Lanikai Elementary Public Charter School

It really depends on what you're looking for in an elementary school. If you want a school admin. that effectively handles bullying from children and adults alike, this is not the school for you. If your child is shy, quiet, or has any sort of trait that would be considered "different", this may not be a good fit. If community events, school social nights and Extra Curricular are what you like, this IS the school for you. PTSA has some great members, and some not-so-great. If you are not accepted socially, it is a nightmare-but that is true at any school. Teachers vary here. Some are wonderful, and others really need to go. If you can afford the after school activities, they are enjoyable. I don't see favoritism but I do see a lack of consistency with school policy throughout. The new principal has been here for a full year and he is very nice, but reluctant to administer any meaningful consequences for students who need discipline. Academically, my child did well here, but could have done so much more if the teachers were allowed to teach rather than spend time dealing with disruptive behavior in the classroom. Ultimately this was not a good fit for our child and we are leaving.
--Submitted by a parent

Lot of favoritism behind the scenes. Teachers entering the one-way school lot going the wrong direction. What kind of EXAMPLE is that? Should also consider ONLY upper class-men for the student council vice president and president positions.... Other than that school is good-ish.
--Submitted by a parent

I L-O-V-E- Lanikai Elementary School. We have been at this wonderful school for 2 years. A new admin team was established this year, and the trio have done an outstanding job through out the school. The teachers and parents support eachother, seeing eye to eye on the national standards of scholarly achievements and have teamed together to exceed those expectations. This is the little school that could and CAN. PTSA has done a fantastic job in getting parents and the community members involved and engaged with the school and students. From Hawaiiana, Library, Computers, Music, PE and ART- this is a school that you would be proud to be a part of.
--Submitted by a parent

Lanikai PSC is a wonderful elementary school! The families at the school are great and care about their children's education. They volunteer in the classroom as well as at school events. Teachers are committed and dedicated to the kids. The principal is outstanding! He sets such a positive tone for the school. Our kids love the specials (art, music, PE) and we feel fortunate that Lanikai offers them. They also have a wide range of after school activities which our kids have enjoyed. We feel very fortunate that we were accepted as GE into Lanikai and wouldn't want our kids anywhere else!
--Submitted by a parent

Our family has been at Lanikai PCS for four years now. There are so many aspects to consider when looking at schools. Lanikai is a very special school with many opportunities that go beyond the excellent academic focus. It is unusual to find a school that still has a teacher specially trained and teaching the following areas- PE, music, art, library and technology. Our children enjoy the small size of the campus and the Ohana feeling at the school. The new school director is absolutely a phenomenon. Our school is so lucky to have him and his positive presence on campus. Parents are involved volunteering in the classrooms and the PTSA continues to put on amazing events like Math and Science Night and the Concert Under the Stars. We feel fortunate to have our children attending Lanikai PCS.
--Submitted by a parent

It's VERY hard to read the negative reviews on here about Lanikai! I usually don't review schools but I had to make sure I wrote one on behalf of Lanikai. I'm a parent of 2 boys who attend Lanikai. My kids are now in 5th & 2nd grade & I'm EXTREMELY happy to be apart of the Lanikai Ohana!! I've NEVER had a bad experience with this school. The students are smart and well behaved. Both of my boys have been blessed to have great teachers for the past 2 years. The teachers are approachable and reachable for any & every concern I have. The principal is so friendly & actually knows our entire family's first names. He gets to know his students & is nice enough to attend birthday parties & events of his students upon request. They DO NOT tolerate bullying!! I've seen first hand how they nip it in the bud quickly. We're a military family & Lanikai is extremely pro military & supportive of the struggles we face with deployments, training schedules and PCS. We just received orders back to CA & I'm SO bummed that we'll have to leave Lanikai. I chose to get involved with the PTSA & these women are phenomenal. They work for FREE & do an amazing job. I love Lanikai Elementary & will miss it dearly
--Submitted by a parent

Lanikai could be a great school if the punk kids could be reined in a bit. The teachers are great, and the new principal seems to really care about the school, but some of the kids really bring it down.
--Submitted by a parent

To the woman who blamed the children in waimanalo for bully... Get a grip. My children have been attending lanikai for many years and not one has ever been in any type of trouble, the all get near perfect grades, and are just nice good children. My oldest that has moved on to middle school is doing better than I could have ever imagined. They all have or had GE's to attend Lanikai. The only time they mentioned bullies in the school was in regard to military child.... yet I do not blame ALL military and their up bring. Perhaps the real problems is your lack of aloha.
--Submitted by a parent

Severe bullying problem which the principal, teacher, and school counselor where not able to resolve. Politics over the care for the students. Deeply frustrating and disappointing. We where not the only parents who had to resort to taking our child out of the school. Makes you want to occupy the school yard.
--Submitted by a parent

For those that complain, complain, complain...I suggest getting involved. Those women in the PTSA and on the committees are not getting paid- they are putting their money where their mouth is, and I guarantee anyone of them would be more than willing to take you under their wing if you kindly asked ; they did me when I was a newby her last year, but I came in with a humble attitude, not a mightier than thou attitude. If you want a better school and you want change, then you need to be a change agent not an agent of negativity and bashing- what good does do anyone? By the way, I am from a military family and I can guarantee it is not the score so military kids that are boosting the overall scores. Have a look at the military scores for school on the bases here- you will see they fair nowhere close to being great. Put that energy to work- in a good way-please.
--Submitted by a parent