Island Pacific Academy

I love the warm feeling of this school, teachers and parents. Parents have noticed a drop in what we started with and an increase in tuition. We are supposed to be a technology school, yet the kids hardly have computer class. I question the way the school spends money and some of the staff that's on the payroll. Their supposed need seems like a waste of my $. I also see a decline in volunteers. It's always the same people doing all the work. Many parents talk amongst themselves about the decline, because they have heard they get brushed off from admin. (not the teachers) for bringing up their concerns. This school always seems like they are asking for more $. Whether it be for 1 of their 5 fundraisers, tuition, Annual fund or books for middle and upper. They know it's them or public school. Make your choice.
—Submitted by a parent

lots of the teachers here pick favorites and they grade you by that and everybody else can tell to and it just makes you feel horribal. my mom said if i wanted to go to a different scool next year then we would move.
—Submitted by a parent

IPA is an outstanding school with outstanding faculty and administration. We were lucky to get in and can't imagine how difficult it will be in future years when the word is out. I want to personally acknowledge Mr. Hirstein who is the Assistant Headmaster and helped my family through some tough times financially. He and his staff treat us as family which is a one of a kind experience. We love IPA!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I was in this school for my 7th & 8th grade years, and unfortunately we had to move. I was very happy with the teachers and the staff. It was like a freedom school. You could sit on the floor and do your work or out in the hall. You eat and drink in the middle of class and there was a microwave in every class. This school was a great experience but I feel that for the tuition you pay, they didn't prepare us enough for if we were to leave their school. Now I am trying to excel in an actual public school and it is harder for me because of the way they taught us.
—Submitted by Aly E., a student

I attend Island Pacific Academy in the Middle School. I love this school because of the great faculty and staff and the different classes available. There are many electives, such as Cooking and Flash Animation. All the students use laptops in the classrooms and there are other great learning tools such as SmartBoards. Also, all students take P.E., Art, Spanish or Japanese, Science, and Music. The teachers are so helpful and great. In addition to everything during school, there are so many activities after school! There are sports like cross country, tennis, basketball, and baseball. There are options like art and clay, as well. I have been at IPA since its founding year, and I have been very pleased. IPA lets all its students shine! I have learned so much and am glad to have a great ohana at Island Pacific Academy!
—Submitted by a student

While IPA has beautiful classroom facilities, good academics and some very good teachers, I found the school lacked warmth and consistency. They have many out-of-state teachers, and their turnover is high, whether it be that some teachers choose not to return or are not asked to return. As another reviewer mentioned, IPA, for the most part, has a 'leave, if you don't like it' attitude - it seems more geared for military or out-of-state families - local families seem to be considered second class citizens by the staff, although administration tries to appear to be more politically correct in this respect. Also, for the tuition you pay, your child should not have to play in the parking lot, dodging cars while chasing balls. Although I was impressed with the academics, I withdrew my child - West Oahu needs a good private school - hopefully IPA will grow into one.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends Island Pacific Academy. We recently relocated to Oahu from the east coast, where he attended a very successful public school. I am more than pleased with the professionalism and skill demonstrated by his teachers and the elementary school principal. As a new school, IPA is growing fast and building a strong reputation around the island. I am excited that my son has the opportunity to learn in this progressive and modern school.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding program and faculty. My children love going to school at IPA and they are doing very well. The quality of education far exceeds the cost.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child who goes to IPA. I have been less then impressed with this school. The school price has gone up each year that my child has gone to this school. Most teachers are good but some lack. The staff is some what friendly but there is an attitude that if you don't like it you can leave. Dropping your kid off is a horrendous experience. Hawaii has a horrible public school system and IPA knows that!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the third school our daughter has attended (2 in Hanalani and 1 in Kaleiopuu) and by far Island Pacific Academy excels. The campus is new and the classrooms are nice. The teachers are extremely dedicated. Our daughter excelled here more than any of the other schools and has built up confidence here, something she lacked at the other two schools. Unfortunately we are relocating, because we would love our daughter to complete her entire schooling there.
—Submitted by a parent