Navy Hale Keiki School

My son has attended NHKS for kindergarten and is now enrolled in 1st grade. I cannot say enough good things about the staff or curriculum. My son is doing so much more than I expected for his grade level. The teachers and other staff are very supportive of the students. The school is small enough that all of the staff know my son by name. And there are many activities the kids get involved in that help foster caring for the community, respect for others, and self-confidence. I am so happy we decided to send him to this school. My only complaint is that I can't take the school with us once we leave Oahu!
--Submitted by a parent

My kids went to NHKS for two years each. Pre -K and K, and 1st and 2nd grade. I was so discouraged with the quality of education my oldest was getting in the public school, that I sent both to NHKS the second year we were in Hawaii. I can't tell you how happy I was from day one. Both years my kids thrived. You can't ask for better teachers who love each student for who they are and find what motivates them as individuals. I thought I loved the school while we were there, but now that I have PCS'd and we are in a top notch school district outside of Boston...I am amazed at how wonderful the school really is. Both of my kids have been repeating the same curriculum that they had last year at NHKS in the previous grade! The thing I love the most, is that at NHKS, when my kids finished a project, the teachers would say great job, now lets see if you can do this. Here at the 10 out of 10 school...the teachers say, great job, you are all done! Thank you NHKS.
--Submitted by a parent

my daughter has attended NHKS for pre-k and now kindergarten. The school has been the most redeeming thing about being stationed here in Hawaii. It was hard to find a private school that was not slanted toward religion. Instead the school focuses on teaching core values of respect, honesty and being an all round good patriotic citizen. The education has been top notch. My daughter is already reading at a 1st grade level and it isn't even halfway through the kindergarten year. Mrs kamoda is an excellent pre-k teacher and Mrs. Smith equally as great kindergarten teacher. The only and I mean ONLY issue I have with this school is the parking. There is only 5 places in front. I like to walk my daughter into class and it has been a bit of a challenge. They do have a very good system of droping off and picking up the children, however if you want to do that yourself you need to be prepared to walk a bit.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with one of the other raters. I could not say enough good things about NHKS! My daughter will be starting her third year at NHKS in August. The staff and administration are top notch. They all treat the kids with love, caring and kindness. The admin and staff have created a real family atmosphere on campus. The curriculum is comparable to any of the more well-known private schools while the tuition at NHKS is nearly half of what those other schools charge. One, thing I must address is the negative comment of a previous rater regarding the current Director. Mrs. Gulledge is very easy to speak with encourages parents to come to her at anytime. I get the feeling that the kids come first with her and knowing that makes me at ease when I leave my daughter at school. I couldn't be happier with NHKS and highly recommend
--Submitted by a parent

I was so happy to get an opening here for my daughter last year after wondering where we would place her once arriving in Hawaii. As a military family there is so much to figure out when moving, and I wanted our home location to be a top priority; I figured if it came to it, I would homeschool. How nice that I didn't have to do that after all since we lived close enough to NHKS. Compared to other private schools on the island, it is reasonably priced. Most of the families here are at least nominally involved in school activities. The teachers and staff really care about the kids and my daughter has learned a lot while having a great time in the process. My only regret is that it only currently goes up to 3rd grade.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very surprised to see these last comments. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, here is mine. My children all went through NHKS these last few years with the last one finishing this coming year and I could not be a happier Mom! In talking to the teachers my children have and had the staff seem to feel this is the best admin they have ever had, though two were new so they were comparing with admins of other schools not older ones here. I am so excited to be at this school and love the direction it is on now. I have found the school as a whole, teachers and admin, to be responsive to suggestions of PTO, but also very focused on doing what is right for each child and in that way I have gotten more than my tuition dollar's worth!
--Submitted by a parent

Some of the school administration are great, but that is overshadowed by the attitudes and actions of those in charge. Perhaps, fresh leadership at the school would change alot of the old perceptions.
--Submitted by a parent

School Administration do not readily accept suggestions or changes to concerns addressed by parents. Great parental involvement is usually shared by a few parents (the same ones that attend each function).
--Submitted by a parent

It was better with the previous director. The current one seems more interested in the business of the school than the kids welfare and education. Parent involvement is great though.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attend Navy Hale Keiki School. It is such a wonderful place for the children to start their education roots. Navy Hale Keiki School is such a treasure!
--Submitted by a parent