Schools In Puna (public school, retired, racism)

[IntoTheMystic]

I wouldn't hesitate to send my kid to St. Joe's

[JeanMichelle]

I agree on St. Joes. Don't let Malamalama fool you. It is not a certified Waldorf school. Most of the teachers do not have college degrees. They fall back on the Waldorf philosophy of children learning at their own pace to disguise the fact that they don't teach or know how to teach children.

The totally sorry state of public schools in east Hawaii allows Mala to disguise itself as some sort of acceptable alternative. It is not. Believe me, I have experience with them.

[KaLioMele]

I wonder what non-religious schools would be good in the Puna area for elementary? Can be charter or private, after what I've read about public

Thanks

[mdand3boys]

Some of what you have read is exaggerated. I am very pleasantly surprised at the Pahoa Elem. school and this is our first year in the school. I think that many of the negative comments have come from very old experiences.

[mogon]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

Some of what you have read is exaggerated....

Completely agree.

[Boxcar Overkill]

I was hoping the stories were being exaggerated. Maybe with the right attitude from the parents at home, the public schools would be sufficient?

[mdand3boys]

It seems that while things may have been bad in the past, rather drastic changes have been taking place in the 2-3 years. We are very pleasantly surprised with what our boys are experiencing so far. No fights, bullying, etc. We talk to them daily about what is going on in their classes and social lives.

The huge numbers of video cameras and on-site security probably have a lot to do with the changes. Students may feel like they have to be careful since they are most likely on video. While that may sound like a sad commentary - if it works, I won't complain. Change takes time. If the schools can go several years like this, with changed attitudes, it will completely change the behaviors of the student body.
We also like the mandatory wearing of school T-shirts. This makes rich and poor students appear to each other to be on an equal level to each other.

[Nanipuna]

Before everyone panics about Hawaii's public schools, there are more important things to consider. If you have a family that will guide and support your child, he/she should do well in the public school. I speak as a retired teacher, a parent, and a grandparent. Save your money for the college years. The most important element in a child's success in school is the support of the parent.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by Nanipuna

The most important element in a child's success in school is the support of the parent.

If only that were true.

I know many parents who have despaired because despite all their loving support, they were fighting an uphill battle with public schools which could not maintain a learning atmosphere and classroom discipline, and teachers who were ill-equipped to keep young minds challenged and learning.

With all due respect to your experience, there is a reason Hawai'i consistently ranks behind most of the country in public school quality.

Also note that the thread is from 2009.

[CyberCity]

Originally Posted by Nanipuna

Before everyone panics about Hawaii's public schools, there are more important things to consider. If you have a family that will guide and support your child, he/she should do well in the public school. I speak as a retired teacher, a parent, and a grandparent. Save your money for the college years. The most important element in a child's success in school is the support of the parent.

As was pointed out, this is an old thread. But I will respond to the above recent posting, for the benefit of anyone in the future who read it:

The best of parenting is oftentimes not an adequate offset for a child being in a terrible public school, anywhere (not just Hawaii). I consider myself a great parent, and very involved with whatever schools my children attend. My children have 100% support from me, and I have always made it a point to meet all their teachers, as well as the principles, and to volunteer. That said, THERE ARE SOME PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN HAWAII THAT I WOULD NOT SEND MY CHILDREN TO. Those are the years we go for a district exemption or we pay for private school. Do not underestimate the importance, as a parent, of doing adequate research on the differences between the schools in Hawaii. K-5 campus might be great, while 6-8 campus awful, and 9-12 good ... or any combo of the above.