St. Andrews Priory School

My daughter is a recent graduate who has gone on to a highly selective private college on the East Coast--she is thriving and doing extraordinarily well...and it is because the Priory prepared her for the challenges that awaited her in college. They say it takes a village, and at the Priory, the teachers take a personal interest in each student--that is one of the added values of a small, private, all-girls education. While tuition is a challenge, it's one of the most important investments we can make as parents--and the education these young women receive at St. Andrew's Priory is priceless.
--Submitted by a parent

Solid is the word I use to describe the Priory. My daughter has been in the lower school for 4 years and she has learned and grown so much in that time. I credit her teachers who have been dedicated, attentive, responsive, and supportive, and the small class size (about 13). The small size of the school means that my daughter knows a number of girls in the upper school who have been excellent role models. One thing to consider is that the students are smart and motivated and the curriculum is challenging, so it may not be a good fit for everyone. Students can take classes at the neighboring Queen Emma Ballet or Drill Team Hawaii. Priory is the only girls' school with an orchestra and all of the girls go on to college. I am puzzled by the negative reviews of some recent graduates, especially since the ones I know had a positive experience at Priory. At the same time I likely would have written the same types of things in the years after I graduated from another private Hawaii high school years ago. It is only with the benefit of time and hindsight that I appreciate the experience.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a recent graduate of the Priory and it has been the most unbearable experience of my life. I am going off to college, but I know that I won't have any Priory friends to hang out/reunite with next summer. Yes, this school is good academically, but its at the cost of a social life. At the Priory, we are put in a situation where we don't have the option of choosing our friends; we are forced to hang out with the girls in our class. Most teachers are unprofessional and passive aggressive. I was humiliated and singled out in one of our class meetings by an advisor. DON'T SEND YOUR DAUGHTER HERE! It's a punishment to attend this school. Of course most parents will write wonderful reviews, but they don't know what its like to attend this school today. When I was in 2nd grade (10 years ago), I remember feeling a loving atmosphere. As the years passed, this atmosphere has vanished and has been replaced by something very different. Maybe it's just me, but I honestly hate this school and wish I could have memorable high school years. Also, the electives suck! There aren't that many to choose from and most end up being cut since not enough students sign up for it.

As much as we complained while going to the Priory, it has really made us all into fantastic women. Priory has truly empowered us and prepared us for the real world and collegiate life. I know I was able to grow into a woman who is not afraid to have her own opinions and to speak out for things I am passionate about. Priory truly has given me my best friends, friends I know I will be connected with for the rest of my life. These girls have been alongside me through think and thin; they are the girls who are going to be standing alongside me at me wedding, at my bedside when I give birth, and supportive no matter what. I cannot express in words how much Priory has shaped my life. Looking back at my time there I am truly happy that my parents chose Priory for me; I loved it there.

The Priory is the best all girls school in the state. My daughter entered as a shy, insecure young girl in the 7th grade and just graduated as a mature, articulate, intelligent and socially responsible young lady. Academics is very challenging and she had to work hard to keep up with her peers, but she did with the help of wonderful faculty and administration. I am very grateful to the Priory and firmly believe the small class size and an all-girls environment allowed my daughter to thrive. She gained confidence, found her passion and is looking forward to pursuing her dreams! Thank you, thank you, thank you to the Priory, it's faculty and administration for believing in each student, challenging the students to be the best they can be, encouraging them to reach for the stars, dream big dreams and giving them the skills to achieve anything!
--Submitted by a parent

St. Andrew's Priory is one of the very best private schools in the nation, and certainly the best all-girls school in the state of Hawaii. Our daughter is a recent graduate who has continued to excel and thrive in the competitive college environment. We truly believe that it is because of the Priory's outstanding academic program, nurturing teachers and environment that our daughter is so well-adjusted and successful.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is graduating in a few days, finishing many outstanding years at this wonderful school. Her teachers have been so caring and encouraging; they have challenged her to do her best. We are so very proud of our daughter, she has become an amazing and confident young woman. Sending our daughter to the Priory was the best decision we ever made for her.
--Submitted by a parent

As a graduate of St. Andrew's Priory, I can honestly say that it is a wonderful school and one of the best decisions my mother ever made for me. I attended Priory from 9th through 12th grade and it helped me to become the person that I am today. Priory teachers push you really hard, but they genuinely want you to do well. They care about you as a person and are there to support you in all areas of your life. It is a small school, which is more like a family that will be there for you. I have life long Priory sisters that are still there for me even though we have graduated. Attending the Priory, gives you the freedom and support to become the best version of yourself possible. You will work and study hard, but when you get to college you will know that it was all worth it - Priory prepares you well!

I am a student who regrets each day I spent in this school. I was forced by my mother who thought I would be distracted by guys and ended up having a horrible experience in high school. In this school, you are treated 'guilty' before they find out more information about what you did. You are never asked if you did something. They always assume you did and punish you before they even find out if it's your fault. I obviously know this from experience. I did something inappropriate and got a yelling before I could defend myself, explain the circumstances, and even before they had enough evidence. And if you are proven 'innocent', which almost never happens because you get punished right then and there without explaining, their reaction is "oh...". (where's my apology??) They also don't seem to care about singling out certain people and playing favorites. The teachers also act very immaturely and talk back to the students and get in childish arguments. I hope you don't make the mistake of sending your daughter to this school.

I attended this school for many years. If you are not a conforming student who puts on a fake act to please the teachers and admin, you will be openly disfavored. The education is more than great at the sacrifice of a normal social life and friends. I graduated this school with no friends, but with many genuine, individual, outgoing, outside of school friends. The teachers publicly humiliate students they do not like, and sometimes gang up together. They do not play fair and act childish. Tuition is high, but what you do not know is students must buy their own textbooks, uniforms, and fundraise like crazy. If fundraising isn't enough, which it won't be in most cases, students pay from their own pocket.