Schools On the Big Island (Holualoa: home, pre-school, exemption)

[galitell1]

I am planning a move to the big island and would like to find a good public school for my 1st grader and also a pre-school program for my 4 year old.
I have heard a lot about the bad schools there, does anyone have a personal experiance with a decent school in the kona side?
any good charter schools maybe?
thanks,
concerend mother

[tasha123]

The charter school in Kona has a waiting list. A new one is opening up next school year don't know the name.

Kahakai is a good public school so is Holualo elm. and Kealakehe elm.

When we moved to Kona I was terrified to send my son to public school (after reading a the negative comments), but now after 7 months I don't have any regrets sending my son to public school. I wonder sometimes if the people who write about the public schools have children or if most of the info is just second hand.
Just go and take a look, meet the teachers, be involved.

[IntoTheMystic]

No, I get my information first hand from working in the Puna schools. Kona schools should be fine.

[ssxa]

I was born and raised here, went to Konawaena from K-12. I am now looking for a good school as my older son is about to enter Kindergarden. Also my younger son will being in 2 years. I did a lot of research on this subject and can tell you that of all the elementary schools in West Hawaii, Holualoa has the best scores for both math and reading. I am trying to get an exemption to get my son in there, but a lot of others are doing the same.

[c-grl]

yes, schools on hawaii island are awful. unless you're home schooling, or kids have some hawaiian blood and can get into kamehameha... best bet is a public charter or private school. kona is better than rest of isle -besides hawaii prep academy in kamuela/waimea. i'm pretty sure Innovations Public Charter is the one my friend's kids go to...she says it's really good. I do believe the few decent schools are hard to get into as well! Good luck! p.s. sit in the class, be active with school and projects, get involved - it's the only way to be certain you're kids are in the right place!!!!!!