Manoa Elementary School

I have heard that the principal is a horrible person and not even former teachers are welcomed or would want to help because of her. I am a parent of a third grader and being a teacher as well, I am happy with all of his teachers. They are welcoming and very dedicated to helping the kids. The principal though is very spiteful and unsupportive, and I hear most of the teachers there are most unhappy and feel unappreciated. I was told that the principal even pushed out the best music teacher in the state. I wish principals were audited by parents, teachers, students, and then the district superintendents.
—Submitted by a parent

After reading some of the reviews, I curious why "administration" is not so great. We should be asking the unions who are depriving our children from their education why they did not ask teachers & the administration if they would rather take a paycut & continue teaching vs. furloughs. The administration has to deal with so many unions - HSTA, UPW, HGEA, etc. Each with their own contacts & stipulations. Did we ever wonder why cafeteria workers work in summer when school is not in session? This is not to say one person is no more or less important another. We should appreciate the fact Manoa Teachers, Administration & Staff accomplish so much in what little time & resources they have. Ranked #4 over all schools in HI (Honolulu Magazine) & #2 in reading AND math scores too! We as parents should be proud & fortunate our children attend Manoa.
—Submitted by a parent

The students are good. The parents are good. The school needs a new leadership: My son had a great teacher, but the administration (=principal) is not so great (well, far from great!). Schools should be student-centered. It's so sad to see our educational system allows those people to just sit there and collect money. We need real educators who care about our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Show me another public school with a super-awesome community garden! Manoa Rocks!

This school may get high test scores, and we heard this school was strict, but we didn't know how extreme the strictness was until school began. On the first day of school, parents were shoo'd away before school started without the ability to go into the class room, check it out, and help our students get settled in. They require as a school policy all kids to put their heads down when they are done with lunch, and no one leaves their class' table until everyone's head is down. And they only have 3 things for 3rd graders to play, tether ball, 4 square, and jump rope -- that's all, nothing else is allowed. I can understand having a proactive approach for discipline, but they make school all work and no fun, and thus learning not fun. Not a good way to promote a life-long love of learning!
—Submitted by a parent

Manoa is a cute charming school. As far as public schools it may be one of the best. However, pare it with private school and you will be greatly dissapointed. public school is based on meeting minimum requirements. They have to to meet all the kids with problems that are mixed in every class. Private schools usually have a maximum standard approach in which students strive. Manoa has wonderful teachers and staff but can't overlook the old school mentality and budget cuts. Your child will need a tutor to be on pare with private school kids, its a fact! unless rare few that are a grade level ahead. Good for 1-3 grades then program gets large class size, unsuitable for the needs of bulk of class. Administration is nice but does not seem to be realistic about whats going on in the classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

Manoa School students rank near the top of public schools when it comes to Hawai'i State Assessment test scores. Last year, their 3rd graders scored the highest in the State. Of course it's not just about test scores. Being that Manoa Valley District Park is located next to the school, Manoa students have access to great recreational facilities which include 2 gymnasiums, tennis courts as well as swimming pools. Students enrolled in the A+ after school program receive good direction from leaders, most of whom are UH students. As far as music and art, Manoa School puts on one of the best May Day celebrations I've seen. The campus is always beautiful and green. Overall a good place for our keiki to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Manoa School from K- 3 , leaving in the fall of 06'. Kindergarten was a huge dissapointment. Mostly due to the teacher having 19 children with no aid. Some kids were not ready for school and other were ready for first grade. The teacher could not possibly help all. Very neutral beginning. First and second grade were great. Third grade became an issue due to the fact that the class isze becomes around 28. The school shifts from 4 classes to 3 in 3rd grade. If you have no ADD/ needy kids this might be okay. However, class was comprised of at least 6 loud needy kids. The bright ones were not stimulated. The middle ones largely quieted . The standards based education took up lots of unneccessary time. Truth be told that the education here really does need to be supplemented. Your child may need tutors.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter entered kindergarten this year. We have been so happy at Manoa Elementary. I am a teacher myself and was very impressed with what I saw in the classroom on the two occasions where I volunteered there. We've been very pleased with our daughter's academic progress.
—Submitted by a parent

There is light at the end of the tunnel. We have a new Principal, active APT & SCC. I think the future is as bright as the students! Most teachers seem very happy to include the parents input. I agree that past leadership was week, but that was the past.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is excelling at Manoa. He is in a gifted and talented program for math. He runs to school from the parking lot as he has many friends and his teachers every year so far have been great. Last year was the 150th anniversary of the school which was very special, but every year there is Tiger Trek which the kids love. The school test scores speak for themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

Manoa School is a very good school in all aspects. From teachers, to safety on grounds, to after school care. All are definitely a plus. Our child comes from a private St. Patrick School in Kaimuki and has always excelled in school. To the parent/guardian in November 2004 who wrote on a 'closed system' for school...you cannot even imagine what that definition could mean. Manoa School has treated our child very well in all aspects and if the person of November 2004 ever enrolls their child at St. Patrick's...good luck. Only then will you figure out what 'closed system' about a school could possibly mean.
—Submitted by a parent

State of Hi does not support education. All talk. Not much changed in the 30 yrs since I attended Manoa. Now my child faces the same. Principal is a don't rock the boat type, hence the teachers are hesitant to go
—Submitted by hoping for the best, a parent

Manoa School offers nice school grounds (its a rather large school), a new gym, clean buildings, and a well-appointed library. Yet, it is not offering innovative teaching modalities. It is a traditional, low performing school. The principal is unwilling or unable to utilize current research to help teachers and students achieve better outcomes. The school does not seem to be a joyful place. The teachers have the mentality that they are filling up your students minds. Some teachers do not create an atmosphere and love of life-long learning. It is very sad that Manoa School, the DOE, and the state for that matter don t step up to the plate to offer a top quality education for students. It isn't money. The school is fairly affluent. It's attitude. If you can't afford private schools in Hawaii, you might consider homeschooling or the charter schools. The quality of teachers ranges from A toD.
—Submitted by a parent

Manoa School is a very closed system. If you are looking for a middle of the road, safe school, this might meet your needs. If however you are hoping for a school where your child can excel and will be nurtured in a rich academic environment, you will be greatly disappointed by your experience with Manoa School. The school does not seek parent involvement. You can not see your child during the school day for lunch or for any other purpose. I can't stress enough how closed of a system it is. There is no gifted program or accommodations made for high achieving students. Thus, high achievers are bored. The school did not meet are needs we left after one disappointing year. It is unfortunate because the school is located on a spectacular, safe campus but the substance is not there and is not likely to come with the current leadership.
—Submitted by a parent