff member did not care and instead of talking to the guy, he instead put me on a bench and told me to stay there for the rest of the lunch. While the guy who stole my ID only stayed on the bench for a good 5 minutes and walked free. However, some staff do really care for their students and I appreciate that a lot.

I luv my school.Football team is the best in state of Oahu.RR4L.U feel the pride when u come to the…read moregames.Our community back up our football teams %100 and other teams that plays for our school.Different mixed of Polynesians and other cultures that attend this school.So proud to be from this community and went to this school.Hail Kahuku Hail.#GobigRed.

5-21-23 Dance Showcase was held in the upper gym. We left home 2-1/2 hours before showtime and…read morethe parking structure was already so full. We got one small stall on the top level in the sun. Fortunately they had a bake sale plus snack goodies and bottled water that I so desperately needed. Not even June but it's definitely very hot. The gym was packed with guests even sitting on the gym floor on one side of the perimeter. So cute to see the little ones just mastering tumbling to the 3 honored seniors. The instructors were decked with leis. Costumes ranged from ballet tutus, grass skirts, cute activewear, risqué almost bondage type get ups and lots more. Dances included breakdance by a crew which was surprising to see. Of course you come to see your dear to your heart performer but also enjoy many other groups and varied selections. Save the best for last, just like graduation, the flowers, leis, tributes from family and friends.

Excelling in excellence, Iolani Schools has provided a high standard in the state of Hawaii…read more I remember growing up days, the school I wanted to go to the most was Iolani. But being from the typical Chinese family, my mother told me it was more important for the boys to get that "excellent education". Which was indicative of the earlier days where the student population at Iolani seemed to have skewed towards Chinese males. Heck, at one time it was an all male school. Today's student profile boasts both male and female and a broad spectrum of ethnicities. And I am always happy to see my friends' kids attending my brother's alma mater where academics has always excelled. More recently I have enjoyed the numerous musical presentations the talented young men and women of Iolani have been performing. And happy to see them under excellent tutelage of friend Mary Chestnut Hicks and other outstanding talents. Theatre is top grade. Facilities well maintained. Staff are doing such an important and excellent job. Iolani, keep doing what you do in molding and encouraging our young children into outstanding future leaders of our community. You rock!

Okay, first of all, I'm a current student here, and the staff members are HORRIBLE. I'm not even…read morejoking when I say this, one of the staff members literally said, AND I QUOTE "Shut your dumb*ss up" and "Put that Sh*t away" to us for looking at a toy dinosaur (can't even be a 5 year old in middle school during lunch). Besides that this school is relatively decent, but theres still some other people that just are straight up annoying, but there are 3 GREAT teachers who are super fun, which makes the day somewhat better.

The staff at Aliamanu Middle School are warm, inviting, and truly welcoming. Our student was…read moresupported and embraced from day one, which eased the stress of a mid-year military move. We were especially impressed with the school's elective offerings--particularly the innovative drone class. Our interactions with the principal, registrar, and military counselors were particularly positive, professional, and reassuring. I am deeply grateful for the dedicated teachers and staff who create such a caring and supportive environment. I wish this school and its dedicated team continued success

I went to this school from age 3-18. I love this school! The campus is very clean, the teachers are…read morevery kind, attentive, helpful, and wise, and all my classmates were really cool! We did so many amazing field trips, too, like every year we go to Ice Palace and Wet n Wild. In high school, we did four trips, one per each year, three mission trips and one educational trip. All those trips were such great moments to grow close to my friends and see God's creation! KCS is an excellent school.

If your child has any behavioral issues or learning disabilities, they will be treated poorly. KCS…read moreis not equipped to deal with these children and views them more as problems versus wanting to help them. For those who are neurotypical, I am sure this is an okay school.

Le Jardin is the best private school on O'ahu. It is small enough to feel like a close-knit…read morecommunity and large enough to have the resources that students need to remain competitive. The campus is beautiful, the faculty and staff are warm and happy to be there, and the students are overwhelmingly kind. Students study a language from K-12 as part of the curriculum and are immersed in hands-on, experiential learning for throughout the day. Le Jardin is an International Baccalaureate World School that offers not only the IB Diploma Program but also the IB Primary Years Programme and the IB Middle Years Programme for its primary and middle schools. We moved our children here from Mid-Pacific Institute (one of the WORST private schools on the island) and the difference is night and day (they even have 18 more in-school days in a school year!)

This is an EXCEPTIONAL school. It's the ONLY K-12 International Baccalaureate school in the…read morestate. The setting is at the old Kailua drive in site, and it's spectacular. The views are incredible. The staff are great. Helpful and interested in the children's best interest ( as it should be ) and are always available to engage with the parents on their children's education. Although expensive, it's well below Punahou, 'Iolani, and Mid Pac. They do offer financial aid options, yet make sure you apply early because it can take some time to get through the process. Le Jardin does offer athletics as well as a quality education. As a matter of fact, the girl's just won the ILH water polo championship, and the boy's won last year. Le Jardin competes in Water Polo, paddling, swimming, volleyball, basketball, tennis, kayaking and golf. They also compete in the PAC-5 in football, softball, wrestling, baseball and cross country. The gym is fantastic, a tad bit cramped, but very nice indeed. I'm proud to say that my girls will be attending Le Jardin the fall of 2013

I am a former teacher in Hawaii at both private & public schools. I have also worked with students…read moreof all ages that have disabilities. Never in my life have I witnessed such unruly, disrespectful, foul mouthed students as those that attend SEEQS Charter School. Do not send your child here if you care about them.

SEEQS is incredibly successful at helping its students feel happy, safe, and well-integrated into a…read morediverse and active community. If you're looking for a smaller school (150 some kids over the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades) with passionate and kindhearted teachers and staff, this is a good fit for you. Our son has learned so much there in his first two years. He has good friends, and I've also enjoyed getting to know their families. Many of the parents are active in the school, and there are a great many off-campus activities. I like the student-centered focus and the school's collaborative projects-based approach, too.