Holy Trinity School

My husband and I cannot thank everyone at Koko Head Elementary School enough for their kindness and amazing support of our daughter and family. Despite having transferred to Koko Head almost two months late from the UK, everyone from the principal, staff, teachers, and local families collectively made our daughter’s transition a smooth one; even as the school year draws to a close, they continue to make our daughter’s experience an incredibly positive one. Despite their funding limitations, we have been impressed with how hard and selflessly this school has worked to not only create a safe atmosphere, but also to help their students learn how to strike a balance between the importance of having a strong academic focus and a sound character. Our daughter’s 5th grade teacher, Mrs. C.S., is brilliant in that regard; we honestly could not have asked for a better teacher or advocate for our daughter. If you’re looking for a school that offers a wonderful staff, caring and hardworking teachers, active parent involvement, a strong school curriculum, a good gifted and talented program (our daughter enjoyed it), and a community that is very welcoming and does not tolerate bullying then choose Koko Head Elementary!

Our experiences have been narrowly focused: mostly watching the outdoor activities & interactions among teachers & students. We had occasion to donate a large amount of crafts items, some holiday-related, all colorful & rather costly. I was tempted to take them to Goodwill, but I had read an article in WOMAN'S DAY that dealt with the hardships schools are facing--both public & private. It suggested donating arts & crafts items to elementary schools for their use in creative projects. In our cleaning out our enormous collection of arts & crafts items we identified many things we thought would make good additions and/or supplements to holiday presentations, homemade greetings, gifts & classroom decorations. We gathered them up & my daughter walked up the street to Kamiloiki Elementary School. She was pretty excited about being able to make a donation that was suggested by a national magazine intended to inspire moms of young children. But her offer was rejected, gently of course. The woman to whom she spoke said, "We don't teach art." She accepted the gift items but reluctantly. My daughter walked home in the heat with disappointment influencing the rest of her day. Why wouldn't the woman who accepted the donations look through the sack to discover what was in it? She probably would see one or two or more items worthy of deed of gift status. Perhaps the students would find things they would like. May teachers would see stuff they'd like. I guess despite all the news stories that announce at every broadcast the loss of funds and shrinkage of curriculum "extras" schools are so wealthy they can afford to refuse good faith offerings & donations of goods that just might be appreciated by someone on the staff or faculty. What about the goodwill toward the neighborhood school that is diminished by a rebuff no matter how objectively delivered, of generosity & thoughtfulness? We probably selected the wrong recipient for our donation. We will go in search of, perhaps, a preschool or private school. Just maybe a seniors' daycare would be the proper place to take our "treasures." I further imagine my daughter expected more effusive gratitude from the person receiving the package. We will expect less and choose more carefully, and I humbly suggest an awareness on the part of Kamiloiki office staff of what it takes for a person (without children) to be inspired by a family magazine to happily give such to her neighborhood school.

My son went to kindergarten here and is now in first grade. In kindergarten he was in a mixed class with kids of various mild special needs. there were 2 teachers for a class of 12 and I believe 4 assistants! This was a great ratio that enabled the students to get constant help. We had on going behavioral issues and received constant updates, support, suggestions, counseling etc. I can’t imagine a better experience! Now in a non special Ed first grade, our son is thriving and using all the skills he had learned from the previous year. My only reason for not giving 5 stars is that I think he hasn’t been academically challenged for his personal growth. I understand why that would be difficult though. Great friendly staff and festive school days often. We love hearing kids music as we drop him off. Just builds a really warm, fun atmosphere unlike our west Oahu elementary school experience.

This school develops strong character in its students, like integrity, compassion, and respect. This school effectively supports students with learning differences offers a family environment that makes it a great school I would recommend Aina Haina to any fiend or family member

I love this school! It is so nice to be able to learn about various topics with real depth. I used to go to a public school, and it always felt like you had to learn things because it was on a test. Here it feels like you learn it because it matters! There is a depth that you don't feel in other schools.

This school has given my children the opportunity to grow and learn in an environment that is safe, loving and fun! Watching them grow at Holy Nativity has brought our family a tremendous amount of joy!

I love our school. I am an alumni from the 80's and love the wholesome nature of our school. As a parent now, I know how important Honolulu Waldorf is for our future society. In todays fast paced world childhood can slip by in an instant but at Honolulu Waldorf School they truly care about childhood development and educate the whole child. Our son has been attending since first grade and everyday bugs me to hurry so we can get to school early. He has learned so many incredible things that he will keep with him for the rest of his life. At Waldorf the children are not mere consumers of education they are actual participants. They learn to see the bigger picture and how each individual has strengths that can be celebrated. If you want to be around a bunch of "Woke" kids have a conversation with a Waldorf student. Each day they are exposed to foreign language (Japanese & Spanish), lots of movement (games class & Hula), a rich music program all students begin Violin & Cello in gr 3. Lots of art through out the day to help with creative expression. Every year each grade does their own class play....the list goes on and on. Plus the children learn to live with kindness and the superficial material world isn't what excites these children....truly the love of nature and life long learning is what excites a Waldorf student.