Mililani Uka Elementary School

As a mom of 4 children, all elementary school aged, finding the best elementary school was top priority. I value my children's education to it's highest so our past included homeschooling as well as attending Montgomery County schools who have the top test scores in the nation. I initially enrolled them for the sole purpose of just making friends, but they have all thrived. Their school experience as a whole has been challenging and positive. They have had opportunities to shine that I wouldn't have been able to give them homeschooling. It has all the criteria that I've looked for in private schools. All the adults my children encounter here, are warm and sincerely care about my children. They treat them respectfully and expect much from them. Since each of my children have personal relationships with their teachers and the staff, their academic success has soared. Their emotional needs are cared for and they all feel truly very valued here. My conclusion: just because my hometown has better testing scores, didn't guarentee my child a better educational experience there. On the contrary. My children are happy, bright and civil. I have the school to thank for that.
—Submitted by a parent

Students are not allowed to drink water from their water bottle during class time, unlike Waena Elementary School, where students are free to place their water bottle on their desk and drink at will. I am told by my children that the lunch ladies yell, scream, pull, push children. Yet at Uka elementary, their students are taught the 6 pillars of Character, one of them being "respect". Yelling, screaming, pushing and pulling, is NOT respectful. Also, at the beginning of the school year, I was sent home a flyer stating that the school wanted to teach healthy eating habits to the kids. I was to sign an agreement that I would not bring any sweets to share with the class. I hesitantly agreed to sign it because cupcakes for birthdays are special for kids. Then, I later found out that there were a few occasions when the school invited a yogurt company to sell their products to students and teachers for a fundraiser. I'm betting the sugar count in a yogurt treat is close to, if not more, than a cupcake. This was hypocritical and my children felt the same way.
—Submitted by a parent

I like this school because of the teachers. Both my children (3rd and 1st grade) have had very skilled professional teachers. However, I have a few issues as to some of the school rules. It seems to me that the school administration runs this school like a prison. Students are never allowed any bathroom breaks other than at recess. Mind you recess is only for a few minutes. What school aged child, after being cooped up in the classroom, will want to go to the bathroom during recess when they can be outside playing? This is the only break they get besides lunch. Teachers don't let students go to the bathroom after lunch. I don't know about you but my bowels tend to move after I eat. The students at this school are deprived of a very basic personal right. Because of this rule, my children will not ask to use the bathroom during class hours and will hold it. This is very unhealthy. This can also affect their school work as they cannot concentrate.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year and we are happy with Uka. It is a very nice campus. I am very impressed with the curriculum. We have a 3rd grader and Kindergartener and are pleased with their achievements this year. We heard horrible stories about how far behind Hawaii schools were before we moved here, but that is not the case.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that mililani uka is a great school. i have been to two different elementary schools and i would say that uka was defiantly the better one. words can't explain how much i loved this school. The education is great and the teachers are awesome. GO UKA EGRETS!!
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is a first grader at this school. I can say I wasn't very thrilled about her kindergarten experience. The teacher was a new-hire and she was leaving that year. It's difficult to find good K teachers, period. Her teacher this year, Mrs. Kishimoto seems to be making progress w/ my daughter. She has learned to read fluently and seems to be meeting benchmarks and even exceeding some. I can say, that her teacher does need to work on her temper. Working w/ 6-7 yr. olds can be frustrating at times! The campus is calm, clean, and positive. Although, the A+ program needs improvement! Overall, a strong elementary!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is about to graduate this year from Mililani Uka. Every year, her teachers seems to get better and better. Her 4th grade teacher, Ms. Shiosaki is exceptional. I have never met an educator who is so committed to her students, school and community. My daughter learned so much in her class. Not only math, science and reading... but she learned how to love school, to strive for the very best. This is all thanks to her wonderful teachers and Ms. Shiosaki. The Office Staff is also very supportive and customer service friendly. Mililani Uka is the best school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 4 kids that attended/attend Mililani Uka and have found it to be an excellent school. My oldest is now a straight A student at the middle school and consitantly scores in the high 90%s on SAT type test.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in Kindergarten at Mililani Uka and so far I am very happy with the school and his teacher. My son is doing very well and I am amazed at how he's progressed in his writing! We moved from California so I was worried how he would adjust starting a new school in a new environment.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been in Uka Elementary for two years now and she is doing exceptionally well. The teachers and staff really care about the kids and their education.
—Submitted by a parent

Mililani Uka provides quality academic programs. The extracurricular activities are endless. The children go on field trips they educate and inspire them to do and become more! I feel my daughter has learned a great deal from Mililani Uka. As a parent I feel comfortable in knowing that my daughter will learn everything she can in a safe environment. However I do think the parents of the children attending Mililani Uka should try to get more involved.
—Submitted by Sheila Spillane, a parent