Our Savior Lutheran School

I have had 3 kids at this school for 10 years now and I consider it a solid choice for a great education. They cover all the basics of literature, math, social studies, and invest in an art teacher, choir classes, 2 foreign language classes, beginner and advanced band, as well as a real PE curriculum and after-school sports. As important, they teach and practice Christian values. Plus, they make it fun for the kids with field trips, Lutheran Spirit Week, and Olympics track & field day. It reminds us of school when we were growing up. The teachers care about the kids and the kids are nice to each other. The tuition is low for private schools, so it's a very good value. Regarding the Nov. 12 posting, acceptance to an "elite" private school b/c of being related to a staff or an involved parent is nonsense; my son was accepted to Punahou fm OSLS and no one ever asked us about our involvement. He is doing very well when it comes to academics and computer skills, and so is another student who was accepted last year fm OSLS. In fact, that boy is ahead in math compared to other Punahou kids b/c of the accelerated math program OSLS offers. It's a good school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of two OSLS alumni, I feel the need to share my experience as it sharply conflicts with the Nov. 13th posting. Both my children received a solid education at OSLS, academically and spiritually. The teachers and staff were wonderfully suited to their positions and very supportive of the students and parents. I credit OSLS with providing the foundation that enabled my children to be accepted at the private high school of our choice. Both are doing well and are able to use the knowledge and skills taught at OSLS to their advantage, even getting a waiver from computer class as they could prove they already had the needed skills. Through the OSLS website, you may find SAT scores and where the graduates attend high school after OSLS. The listings go back years, so you get a good picture of the school, past and present. Some families may make the choice not to continue with private schools. This decision can be a financial one, no relation to academics. Classmates of my children attending public schools are doing great, in honors and AP classes. I share this information as the kids actively stay in touch with each other via Facebook, etc. I highly recommend OSLS!
—Submitted by a parent

I was referred to this school but have been very disappointed. Perhaps in the past the school may have been satisfactory, but in the past few years there has been instability in grades 7 and 8. It is shocking that instead of hiring a new teacher the school decided to use the prinicpal to teach 7th grade. This year the computer/Olympics coordinator is the 8th grade teacher. OSLS continues to ride on the reputation that they can get students into the best private schools, but why haven't they shared recent acceptances? OSLS students often end up going to public schools for high school and are average students. The students that do get into private school are usually related to OSLS staff or parents that are connected to the school. If you are looking for a school that is leading edge, innovative or student centered this is NOT the school for you. The technology at the school is at least 5 years behind and the students are not likely to prepare students for the future. Many parents fear that once their child leaves OSLS they will be at a technological deficit. It is a shame that the teaching methods and tools are outdated to the students detriment.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent in all aspects including 1. Academic foundation: teachers work hard with every single child. Creative & challenging homework improves our children extensively. Students engage in spelling bee & geography bee and Lutheran Schools Olympics. 2. Morality: They reinforce children with moral and respect . With Christian based method, teachers and aids are very nurturing, loving, and understanding. Mass held at school held are managed by upper level students. It's priceless. 3. Human resources: the Principle as well as teachers, aids, admin staffs work above and beyond their professions. They demonstrate teamwork, perseverance, intelligence and confidence. 4. Leadership: lower-level students learn to exercise the right to vote and upper level students learn to exercise leadership from student council's election. Parents are 100% involved willingly in the school activities. I am very satisfied with strong 'no bullying policy'. Upper level students demonstrate good manners to lower level fellows. They care for each other like brothers & sisters. As a parent of 2 active boys (who are now well mannered & have good spirits). I definitely recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a current parent with two lower grade students I can attest that my children are receiving a solid academic foundation. My personal experience with the Kindergarten to 3rd grade teachers has been professional and kind. Any questions I have ever had are addressed in a timely fashion. This school is truly a blessing and bargain for the quality education it provides. Both of my children are advanced in reading, writing and math because of the solid academic programs. Aside from pure academics, the children have thrice-weekly music built into the curriculum, along with physical education. There are double recess periods built into the day to allow for energy release. Teachers are not just instructors, they are moral leaders to our children and they always encourage them to make morally sound decisions. As a parent this level of moral reinforcement in the classroom is priceless.
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher, I am both thrilled and blessed to be at Our Savior. It is truly a community school where students, parents, faculty, and staff can really depend on each other for support. It is also a place for individual growth and acceptance. I could not disagree more with comments shared about the principal and 2nd grade environment. Mr. Evensen is a wonderful, caring, and Christian man. He approaches every situation in the spirit of Christian love. He is very approachable, easy to talk to, and non-judgmental. He always encourages the teachers to communicate with parents, keeping in mind that their precious children are at the center. I admire his courage to NOT GIVE IN when parents are being unreasonable and/or expecting the impossible. And this rarely happens. As for 2nd grade, it is a wonderful learning environment that I;'d confidentally recommend to my own family and friends.
—Submitted by a teacher

