Pohakea Elementary School

I am incredibly disappointed. My child’s teacher is not a traditionally trained elementary educator and it shows. She is more like an auntie who is fed up with all these dang kids. She snaps at the students, she uses ableist language, she labels kids and lacks empathy and gentleness. I honestly think she would use physical “discipline” if it were allowed. The kids can be unkind and make fun of others and nothing is done about it. My kid is super bright and is working several grades ahead, but there has been no acknowledgment or attempt to meet them where they are. My child repeatedly says that they’re bored at school. I relayed this to their teacher and she immediately became defensive and took it personally. It’s boring because the material they’re working on was stuff my kid learned two years ago. They are WAY BEHIND. When my child complained to the teacher about this, she told him that he was just gonna have to do it anyway because the rest of the classroom didn’t already know it.It is incredibly frustrating to see my bright child have their light dimmed so much. I’m not going to force them to endure a whole year of this.

I was optimistic when I initially read reviews about the school but over time it’s proving to be less than stellar. academics aside, I am having a hard time with the amount of inappropriate and unsafe behavior that appears to be tolerated in classrooms and on campus. every year, my children have consistently been placed in class with students who curse at them, make explicit comments, yell at their teachers, and even become physical in the classroom, from pushing others to throwing items and even fighting. me, my partner, and my neighbors having similar problems have spoken to many member of the school staff regarding these problems, but my kids still come home with reports of the same things occurring. i really wanted to give a positive review, but that is very hard to do when i do not feel like the school takes the safety of it students seriously. it doesn’t seem to matter who we talk to at the school. The inappropriate behavior of kids is clearly tolerated, and nobody is being accountable in any way that makes a lasting change. why are these students who don’t seem to want an education able to get in the way of everyone else’s opportunity to learn or at least feel comfortable in class?

Two of my children attended Ewa Elementary School. One went in 5th grade and one went for 1st and 2nd. I couldn’t have asked for a better elementary school. The staff are always welcoming in the front office. When I needed to register the children they helped me finish all of the paperwork. Ms. Samson taught 5th grade and was so engaging with the students and with the parents. In addition, Ms. Ogata is a wonderful and caring 2nd grade teacher! They use Seesaw app so the communication is always available. I get daily updates and daily videos where I can hear my child read and answer questions! Ewa Elementary goes above and beyond!

My son attended this school and it truly was the worst experience we have ever had with an Elementary School! Not only was he bullied and the staff did nothing about it, he was also punched, hit, pushed around, belittled, and name called...the school did nothing! They would neglect to notify me of anything until after my child came home from school, so around 4:30pm in the evening. They would give me some nonsense reason as to what happened, then they facilitated an apology and dismiss the kids back to class with no follow through on their actions. I also felt his academics were broadly overlooked and neglected until I took it to review with the administration and only then did something finally happen. There is a lack of extracurricular activities such as P.E., music or an art class. Also, the kids are not allowed to run around the playground at recess! I have never been more disappointed with a school than this one.

We LOVE Keoneula! Our children have thrived at this school. It has a wonderful community feel and our children have been very happy here. It should be noted that negative reviews about the principal are all from several years ago when a different principal was here. Mr. Taga is the current principal and does a wonderful job.

Our daughter just completed 6th Grade at this school. In our experience, the students, parents & staff are very welcoming. Great communication throughout the year from all the teachers, regarding our daughters progress. Extreme patience & understanding shown to her, as private school was a big change for her. Impressed with how older students are taught to take on leadership roles, in regards to younger students. We are grateful to have found a nurturing, Christian learning environment for our daughter.