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GreatSchools Rating

Connections Public Charter School

Charter | K-12 | 362 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted April 15, 2013

I highly recommend this school. I have already had a few of my friends transfer their kids to CPCS. the quality of education is much better than most if not all the regular public school options available in our home community. the extra distance travel wise is well worth it. I have five children attending currently and one coming up in a few years. I only wish I would have enrolled them sooner. the teachers and staff here want to see the children succeed and do well and will go the extra mile to do so. my children have had so many more opportunities while at this school whether its excursions or class room instruction there seem to be more options in a smaller school setting. in a larger school teachers and staff mostly are working for a paycheck but in this school you can truly see that that is not the case. they really want to teach your children and make them successful. my children two of which are special education were denied services numerous times in the larger schools but within weeks of being at connections their learning disabilities were Identified and they are now getting proper services. again highly recommended for anyone wants quality education
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 15, 2012

Ethics violations, Environmental Assessment violations, illegal land clearing Department of Land and Natural resources violations just to name a few things the administration will do to get their way.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 2, 2011

I was a student in this school's high school from 2006 to 2010. The teachers are wonderful for the most part. They understand that seminar-type classes prepare kids for college, and they are usually more than willing to just sit and talk and give advice (as there is no official counselor at this school, which makes college prep time extremely difficult). They hire so many security guards who just sit around all day, but they can't hire a guidance counselor, and that's why so many students who graduate from here don't end up going to college. Administration is a joke - the principal does not care about the welfare of his students so much as giving himself a good public image and spending his workday doing nothing and skipping important appointments. Also note that major policies (like school hours, credits required) are often changed at whim and without notifying those who are affected. This almost cost me my opportunity to graduate and it destroyed me mentally. The classes themselves are great depending on the teacher. Some are so biased that their lectures border on proselytizing, but some make you feel so welcome and almost like family. It's hit or miss, but the hits are amazing.


Posted May 27, 2011

CHILDREN AREN'T SAFE HERE!!!! A disabled student was assaulted 6 months ago and hasn't returned since. He was attacked by a continuously undisciplined 'problem' student, and the administration's top concern has been reputation. They've swept the whole thing under the rug like it never happened, but the parents and students know better. It is very disturbing that these leaders hope to receive funding to operate a boarding school soon.


Posted January 15, 2011

DON'T SEND YOUR KID (S) HERE! FROM A PRINCIPAL THAT ACCUSES A CHILD OF DOING DRUGS WHEN NO DRUGS WERE TAKEN TO A TEACHER THAT HAS PERSONAL FEELINGS OF HATE TOWARDS A CHILD BECAUSE SHE DOES FIND HIM "CUTE" ,THEN TO TELL A CHILD THAT HE HAS GRADUATED THEN FINDS OUT 4 MONTHS LATER( WHEN HE GOES TO PICK UP HIS DIPLOMA) THAT HE HAS NOT GRADUATED--- THIS IS THE WORST PLACE TO SEND THE CHILD YOU LOVE!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 30, 2009

I give this school thumbs up! My oldest just graduated in 2009,and now she's at a university. She has been going to this school off and on since kindergarten. And now my youngest is in her fourth year here. I have always prasied this school for the hands on work. The only thing that I would really like to address the parents is, see where your high school student is acheiving, and not doing so well in, and get the class's your child needs, instead of what he wants. Exspecially if he/she wants to go to college. You have to remember this is a new school, and they are learning as we are :)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 21, 2007

The teachers are great. However, this school year 2007-8, they got a new food service provider. This food service provider meals are not great, the food preparation facilities inadequate - many kids don't eat the food or are bringing in home lunches. Efforts on mitigation have been stonewalled, nepotism has become a method of operation under the guise of we don't have enough money.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 24, 2007

A public school that gives private school results. First graduating class will be 2009 and it will be awsome to see in 4 years their achivements.
—Submitted by Maraia Sanders, a parent


Posted June 1, 2007

The school is wonderful! My son has never been happier! He has been to another charter school before, but it was horrible!This school actually takes time to spend with each child to make sure the are learning to their full potential and more. Next year my daughter will be attending here and she cant wait! The small groups of children are better for both child and teacher that way the child will have more of the one on one and the teacher will be able to check on the progress of the child to see if the child needs more help. This school gets a big A+ from this parent!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 16, 2003

This is simply the best school that I have ever seen in my life! We commute our daughter nearly 100 total miles per day just to attend this school-- that is how good it is. The kids are able to learn at their own rate, not wait for their class to catch up. This allows them to go up grade levels in whatever areas they are able to so they are never stifled or bored being taught something they already know. The math program is accelerated and not the 'traditional' math so my 1st grader is doing pre-algebretic equations! And the kids at any level are doing this. It is like customized classes for you child. The teachers are great and the parents are kept informed about everything. The structure of the classes makes it very inviting for parents to observe or help out at any time. We also really appreciate the disipline of the school. The basic premise is that you are responsible for your own actions and you are to show respect for other people around you. There is no swearing, for example, which is so rampant in too many elementary schools. There is a common misconception that this is a private school and that there are fees to join, but there isn't. This is a public school, so there is no tuition fee for the parents. We are looking forward to our 2nd daughter beginning kindergarten this coming school year. I can't recommend this school highly enough! A+!


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2010.

26 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
50%

2009

 
 
33%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
35%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 70% in 2010.

26 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
74%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
77%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Hawaii used the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math. The HSA is a standards-based test that measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Hawaii. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

See Hawaii's state standards

Source: Hawaii Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2010.

27 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
44%

2009

 
 
14%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
37%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 65% in 2010.

27 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
59%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
70%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Hawaii used the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math. The HSA is a standards-based test that measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Hawaii. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

See Hawaii's state standards

Source: Hawaii Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 49% in 2010.

28 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
32%

2009

 
 
37%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
52%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 65% in 2010.

28 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
57%

2009

 
 
85%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
78%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Hawaii used the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math. The HSA is a standards-based test that measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Hawaii. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

See Hawaii's state standards

Source: Hawaii Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 54% in 2010.

27 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
22%

2009

 
 
42%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
32%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2010.

27 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
65%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
46%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Hawaii used the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math. The HSA is a standards-based test that measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Hawaii. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

See Hawaii's state standards

Source: Hawaii Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2010.

43 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
35%

2009

 
 
41%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
22%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2010.

43 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
72%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
68%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Hawaii used the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math. The HSA is a standards-based test that measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Hawaii. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

See Hawaii's state standards

Source: Hawaii Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 46% in 2010.

39 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
26%

2009

 
 
26%

2008

 
 
7%

2007

 
 
5%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 73% in 2010.

39 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
47%

2008

 
 
64%

2007

 
 
77%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Hawaii used the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math. The HSA is a standards-based test that measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Hawaii. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

See Hawaii's state standards

Source: Hawaii Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 40% in 2010.

28 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
14%

2009

 
 
32%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
21%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2010.

28 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
73%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
74%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Hawaii used the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math. The HSA is a standards-based test that measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Hawaii. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

See Hawaii's state standards

Source: Hawaii Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Asian/Pacific Islander 49% 73%
White 38% 19%
Hispanic 8% 5%
American Indian/Alaska Native 3% 1%
Black 2% 2%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 62%N/A42%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Oops! We currently do not have any teacher information for this school. We rely on the state Department of Education, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and in some cases school administrators such as registrars and principals for this data.

What makes a great teacher? Study after study shows the single most important factor determining the quality of the education a child receives is the quality of his teacher. Here are some characteristics to look for »
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

174 Kamehameha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-3664

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