Aikahi Elementary School

This school is so over rated! Yes, many teachers are excellent but without an excellent environment to thrive in it's difficult for all involved. Bullying is bad. (and no. Bullying isn't everywhere if nipped in the bud immediately!) Mama drama even worse. And the extra programs offered are for after school only when many kids are off doing their sports. And if you are not a member of the PTSA, forget involvement, cuz the group is very clicky. We bit the bullet and switched to private school.
--Submitted by a parent

Aikahi is simply stated top-notch. Yes, Hawaii public education is lacking in various ways when compared to the mainland, which is why Aikahi sets itself apart from other public schools by offering a tremendous, unique, and diverse after-school enrichment program. Parents who do not get involved with volunteering regularly, PTSA, helping with school events, etc. seem to be the unhappy ones. Your child's educational experience is in large part what YOU as parents make of it with your involvement. Bullying can happen anywhere. It is NOT a bigger problem at this school relative to any other school in Hawaii, quite the contrary. Those that choose to homeschool, so be it....you are missing out on a valuable, irreplaceable, real-world social, cultural and educational experience in this wonderful community. VERY military-friendly school with some fantastic teachers and volunteers. I, as so many others, am PROUD to be an Aikahi parent!
--Submitted by a parent

Note to those who honestly express opinions that contain elements of truth (regarding the administration in this school). Trying to share resources with other families who may have had similiar experiences is apparently not permitted (must have missed that in the terms of use and school review guidelines). Your post will mysteriously vanish into cyberspace (as 2 of mine have). Has anyone else had this experience? Hmmmmmm? Just wondering what they have to hide? Apparently factual information is seen as threatening and/or dangerous. LOL
--Submitted by a parent

I searched out the best school we could find when moving here with the military. We jumped through hoops to get our kids into Aikahi. It was a mistake. The bottom line is that the principal tolerates and protects bullies, and the academics are far behind a basic public school in the rural south. I know 3 separate families, 4 including my own, who now home school their children because Aikahi Elementary failed them. Teachers there seem nice and work hard, but bullies ruin the atmosphere for learning and no one does anything meaningful to stop it. Even with multiple investigations the only outcome was lip service, and in so many words, blaming the victims. Subsequently, these 4 families had their children in counseling to deal with the bullying, but the bullies were not only tolerated, but unaffected by the school s response. Academically, we found the curriculum quite unremarkable, particularly in math (Everyday Math with few supplements), history (none that I saw), and science. The gifted program was challenging in Language Arts. On the positive side, your child will learn hula and the kids enjoyed art and the cool playground, if they are not being bullied on it.
--Submitted by a parent

We are a military family and have been on-island for 6 months. We specifically rented a home within this school district based on everything we read. Aikahi seemed like top-notch school. And it is. However, I do think that a lot of the information floating around out there is dated. Aikahi likes to tout the fact that it was a Blue Ribbon School. This is a great accomplishment to be sure, but it should be noted that since this was awarded the school's principle has changed. I am very pleased with my children's teachers, however, the principle Ms. Kong leaves a lot to be desired. I walk my children to school, volunteer regularly, and have lunch with them about twice a month. Since the school year began (6 months ago) I have seen her TWICE on an ordinary day (walking the hall). She is never outside in the morning to greet the children, I've never seen her in the cafeteria, and have yet to witness her saying your typical "Bye, have a good night and don't forget to do your homework". I have been to the two coffees she has held (one about the academic software the students use, and one about next year's budget). I worry that her lack of leadership will pull this school down.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended Aikahi from Kindergarten - 2nd grade. We absolutely LOVED it. Yes...the principal is a bit scatterbrained, but the teachers and PTSA is fantastic! If we move back to Hawaii, we would definitely consider coming back to Aikahi. VERY MILITARY FRIENDLY!
--Submitted by a parent

We chose to pull our children from this school. There was a fairly minor incident on the playground, that could have turned into one of those magical teaching moments if the principal knew anything! The woman has all the right degrees and zero ability to implement any of it. She actually said several things to me that would raise the eyebrows of her superiors, at the very least!!! She made disparaging remarks about children that witnessed the incident, she said one thing then another about one subject, she even made inappropriate threats. This school has so much potential! Most of the teachers are very dedicated and are the kind of teacher you always hope your child will have. The facilities are beautiful and the children are a wonderful mix of locals and military. The reputation this school earned under the leadership of a fantastic principal is what keeps their rating high. Once the current principal gets finished she may ruin the whole school. She has weakened the morale of the teachers to a staggering level - they know they cannot count on her for the administrative support they need!

Great environment with helpful teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

Committed parents, great teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

Fantastic teachers that care and give their 200% every day!
--Submitted by a parent