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Aloha - We are considering a move to Honolulu. We live near Washington DC now and our only child (7 yr old daughter) attends an excellent public school in Northern VA. The move to Honolulu would be this summer. Because I just got the job offer, I have not applied to any private schools for our daughter, and I am sure I've missed all sorts of deadlines for the 2010-2011 school year. I have heard some negative info about public schools in Hawaii.
If we have to send our daughter to public elementary, are there any public elementary schools in Honolulu that are excellent? I looked some up on greatschools.net and there were a few that scored "9" or "10" on their ranking, such as Waikiki Elementary and some others. I know these rankings are not the end all and be all, but since I cannot visit and do not know anyone in Honolulu, I am hoping someone can provide some insight about this. Are these high ranked public schools really excellent? I was thinking of finding the best schools, and then looking for housing within those areas. Yes, we'd be willing to live in a shack/sacrifice space to live in the zone or boundary for an excellent public elementary school (since private is likely out for next year).
Thank you in advance for advice on whether there are any excellent public elementary schools in Honolulu or very close to Honolulu (that's where I will be working).
Last edited by binkybarnes; 01-10-2010 at 08:32 AM..
Is your job offer in writing? Verify that, first. Frequently folks on the mainland get a job offer and when they get here either the job is gone or it isn't anything at all like what they thought it would be.
As for the schools, I doubt you will find one to the level you like. Teach her reading, writing and math, geography, etc., yourself so you know she has learned it and just send her to school for the social aspects of it. She does need to learn to interact with others so the school will be helpful there.
Thanks for your reply. The job offer is from the federal government. I am surprised that no one has responded to say there is at least 1 public elementary that is good in Honolulu. This is a bummer b/c I would really love to move to HI. Unfortunately, I don't feel qualified to teach her all subjects, a few maybe....
Are you aware of all of the furlough controversy? I cannot think of any excellent schools anywhere, but you can find some decent ones. Do a search on the forum, this is a frequently asked question.
Yeah, I refrained from replying because you used the word "excellent". I don't think any of the public schools meet that bar, though some are at least trying... major cuts and furloughs along with strong anti-teacher sentiment (because they agreed to the furloughs rather than agreeing to work the same amount for lots less pay) isn't helping anything.
Of the elementary schools I'm familiar with, I guess I'm most impressed with Noelani. But I haven't seen that many of them, to be fair.
Thank you for your responses. I was not aware of the furlough issue - thanks for mentioning it. Unfortunately, we have missed deadlines for admission to virtually all privates for 2010-2011, so if we move, we have to send our daughter to public, at least for 1 year.
I was thinking of renting a place in the school zone for one of the schools that are "trying," perhaps Noelani? And then supplementing with private tutoring if necessary. Other than Noelani, any others that, even if not "excellent," are considered the best available in/near Honolulu? Looking for options close to the Kuhio Federal Building.
Also, is "Mary Knoll" a reputable private school? That is the one school I have found that has Feb 10 as it's deadline for applying, so we could perhaps try there. We are not Catholic, but the quality of the education is the most important thing for us right now. Thanks again!
Could you also please share the name of some reputable private schools? I have heard of Punahou, Iolani, St. Andrews Priory, and Sacred Hearts Academy. Any others you can recommend? Thank you.
Punahou School I have been told is one of the finest institutions in all of Hawai'i. However, be prepared to pay, and I am told that it is very exclusive in terms of who they let in.
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