Honolulu Waldorf School

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.

In 2003 I began my search for the perfect school for my daughter. I visited many preschools but the moment I stepped foot on the grounds of HWS, I knew my search was over. My daughter graduates this year, 14 years after that visit so long ago. HWS has given my daughter love, community, support, confidence and life long friends. She's excelled in both sports and academics. She was accepted into every college she applied to, but beyond that, my daughter went to school day after day, year after year with a smile on her face. HWS provided an environment that was safe, nonjudgmental, encouraging, filled with teachers and peers that were nothing short of parental figures and siblings. 14 years ago I made one of the best decisions of my life, I'm just sad it's coming to an end.

Worst school on the island. No rules. Teachers are barely trained. Bullying is allowed. After our son attended 1 year of preschool and were so disappointed and frustrated with the school, that we left.

Would not recomend this school. Elementary teachers are not properly trained to handle communication with parents. School lacks in organization, have problems with bullying and it seem to have a lot of gossip. Unless you are willing to follow all their rules, which seems to be getting made up as they go alone, - perhaps you are better off with any other school on the island.

f you think this Waldorf School is like other successful Waldorf Schools, PLEASE THINK AGAIN. The grades are a GAMBLE depending on the TEACHER your child will have for 8 YEARS. There is little to no accountability for poor quality and inconsistent standards of education and behavior. The admin and faculty dogma is closely held in secrecy which is part and parcel to the Rudolph Steiner s teachings and if questioned you will receive patent answers with little thought to your child s specific needs. If you find a faculty member that is willing to listen without prejudice to your concerns, good luck. Even the faculty who are known amongst their colleagues for poor performance have job safety. Many families have left this school after investing many years in it because their concerns have been systematically swept under the rug. Mum's the word here. I for one fell under the spell of this school. I found that my child and the majority of classmates that stayed were left with such deficits in academics that intense interventions were needed for most. Our class started with 14 or more and ended with 4. Be aware of retention rates at this school. They differ among the faculty greatly.