Niu Valley Middle School

My son is attending this school this 2012-13 year. He has special education (SPED) classes but is too excelled for them. We moved him into general ed classes but the teachers are too busy to help him and would rather help their more independent "smarter" students. So, he was forced back into SPED just to get the attention and time he needs to pass his class even if the content was far too easy. At one point, he was teaching one of his SPED classes because he already knew the content so well! He just needed more time. There is no transitional classes and no protection for students wanting to get out of SPED to more challenging classes. The tenured teachers ganged up on him last year and forced him back into SPED again because they felt he was too distracted. He wanted preferential seating in those classes and was not allowed. This same thing has happened this year and I am ready to pull him out of this school. These tenured teachers tend to be bullies and are not reprimanded by administration for their despicable and truly sad behavior. If you care about your developmentally delayed child, don't put them in this school!
—Submitted by a parent

So far so good.... My son is finishing 6th grade and I am very happy with this school. Teachers on his team are outstanding!! I am very involved and attended orientation prior to arrival to 6th grade. They extensively review rules and dress code at orientation so we had no surprises. I would encourage all to GET involved!! Also make sure you READ the parent handbook. It is very helpful.
—Submitted by a teacher

Front desk "thought I was a middle schooler" and ignored me for the first 20 min. I stood there while they gossiped about another student's personal business- they failed to mention no peanut butter allowed at school, so my daughter's sandwich at lunch had to be thrown away. You know- that's taking things too far! My daughter is allergic to milk, but I allow the rest of the school to have milk products! Peanut butter is healthy and should be allowed-if someone is allergic to it, they shouldn't eat my daughters lunch! PG-13 movies being played without my consent in class! I thought kids go to school to learn academics, I will teach them the other things thank you!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been pleased with the education at Niu Valley so far. Their music program is challenging and accomplished. The prinicipal is on top of things and my child likes the teachers. There are quite a few activities to get involved in afterschool. I am glad we tried public middle before paying for private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school my child learns alot from this school
—Submitted by a parent

It's a small school with a big heart!
—Submitted by a teacher

The teachers are caring and fun.
—Submitted by a parent

we value the characteristics of - risk taking and caring, in addition to the commonly expected values of respect, critical thinking etc.
—Submitted by a parent

It has a great International Baccalaureate program with enthusiastic teachers/administrators.
—Submitted by a parent

A great school! In the process of being accredited as an International Baccalaureate School, and an academics-emphasizing, nurturing, learning environment!
—Submitted by a parent

Being a Hawaii public school it is above average but overall it's lacking in many departments namely being skilled teachers. In the 8th grade I can say that the good core teachers consist of Clyde Kobashigawa- Science, and Erin Noordhoff-English.
—Submitted by a student

to much teasing and bullying you dont always feel safe...but good academics
—Submitted by a student

it was ok but they couldve increased the pe program but the teachers were great.
—Submitted by a student

The teachers are dedicated to their craft! The curriculum is challenging yet still age appropriate. I only wish there were more parents who participated in school events.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that this school is awesome.
—Submitted by a student

This is an outstanding school, my two sons study there. I am very thankful to the teachers and staff members of that school
—Submitted by a parent