Navy Hale Keiki School

NHKS, academically, is an outstanding school that creates a supportive, close-knit community for students and provides them with a great many opportunities to experience new things. Unfortunately, the administration and oversight (Board of Governors) is lacking. For the upcoming school year, families will be charged a new fee to enroll in a mandated program simply to pay tuition. We had previously been able to pay tuition with checks or free online billpay services. I'm not sure how the school can reasonably justify levying increased costs on parents who don't want to pay for this service and have been able to pay tuition bills just fine without it. I'm sure the school is saving money by having payments processed this way - unfortunately the costs are not borne by the entity that gains the most from the policy shift. I have no idea how the Board of Governors was able to push this change through with no prior publicity to parents on the true costs involved and with no documentation provided when parents invested hundreds of dollars to register their children for the next academic year. If you favor nontransparency in implementing costly new programs, you'll love NHKS!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended NHKS since 2010. He will be entering 3rd grade in the coming school year and his sister is enrolled for pre-k. The teachers and administrative staff are friendly, helpful, and caring when it comes to the needs of the students and their families. They understand the special circumstances that military families experience and encourage skills that the students need in order to be resilient in the face of these changes. Academically I couldn't ask for more. The students learn at a pace which challenges them without being overwhelming. The class sizes are small and each classroom has a teacher's assistant which means more individualized attention for all students in the class. Many of the activities the students are involved with teach them about having a role in the community outside of school. From Operation Candy Drop for the troops after Halloween to collecting goods for the local Fisher House, they learn that they can make a difference in the lives of others. Some parents may complain about tuition costs and nitpick about other issues, however, the quality of education and close-knit community are well worth the price.
—Submitted by a parent

With experience with other private schools on the island, Navy Hale Keiki is by far a bargain for the creative, individual attention provided to each child. Average testing scores are significantly above grade level. I am proud to be part of this school and the dedicated service provided each day to the children and families enrolled.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am very sad to see what this school has become. It was once out of this world. As of late, test scores have dropped below that of some of the better public schools, communication has taken a beating and with the new business administrator, the nickel and diming has become overwhelming. For the upcoming school year, families will be charged a fee for paying their tuition, despite the money the school will be saving by having payments processed this way. The straw has broken the camel's back. We will not be returning. I'm all for using this school as a pre-school, but would definitely recomment researching other schools for a tuition free alternative to other grades. This school is no longer worth the money it costs to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

We LOVED NHKS! If we could have taken the school with us when we moved, we would have. Our daughter thrived there and was loved, cared-for and taught as an individual. We also loved NHKS for how well it focused on character as well as academics. They are in the business of producing healthy, patriotic, critical thinking little citizens of our great nation. Recommend!!! If we end up back in HI, this is where our kids will go to school! Please pray that they expand past 4th grade!
—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

I have had three children at Hale Keiki over the past five years. It is a wonderful place for a child to begin their education. I have recently become a staff member and have been pleased to see that the benefits they provide staff are also very good (not typical at many private schools). It is a safe, nurturing, friendly environment. My only wish is that my daughter could have continued past second grade.
—Submitted by Cristy B., a parent

My child has been attending kindergarten at this school for 4 months now, and I can't say enough good things about it! The teachers are very talented and professional, and they really teach to the individual needs of each child. We receive plenty of communication from the staff and there is a real sense of community among the students, parents, and teachers. Parents are very involved in all aspects of the school, which is refreshing. The new library is up and running strong, and the kids get to check out books once a week. They also have music, art, and gym classes, which have been cut from many public schools. Plus there are top notch enrichment programs to try after school, such as American Sign Language, science labs, and karate. The field trips are really great and tie into the curriculum well. The principal is wonderful, and the tuition low.
—Submitted by a parent

After a lot of searching, I found NHKS. Not knowing any more than what I read on the internet, I signed both the girls up. I have never been SO PLEASED! The girls look forward to going to school EVERY day, no hesitation. They both have learned SO much and school has only been in session 2+ months. I HIGHLY recommend NHKS to everyone. Along with having TERRIFIC teachers and staff, the school teaches the importance of respecting their friends and community as well as upholding the highest standards for education. The children learn the Pledge of Allegiance, which has been omitted from schools, but gives the children a sense of pride in our country. NHKS schedules recycling days, Family movie nights, field trips, fundraisers, Spirit Days, Craft days etc. Parent involvement is phenomenal! Wish it went passed 2nd grade!
—Submitted by Kasi McGuire, a parent

The mission of Navy Hale Keiki School is to uphold the highest standards of academic, emotional, and social literacy in support of our students, their future, and families.
—Submitted by Chris Town, a administrator

Very good school, excellent teachers and learnign program. My child enjoyed going to this school and never had any problems. Well worth the price.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loved this shcool! He was at Navy Hale Keiki from Pre-K to 1st grade and enjoyed his teachers and classmates very much. They offer wonderful school activities: Christmas and May Day celebrations; afterschool art, music and drama classes, exciting field trips and much more. The whole learning experience at this school was one full of excellent academic teachings, caring discipline and enjoyment of the Hawaiian culture and nature. I will recommend this excellent school to anybody. We feel very lucky that we were part of the Navy Hale Keiki family for all those years we lived in beautiful Hawaii. Aloha.
—Submitted by a parent