Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School

I have two children attending PHK. Both teachers we have are very caring. My youngest son really loves his teacher and seems to be really liking school more than he did with preschool. My oldest makes really good grades and wants to learn. I think parents need to take responsibility for their children's education also. We work together on homework daily and make sure to read at home. This school has been very good to both of my kids this year.
—Submitted by a parent

We are a military family. My child attended PHK for 2 yrs (K and 1st grade from 2010-2012). I was never impressed with this school. I checked out nearby private schools because of my dissatisfaction with PHK, but the tuition was more than we could afford. We moved to Virginia Beach, VA overy summer 2012. I had no idea what LOW quality teaching my child was getting at PHK, until my child started public school in VA. My child was student of the quarter at PHK, & got ALL above ave. grades at PHK. I THOUGHT my child was receiving a satisfactory education. I was terribly wrong! Within the 1st 2 wks of school in VA, my child's teacher notified me that my child is reading BELOW grade level & will need extra help. I am grateful for the extra help, but I am SO ANGRY that my child is behind in school and needs to "catch up" because of poor quality teaching at PHK, and I beleive in most public schools in HI. My child tells me regularly how much more she likes school here, & how her teacher is nicer because she doesn't "yell" like her PHK teacher did. The curriculum appears to be the same in both places; but the VA teacher "teaches", & doesn't just drill mindlessly.
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

Extrememly dissapointed in this school. They are so worried about meeting the state standards that they have lost sight of the children. Unprofessional teachers, out of control volunteer system, and low budget gets them poor rating from this parent.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter goes to the special needs PK. She has been in it now for a year. The improvement with her has been wonderful. I can't say enough good things about this school. They are supportive and very helpful. I am glad that my son will be starting kindergarten this year.
—Submitted by a parent

My nephew is a special needs student at Harbor Kai. He loves his teachers and especially his aide they comunicate every day about his behavior and progress. Overall the administration is very supportive and available. I have seen a vast improvement in my nephew's reading ability and behavior.

My family absolutely LOVES this school! My son attends PHK on a GE from another school district. The teachers, staff, and especially the principle are amazing! The teachers are focused on the students and their success. when my son needed extra attention the school stepped in and together we made a plan. Our Principle is always available to anyone who needs her and is often found walking around campus in the mornings as well as afternoons chatting with parents and students. Our PTO is also wonderful! They have raised over 10,000.00 dollars this year and are always availale to help out. I think that this will be our favorite school forever!
—Submitted by a parent

This used to be a great school. However, the current principal has run it into the ground. I would like to know how people (PTO especially) who don't have college degrees can be hired to sub. How can a PCNC and parent volunteers without food service certification cut up fruits in the school kitchen and then serve them to kids? Where's the accountability? Where are the credentials? It seems like this school is all about the money and don't care about the kids. The teachers and support services (especially Speech) are wonderful. It's just that the administration is more interested in spending $16,000 on office furniture than much needed curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

Very pleased with the school. Teachers care and the principal is very involved.
—Submitted by a parent

My child graduated in 2008, and I will be forever grateful to the 6th grade teachers. The rest of the school has serious challenges ahead, because the poor leadership trickles down to create a poor atmosphere. All parents are good for is fundraising, there is no transparency however as to what the money is spent on, it just disappears into a black hole... parents have to supply many school supplies on top of all of the fundraising.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is one of the best in the state!! To have a first son be able to do the kind of math a sixth grader does... Is amazing to me!!! And for all those who think differently , I dare you to send your children to another school...... Seriously! Compared to the others in hawaii Including some other private schools, The teachers here are well trained including the EAs .

Pearl Harbor Kai is one of the best schools that I have seen. The teachers at this school are a group of caring and understanding teachers that show time and patience for their students. My grandchildren love Pearl Harbor Kai and have wonderful memories of the years they have attended and are attending at this school. Having three children and two step daughters, that are grown and doing really well in life, I think the growth of my grandchildren is on the same path. All my grandchildren have gone to Pearl Harbor Kai from kindegarten to sixth grade. The principal and Vice principal should be nonimated for the Principal of the year awards. Thank you for always being there....
—Submitted by a parent