Lt Col Horrace Meek Hickam Elementary School

My son went to Hickam Elementary K-2nd grades(2004-2007). He had the most wonderful teachers each year. We moved into one of the top schools in Kettering, OH and my son was more than prepared for the mainland school. Parents count your blessing that your child is being educated at HES.
—Submitted by a parent

This School was wonderful for First and Second Grades. Third grade seemed to focus on the Standerized Testing and not actual learning. Parent envolvement is awesome. The AC's are nice. However the classrooms are overcrowded and very dark since there are no actual glass windows.
—Submitted by a parent

School did not provide resources to meet IEP goals and then took credit for any progress without acknowledging parent's extensive after-school efforts and investments. If not for my son's 5th grade teacher's exceptional efforts, I would've only given this school 1 star!
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that this is an awesome school. This school ha[s] air conditioning now - by the way, the students, parents, & teachers worked really hard for it. While other schools in the state are struggling with outdated books and materials, high teacher turnover, and failing test scores, HES families have the biggest frustration with air-conditioning (few schools have it). Parent involvement is huge in this school The staff is very strong - the test scores are far higher than most schools in the state. The kids actually love their school!
—Submitted by a parent

The school is nice due to location and now that my children all have ac they seem to be coping better. If you have children who have LD or ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD), this school is very difficult to deal with. It is very time consuming and stressful to deal with the special education department. Overall, most teachers I have experince with are nice but the school does seem to be more focused on recess, child lunchroom labor and waiver days. Also, lots of homework. If you can, homeschool, but if you can't just stay really involved.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Hickam kidergarten through second grade. He had wonderful teachers and excelled in all subject. We are leaving the area this summer and my son is leaving with a positive attitude towards learning and respect for teachers. Hickam needs a principal and vice principal that have an interest in students. Parents participation is great and really encouraged. Overall this is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school does a good job of organizing and managing behavior for over 800 students, but the curriculum is lacking, especially in Math, where I'm schooling my son over the summer to catch up to skills the Scholastic workbook says he should know. I'm not really satisfied about the level of feedback from the teacher - not enough of work went home on a timely basis to really know how my son was doing. It is for these reasons, and my son's desire to homeschool that we will be doing 3rd grade at home next year. I can't really rate the principal leadership since I've never met him and have only seen him around the campus about two times in the year we were there.
—Submitted by a parent

If your child has ADD or ADHD, do not send your child here. While the counsellors are ok, the teachers and school leadership does not seem to really care about developing my child. I've been disappointed year after year with Hickam Elementary School's ability to cope with my childs mild condition. My other child is doing ok, but I'm not sure either child will be able to keep up with curriculum once we have to move. Hickam does two things well. Field Trips and music program. While I appreciate the effort in these areas, I would also appreciate teachers not placing so much emphasis on a school musical and more emphasis on math, reading, science, social studies. This leadership at the school also pushes a lot of Chinese and Hawaiian heritage, but not much American history.
—Submitted by a parent

For the most part we have enjoyed Hickam. I believe the overall success of Hickam is due to the many wonderful and caring teachers, the PTO, PCNC, and to all the parent volunteers. I feel that the principal, Mr. Okino is absent minded when it come to his role as a principle. I feel that he needs to listen more to the parents as well as staff when problems are brought to his attention. In my eyes he makes no real attempt to get to know his parents or students and that if it were not for the dedication of so many others, Hickam Elementary School would not have such a high approval rating with parents. As far as extracurricular activities, there could be more, but not being a DOD school, resources are limited, which is a shame.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my kids attend Hickam right now. Son is in preschool and daughter is in 6th grade. All teachers have been wonderful and they've gotten a great education so far. But, I think it helps that I as a parent participate alot with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Hickam for two years now. They both have had exceptional teachers. By the end of the school year all classrooms will be air-conditioned, while most Hawaiian schools are not. Each class has two class parents and most have multiple volunteers for parties, tutoring, Xeroxing, etc. It is wonderful! In addition, the PTO is very active and really supports multiple activities. My kids love it here. On the downside, I am not happy with the new statewide grading system. I do not believe in it..it is too subjective. As well, the school does need more playground equipment. All in all, no need to homeschool in my opinion.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, the school is old. The 06-07 PTO has put ALL their focus on air conditioning the school with noisy window units. I think the current PTO has lost focus and needs to support more than just a/c. Mr. Okino needs to stand behind his teachers and staff and make things better for the children at Hickam.
—Submitted by a parent

We are proud Hawaiian people our buildings here in Hawaii are old. Why? Because they are historical. As for Hickam it is a great school. Our girls have done awesome and with one having a handicap they do great working with her. Our schools are great and any help from parents is always appreciated. MAHALO and Aloha
—Submitted by a parent

True the school is one of the better public schools on Oahu but if you expect your child to be prepared for school on a regular curriculum like it is done on the mainland you will be in for a huge disappointment. There are just too few teachers with the true motivation it takes to teach especially with overly crowded, hot classrooms. The school is what it is because of the parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Hickam is an old school, that is a fact. The classrooms were just renovated this year and they look nice. The teachers my children have had over the years have been great. I feel my children will be prepared for the next grade level when we leave Hawaii. Not many rooms have air conditioning, but the children adapt well. Like the fact that the children wear uniforms. Lots of parent involvement. We were told we may not want to take an assignment in Hawaii because of the schools. I am glad we didn't listen. Hickam is a great school..even without a/c
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended HES for two years now and is doing very well (Student of the Qtr both years). I thank both of her teachers for her success, but I also feel that we (her parents) have contributed equally. We talk with her about her day and make sure that her homework is the first thing done after school. We also introduce her to additional school work type activities to increase her awareness and pique her interest. Yes, I agree that HES is old and in desparate repair, but go for a ride around Oahu and check out some of the other schools. Is that a good excuse, No, but it is a fact. The condition of the school should have little bearing on how well your child performs at school.
—Submitted by a parent

Decent school. The four teachers my children have had were great. Needs more air conditioned class rooms.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, great gifted program. This is a top public elementary school. My son went on to Punahou (the top private school) and was well prepared.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, gifted program is the best.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so disappointed. Great student base, too bad it's packed into old, hot classrooms and taught by teachers unwilling to teach all the core subjects. Second grade is the exception. I am now homeschooling.
—Submitted by a teacher