Koolau Baptist Academy

The teachers really care for their students, but the school is limited as far as art, PE, and other extra-curricular activities. The administration is not supportive of attendance at other churches. At 7th grade, they insist that the kids attend at least one of their services each week and will not grant exemptions unless you are attending another Baptist church. The kids are threatened with "you will be asked not to re-enroll if you aren't coming to services" at least once a month. With that being said, it did not work for us because we are very active at a different church, and can't work in a time to attend Koolau services. When it came time to re-enroll, we were told it was probably not a good fit for us.
—Submitted by a parent

It is an ok school, not great from some students points of view. It's very small, and some teachers are very strict. The principal is VERY strict too. I recommend having your child go there from Kindergarden to 6th grade, then moving them to a different school.

I've been attending Ko'olau since 7th grade. I wasn't so happy when my parents moved me from public to private school, but thanks to Ko'olau's teachers and students I finally understand why. I have grown so much here at Ko'olau, academically, physically, and spiritually. I really love how the staff and teachers are always encouraging me to do good and they help me to keep on track. The students here do the same. I know the friendships I have formed here are going to last a long time. The school isn't perfect. But really what school is? If you're looking for a school that will grow your child academically, physically, and spiritually then you need to seriously consider Ko'olau Baptist Academy.

I have attended Koolau since I was in 4th grade. I am now a senior this year. This school has been one of the best things that has happened to me. I have learned so much about God, life, and myself through this school & church. The principal is really welcoming & he knows how to better equip his students for college & life. This school isnt perfect; no school is perfect. However, I wouldn't want to be equip anywhere else. One thing I love about this school is the teachers. They really have a passion to see their students grow academically, socially, & spiritually. They have impacted my life greatly. If I need help, with a class or just something going on in my life, I know that they'd be more than happy to sit down with me & help. This school is unique, and that's what makes it so great.

It isn't the very best private school. I actually moved my child to Kailua Inter. and I like it better there for my child. The staff some are awesome but others aren't the best. The principal sometimes gives a little to much mercy towards the kids but that's their opinion.
—Submitted by a former student

My daughter attended Ko'olau Baptist Academy for her kindergarten year. I was amazed that by the end of the year she was reading with proficiency, writing script and quoting the bible. The Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Vitart is awsome and I am very pleased with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended this school in kindergarten. She was 4 1/2 when she started and attended for the entire year. She came out of kindergarten knowing how to read and has been reading everything she can get hands on ever since. We let her have the next year off and have home schooled her since then. Her solid foundation in reading has made that easy. The goal of the public school system in Hawaii is to have every child reading by the 3rd grade. Koolau far exceeds these goals.
—Submitted by a parent

This school's college preparation at the high school level was less than average compared to public schools.
—Submitted by a parent