Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School

This public school is better than the private schools in Hilo. It is a beautiful place, surrounded by gardens. There is still an appreciation for authentic understanding of knowledge and that beats the drill and kill trap of the high stakes testing we are confronted with in public schools. There is a gentle atmosphere of respect and pride that I feel my daughter will benefit from. I wish all the schools here were like EB deSilva-
--Submitted by a parent

EB de Silva is a great school to send your children to. It is in a nice quiet neighborhood and the staff is great. I was a student at De Silva many years ago and now I have a 6th grader there. Through out the years the school has remained one of the best on the island. I wouldn't think of sending my child anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately EB deSilva is increasingly succumbing to the pressures of NCLB and the pressures to exceed standardized test scores. (Because it is in a relatively affluent area, with a high percentage of supportive parents, deSilva's scores continue to be one of the highest in the State.) The pressure to excel on the tests are taking over the school's integrity and the well-being of the students overall. The rift between doing what is best for the child versus what is best for good test scores has resulted in an almost-sweeping loss of deSilva's best teachers. Many parents want change but change will not come easily with our current system and teachers who resist. On a positive note, thanks to a wonderful PCNC, the arts and sciences have been reintroduced at deSilva as part of an after school 'EdVenture' program. It's a small (but important) step to a big problem.
--Submitted by a parent

E.B. deSilva is the best! Both my children went to this school K-6 grade. One child, a hard working over achiever and one with several learning disabilities. Both came out with high self esteem and a yearning for learning. Although the schools has seen several principals in the past 10 years; the teachers deserve credit for sticking to their principles and treating each child's education with respect and dignity. The school is small in size which allows everyone to be like a family but enough room to be different. Parent involvment is the very high which also keeps everyone on their toes. Hawaii state should be proud of a school such as this.
--Submitted by a parent

Having recently relocated from the Mainland, we have been very pleased with the quality in acdemic programming at DeSilva. We have been particulary pleased with the teacher and staff commitment to every child's education and the students enthusiasm for learning. The students are encouraged to be very involved in the community, the hands-on educational opportunities outside of the classroom support their understanding of our world and inspire a sense of global citizenship. The parents, staff and teachers work hard to be a supportive team for every child.
--Submitted by Brenda Olcott, a parent

My 4th and 5th grader started at DeSilva school after I applied for a geographic exemption. They were welcomed with open arms by the teachers and students. The environment on campus is wonderful. Respect is demanded and expectations are high. I feel that the teachers give more than 100 percent. They are enthusiastic and genuine. They work with the 'whole' child, making them responsible for their own actions. My son told me that he liked his teacher because she is strict but they also have a lot of fun in class. This shows me how much it means to my kids that the teacher have classroom control. They are now in a learning environment where they continue to blossom. Our family is truly grateful to have such a wonderful school available. Good schools really make a difference in a childs life!