Hawaii Technology Academy

I have two students attempting to do the schoolwork. We have been plagued with problems, from technical to unruly classrooms on-line. The staff are very slow to respond, not all, but many. Its a good idea on paper, but you get very bogged down by different approaches by different teachers, overwhelming amounts of email, changes in times, and much more. not good for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

So far we love it!!! Overall our child has been excited to attend class, and very self motivated with the HTA program. There is a lot of work to do, and keeps him very busy. Its refreshing as a parent to see and hear your child has been heard and appreciated. As with any school there is always room for improvement, I don't think its perfect, but the respect my child is receiving and the excitement to learn he is emanating is by far worth it! Sincerely, Very happy parent!
—Submitted by a parent

The Highschool Curriculum and Program 4.5 stars. As long as your child is an independent learner and likes technology, this is a great place for High School Students who want to be challenged or are just bored of regular school. The teaching staff at this level seems to have it together. Unfortunately, the middle school program needs work, 2 stars max. The curriculum is fine, but this teaching staff creates a cumbersome schedule that requires too much face-to-face or Illuminate teaching sessions rather than putting the K12 system to better use. Many of the middle school teachers are not as technically savy as one would expect a teacher to be at a school named a "technology" academy. More importantly, they were VERY UNPREPARED for the school year to begin. We are several weeks into the school year and we are still dealing with teacher scheduling conflicts and last minute changes.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not a parent at the school but a grandparent and it has been great for my grandchildren. The principal is coarse and harsh but he does truly care for the children and expects the best of them. What brought us to this school was after going to open houses with private schools and public schools we attended one at HTA. The principal presented us with information and what sold us was he told us this might not be the right school for each of us and WE needed to make the decision and do the research. We chose HTA and are happy there but it was amazing to see the stoic New Yorker cry at the kindergarten graduation last year. He truly does care for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

I totally disagree with the comments about the staff and the school, we are pleased with the school and the staff. Try googling the school and the staff and see what you get. It is the best charter school in the state and we are happy. We can't wait until our youngest can go next year as well. They truly made us feel like part of the HTA family when we arrived.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible school. The administrative staff is extremely disrespectful and the administrator is only concerned about letting the parent know how great he is. The school board consists of one Hawaiian Airline executive who doesn't get involved with concerns involving this school. I would not recommend this school at all.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school it is our second year with HTA. I have a 4th and 5th grader. They do a lot better being at home most of the time doing their schoolwork online then going in to the learning center once a week. You really get the feeling that this school is there for the kids that they love kids and it is there main focus!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter that goes to this school. She started this school from kindergarten and is now in the first grade. I love the curriculum and the attention she gets from her teachers. As a parent I know exactly where she is at and what she needs to work on without waiting for a progress report. The staff are very friendly and open. Parents are very involved in school activities. It's a lot of work for the parent but it's worth it knowing you are giving your child the attention they need to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has one of best resources for K12 curriculum but unfortunately it lacks good leadership and does not hestiate to bash a child and their self-esteem. The comments made are probably done by the staff of HTA. I would not recommend this school I'm a Naval Officer wife. My kids were stressed and dramatized by this school. A good possibility this post won't be available for viewing because of truth and the negative impact to your child school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have children in the elementary, middle and highschool program at HTA. Basically, they do most of the work online and at home and they go to the center one or two days a week for a few hours. The principal, Mr. Peongek is amazing. The school is technically advanced the teachers are wonderful. Your child can move ahead (if they pass certain tests) or they can repeat things if they need more help. With elementary, you as the learning coach, will be doing most of the teaching. If they are in middle and high they will be on their own and the teachers are there to help. They can go in for tutoring on certain days too. The only reason we aren't staying at this school is because my kids miss being with other students and teachers on a more regular basis. Highly recommend this for a self motivated child.
—Submitted by a parent