King William Lunalilo Elementary School

I am really pleased with Prince Kuhio Elementary School. My daughters really thrive from their experiences there. I am shocked at the low rating. The test scores are not the only indicator of success. My daughters have actually scored higher since attending Kuhio Elementary and I think the teachers and administrators deserve a lot of credit for making school fun and engaging for the keiki.

Our daughter has thrived this year at Ala Wai. The small class size has certainly made a difference. My advice is to be an active parent with the school, any school your child attends.

If your child fits neatly into a box (very compliant, never challenges what the authorities tell them is the answer, has no learning differences, needs no accommodations) then this is a great place for them. The school prides itself on being experts in elementary education, and if you and your child don't love everything they do and (at least pretend to) thrive in this "magical" environment, they will make you feel like something is wrong with your child and often find a way to push you out. They talk about being so welcoming and inclusive to everyone, but what they mean is that they welcome a very specific type of child and family and are not really interested in making room for those that they feel don't fit neatly into their "perfect image". It's a bit heartbreaking to see how they have made some families feel like they don't belong.

The school has many issues. They force their religion on the students. In my experience students feel the teachers give work and never teach them. Teachers are too strict. Teachers expect students to teach themselves.