We are really impressed with this 'little school that could'. They have so many great extra curricular and all school events - including multi-cultural week and an 'all-school' olympics, where multi-grade teams compete in sports events, including sack races, tricycle races, jumping, throwing, running, etc. They learn about team work and good sportsmanship. They are affordable and provide so much opportunity, including student government, sports, band, choir, chess club, drama, and much more. We're happy we made the decision to send our child here.
—Submitted by a parent

My children are challenged. They work hard. They tell stories about character-building directions and counseling provided by the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Our Savior Lutheran School offers a high quality education (many graduates get accepted into one or more of the 'best' high schools on island) with lots of extracurricular activities. They offer a sports program, student council, foreign languages, band, drama, hula, A+ program, swimming lessons, singing programs, choir, and computer technology. Some of the students have won spelling bees, geography bees and the current Miss Hawaii is a graduate. It offers a high quality education at a very competitive price.
—Submitted by a parent

I've taught in lots of schools but this one is the best. No political games. As someone else said, it is like a family. The teachers have their priorities straight and the principal gives everyone a fair hearing - doesn't mean you get what you want - which might explain some complaints.
—Submitted by a teacher

My child is in her/his second year of pre-school at OSLS and loves it. The teachers we have had have been great and the curriculum is age appropriate and challenging. I know my child is getting a great foundation to build upon. The facilities are limited for the upper classes, but the preschool area is ample for the class sizes.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a good small school that could be an excellent one with better leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family has been pleased with the academics of this school but I am highly disappointed in the administration (principal). We have been pleased with the lower elementary teachers but that is in part to their own strengths not any leadership they receive from the principal. Second grade can be a tough year to get through with homework taking in excess of two hours and the strict enforcement of no talking during lunch. This school would not be a good fit for a child that faces any academic challenges....please take the time to visit the classrooms and not base your judgement of the school on the meeting with the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been extremely disappointed in many aspects of this school. The principal is aloof and disconnected and parents with complaints or concerns are told they 'are free to look elsewhere' instead of actually attempting to address the issues. The upper grades are the worst off, with very limited equipment and resources and new teachers each of the last three years in the middle school. The curriulum is challenging, but very rigid, with lots of seat work. This school appears to enforce conformity and passivity above all else. Second Graders were expected to eat their lunches at their desks in complete silence, and the playground is so small that kids are punished for running during recess time. If you are new to Hawaii and considering this school, make sure to meet Mr. Evensen, the principal, take a tour, and ask a lot of questions.
—Submitted by a parent

I am proud to call this school my former school. The academics and athletics are great, the teachers and administrators are the best I have encountered, and because of the small class size you really get to know your fellow students. This school set me up for future success.
—Submitted by a former student

I have been disappointed in many aspects of this school. While the academics are rigorous and challenging, there is a real imbalance in the quality of teachers at the various grades. There is a lot of homework, much of it 'busy work' and very little creativity. The principal is not a strong leader and appears unconcerned about the many families who look elsewhere, rather than have their children attend the upper grades. Before you commit to this school, I strongly recommend a personal visit (with your child, if possible) to see if the atmosphere and school culture feels right to all of you.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is stronger at the lower grades, primarily due to the lack of competent teachersand high turnover at the middle school grades. The principal of the school is ineffectual and I have not seen any real positve actions taken, even when confronted with numerous parent and student complaints. Our Savior is still a good choice and is conveniently located, but do not expect a 'typical' private school experience.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school. GREAT TEACHERS! They have yet to dissapoint me, or my family. A great family enviornment, and I would recommend it to anyone.
—Submitted by a student

This is an excellent school that provides a disciplined yet nurturing environment for your child to grow. I chose this school based on 'word of mouth' from other parents and have not been disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

We have enjoyed the variety of cultures and ethnicities, which has given our children an enriched experience while stationed here with the military. It's great to know they're learning about Jesus in a challenging academic school.
—Submitted by a parent