Island School

I am a parent of two students who attend Island School. Honestly, I am so glad that my children Island school as they are academically challenged and the curriculum is fun and balanced. The teachers are the best and are dedicated..and go beyond what is expected. I read some of the reviews....and some that were negative...its probably because their child got disciplined and got kicked out. Our decision to make the financial sacrifices is well worth the payoff. They both love learning, and its been wonderful!! Joan Shaw has done an excellent job in helping students get into awesome colleges. What I like about the school is that they really make the students be responsible for their learning, and they challenge them academically.
--Submitted by a parent

I work at this delightful, small, challenging school and also sent my son for grades k-12. The faculty and staff are top notch, the campus is gorgeous, the offerings are many, and the quality of education is excellent. My son was well prepared for college.
--Submitted by a teacher

We had high hopes that Island School would challenge and support our academically gifted daughter. The academics were sound but there was is much inappropriate behavior at this school (among staff and students both) that it distracted from the educational component. My daughter was uncomfortable and asked to transfer to public school after one year.
--Submitted by a parent

Island school helped me develop myself intellectually and made a huge effort to ensure that I graduate with a proper education despite challenges that I went through. I also learned subjects that no other school on Kauai is able to offer, including Mandarin Chinese. If your child is an advanced learner this is a great school to get them to fully apply themselves. My brother is very advanced in Math and got as high as Statistics! Island school offers challenging courses that prepare students for the real world. On the other hand if your child wants to be in marching band or football, or would be better off with a lot of people to chose from to make friends than public school would be better because as a private school, this school is relatively small, although it is constantly growing in numbers.
--Submitted by a student

I am a parent of a former student. I would advise families considering Island School to do some careful in-depth research before enrolling their child. Our experience in the elementary was fine but there are some real problems at the middle and high school level, particularly in the science dept.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former student and graduate of Island School I can honestly admit that the faults of the school are easily outweighed by the quality of student it produces. My classmates and I attend colleges where we find ourselves at the top of the class due to the competitve edge given to us from a small school in the middle of the kane field. The staff at Island School always took the extra effort to make sure to teach not only knowledge but wisdom.
--Submitted by a student

My son went to Island School for three years and then transferred to public school. Overall I would consider the education at Island School poor at best. I actually found that the local public schools were superior in their teacher quality, academic programs and willingness to provide needed assistance in all areas. The bathrooms are filthy and without mirrors despite complaints. Teacher quality is below average especially in the area of math and science. The overall facilities are in a constant state of disrepair and dirty. The state testing results are embarrasing for this school to display as they have been on a steady decline and well below the state averages. I have read the other 'postive' comments about this school in total disbelief. I would rate this school a negative 5 stars!
--Submitted by a parent

Every year at Island School,my children get stronger and stronger.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is truly dedicated to raising intelligent and caring children. My son is doing great and the school has been extremely helpful in dealing with any issues that have come up.
--Submitted by a parent