Admiral Arthur W Radford High School

I'm just a Freshmen at this school and in my opinion, Radford's quality depends on how you see it. This year, I happen to get most of the best teachers I could possibly have. I really appreciate how diverse the ethnicities are here. I'm quite dissappointed with some the regular core classes because some teachers can't discipline the students well. On the other side, Honors or G/T classes greatly changes how much I learn because of the decent teachers and I'm fotunate for that. That's how I see Radford as I deeply carve myself in to see Radford's real nature. Even some electives dramatically changes your experience at this school. I took Band and I'm really getting disciplined appropriately. Radford is a decent school and is getting better.
--Submitted by a student

I graduated radford a few years ago and am now in medical school in Philadelphia (Jefferson). I can tell you that the most important thing to choosing a school is how well you as a parent emphasize utilizing high school to prep for college. Looking back I can say that there were some teachers who inspired me and some didn't. But overall I took advantage of what the school offered. Why? because of my upbringing. If you are a military parent, you must also realize that some people in the island have some tension against military people. Some students due to the 'local' upbringing in which their parents or parents parents were exposed to racial or ethnic discrimination. But not Radford. Radford is probably the most diverse public school in Hawaii. Also enroll you children in honors and AP classes that helped

Honestly, Radford is just an okay school, there is no way it can be labeled as the best, but it does provide the most suitable environment for the military student. I have met with the principal on several occasions and he does what he can for the students. The teachers are not top notch quality, though there are a good handful, but they, too, are decent. There are many extracurricular activities, and new one's are always welcomed as long as they are appropriate. However we could use more parent involvement. Safety is important and well cared for, while discipline is a third of what can be called the school's mantra: Discipline, Respect, and Responsibility. Overall, it is a 3, because it has its strengths and weaknesses. Honestly, its the students that make the school. Also, the band is not where it could and should be, because the closeness of Moanolua HS.
--Submitted by a student

I am a proud graduate of Radford and would like to report that I, and my 5 closest friends, are all very successful in our post Radford schooling. I will admit that not all of my teachers were enthusiastic about their work, but that can be encountered anywhere. I graduated 6th in the class and now attend a highly accredited Private University (Union) Radford is what the student makes of it, you can slack your way into graduation, or try hard and excel.
--Submitted by a former student

Like a couple of others I had, and still have, many great memories of Radford. I was given the opportunity to learn as much or as little as I wanted and fortunately for my parents, teachers, coaches and administrative staff I have succeeded in everything I try.
--Submitted by a former student

i feel that as a current student at this school..it is a good school...good athletics, good teachers....just because a school looks nice doesnt mean nothing....it depends on the child, and this is a good school. Mainland education is better, but Radford is a good school, no matter how much mess ppl may talk about it, were still a agood school, and if your child isnt succeeding, then maybe your doing something wrong....its all up to the child whether he/she wants a agood education or not...regardless what school he/she goes to.
--Submitted by a student

I attended Radford High for the first two years of my high school career. Belonging to a military family, I transferred to a school in the mainland and found that I was lacking knowledge in basic subjects and therefore, I could not move on in my education until I had repeated those basic courses. However, I do have to say that the athletics and extra-curricular activities were enjoyable and well-organized.
--Submitted by a former student

Great school, there is an ohana feel to it. The music program has improved so much and is continue to be built up strongly. Every area of the school has been improving greatly under the leadership of robert stevens.
--Submitted by a parent

Many classes are available, although the quality of instruction has left something to be desired. Rare homework assignments, low expectations. I have had two children in this school. My last only for freshman year. He has been pulled to go to private school. I don't feel confident this school can adequately prepare him to college and beyond.
--Submitted by a parent

Two generations of my family have gone to Radford. Because we are a military family, my sons have attended mainland schools as well. The person who stated (Feb 2005) that Radford is considered the best school on the island is repeating military chatter. I've lived in Hawaii most of the past 30 years and can say that several schools have better reputations (McKinley, Moanalua etc.). Often mainland newcomers consider Radford the 'best' because it has the highest percentage of mainland students. Radford's buildings are becoming quite run down. Like any other school, some teachers are dedicated and others can't wait to retire, and it shows. My children felt much more safe at Radford than at schools in Virginia and California. Overall, Radford is average.
--Submitted by a parent