Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School

This school is awful. My child only attended a single semester at this school and when they re-zoned I was thrilled. I was given an out for my child without having to apply for a GE. The teacher my child had was devoid of any nurturing instinct and repeatedly yelled during instruction. My child completely regressed after entering this school. Since the new year, and new school has come, we are finally excited about school again.
--Submitted by a parent

Reading the latest comments about this school does not do this school justice. Personally I think those rude comments are written by a few who just want to make waves. If you have any issues or problems with any school you need to bring it to their attention so improvements can happen. If you only grumble, you cannot help the situation for your child. Isn't the bottom line your child? It is for me. I get involved and attend Coffee Hours when I can, communicate often and clearly with my teachers and ask even the "silliest" questions for clarification. Every school will have their stumbling blocks and adjustments when there is new administration. Having the vice principal step up to be the principal provides some continuity to the school and my understanding is that the temporary vice principal step forward to help because no one else did. This school shows commitment to the children and I support them 100%. Like I mentioned earlier, get involved with your child's education so you too can understand the school system in Hawaii. It isn't as bad as our friends tell us before we get to Hawaii. They actually do care!
--Submitted by a parent

I had a child in Kindergarten at PHK during 2010-11 year. My child learned allot, but by Jan, he didn't like going to school anymore because of all of 'the work'. He is a smart kid, but seemed bored. They seemed to do allot of busy work (coloring and repetitious workbook sheets). There also seemed to be a ridiculous amount of repetitive homework for this age. I know the teacher cared about my child. However, I was not thrilled with the teachers, or new principal. Even though most people in my neighborhood love PHK, I think it was just O.K. I may send my child to Nimitz this year, or do Private School (NHKS). My child went to summer school at Navy Hale Keike and LOVED it!!! It was such a better experience for him in sooo many ways...also allot more money too unfortunately.
--Submitted by a parent

If I could give a negative rating, I would! Everything about this school is awful!!!! Be prepared to work with not only incompetent, unqualified (meaning teachers "teaching" without so much as an Associates degree!) and flat out rude people (VICE PRINCIPAL & SECRETARIES!). This new principal does not know what he is doing, nor does he know how to resolve any legitimate complaint made by a parent. Mainland military families be prepared for an outrageous amount of fundraisers and an insanely long school supply list! Yeah, the uniforms are a plus, but do yourself a favor and avoid this train wreck of a school!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Love this school!!! My son has been going here for 3 years and was so happy to find out my daughter will be here for kindergarten next semester. The teachers are caring and great. Office staff is outstanding. Principal is doing a great job and always has time to talk to parents. Communication between school and parents is top notch!!
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest graduated in 2008 and now we are looking at Kindergarten. I just read the rating and it went down to a #6 from when we left in 2008 I think it was a #8 or 9. I see that the 6th graders performance took a nose dive as well with the new leadership. I do recall that the current principal was the assistant back then, and a really pleasant person. The current assistant principal was some sort of clerk in the front office back in 2008 and as I recall caused a lot of stress where ever she appeared, so reading one parents comment on the stressed teachers, i can relate. I think we are going to use a GE and try Moanalua Elementary another school in the military complex area. Good luck to this school, I hope they catch themselves before it gets worse. To be fair, a school is always just as good as the community makes it.
--Submitted by a parent

I LOVE THESE SCHOOL FOR THE CARING TEACHERS! THEY INVOLVE THE PARENTS. WE HAD AN ISSUE WITH ANOTHER STUDENT & PARENTS, THEY WORKED HARD TO RESOLVE IT.
--Submitted by a parent

this school is horrible the bathrooms are unsanitary with no soap and paper towels the principal is extremely rude and disrespectful he doesn't like returning phone call i can wait to leave this area
--Submitted by a parent

We have had our kids at PHK for about 2 months. My son is autistic, and I have to say they have been really good about finding what environments work best for him, and truly seem like they 'like' him, and enjoy him being in class, even if he is a challenge. I am not thrilled at the recent choice to cut school days for the budget via furlough days. However, PHK seems like they are trying to adjust so the kids are not negatively affected by the states choices.
--Submitted by a parent

We've been at PHK for 4 years now as GE's. This is THE elementary school in the area to send your kids to. They are a National Blue Ribbon school, Hawaii Distinguished School and accreditted by WASC, something MOST of the other elementaries in the state can't stay. The principal is very invovled and caring, the PCNC is fantastic and the staff and teachers all care.
--Submitted by a parent