Would I make ENOUGH in Honolulu??

[zoa]

Mahalo everyone

I am not going anywhere anytime soon. I was born & raised on Oahu... and after spending time all over the eastern seaborad - realized there really is NO place like home. Took a lot of will power and a serious look at my lifestyle to get to the point of buying a home - but I am doing it! Never been so happy (well.. take that back... only my sons make me happier).


If anyone has questions about stuff... just ask. I try to answer as I can - or will point you in the direction for answers. Is what I do.


a hui hou!
~Z~

[MovingAloha]

Zoa,
I'm going to take you up on your offer to assist with questions. We will be moving back to Oahu next month. We are fortunate enough to have made great friends from our previous stays and will be renting out a downstairs apartment in my friends home. She lives in that area on 9th Ave that is either Kaimuki or Palolo, depending upon who you ask. I'm really familiar with Pearl City and Aiea, but less familiar with this area. My friend says I need to place my grandchild in private school or get a Geo Exemption, because the public school for the area is very poor. Are you familiar with that area and any recommendations with regards to public or private schools?
I'm looking at St. Patricks (Private) and Hokulani (Public).

[zoa]

Oh my!

Sorry.. I didn't get back! It's been crazy for me.


Education in Hawaii is basically sub-standard to the mainland. Most any public school teacher here will agree with me. They work hard, and I'm not saying is any of the teachers' fault per say... actually the teachers here LOVE to teach! Its the Board of Education that is lacking in supporting our teachers.


Private schools are always recommended here. The private schools are strongly supported by their parents as well as alum. Their education standards are also top-notch; some are modeled after Japanese schools!


Public schools for the most part require lots of improvement. And now (as of this post) with Furlough Fridays, there is a huge political mess regarding our education system. Between Union Bosses, the Sate's Budget Planners & Angry Parents, I feel for the public school teachers (a few of which I am close friends with). They do the best they can within union rules and state regulations... is it any wonder a lot of the public school teachers are frustrated?



As for specific schools, I cannot say much nor recommend anything. I myself attended public schools - and when I opted to put my sons into private schools (both tested genius level and were schooled in Philly until they moved here with me), the tuition fees basically took my entire salary! Both of my sons tested & graduated early (on Hawaii standards) - the eldest was a Junior and the younger a Sophomore when they tested. :-\

I still think they could have benefited even from public school (with some extra private tutoring) but they refused and just wanted to move on with their lives.

Teenagers.. go figure.

sidebar: both of my sons are doing good! 1 is in the army, the other moving along in his music career. They are 20 & 18 years of age, respectfully.


Anyways...

If you can afford the private school, do it. Your children will get a more fulfilling education which approaches the standards of mainland education AND benefit from the privilege by association.


For more info visit the schools mentioned:
St. Patrick's - Saint Patrick Hawaii - Home
Hokulani Elem. - Hokulani Elementary School Index Page