I am 110% reviewing the correct school as I only live a few minutes away. You may have modified the website, your mascot/logo, and the name (from Navy Hale Keiki to Hale Keiki) since I applied but the address is still the same. It's still the correct school. After the last-mentioned call, as reported in the previous review, with this school: I did NOT get any correspondence notifying me regarding acceptance (or nonacceptance). Basically, I submitted my application +fee $$ and did not ever get any response regarding my application. This is what I experienced, as I am also committed to honest and fair reviews. read more

We have been a part of the HKS Ohana for the last two years and will return in the fall for another year. We have been very pleased with the academics at HKS. My child is reading/math/science far above his current grade level. My child loves school. The students/families are friendly and what small issue my child had with another student was resolved quickly and satisfactorily. The school itself feels incredibly secure and everyone knows each other. When something is amiss, they don't hesitate to call the authorities, which I really appreciate. My only negative feedback is that I wish there was more transparency in terms of budget. Tuition has steadily increased and I'm not sure where the extra money went- nor money from fundraising efforts and PTO fundraising efforts. Communication could be better but i do think it has improved over the last two years. I've never had any real encounters with admin but I do think they are fair and responsive. Others may disagree. Overall, we couldn't imagine sending our child anywhere else and look forward to sending our other child there for kindergarten. read more

I reached out to Nelson T. after he commented through messages and received no answer. Doesn't surprise me. He really didn't care to hear about any problems. Also, we are still waiting on a Lei Day video that we paid $20 for that happened in May 2022. We were told we couldn't video our kids, but its okay because they had videographers. We paid $20 and have yet to receive a video or a refund. Apparently there was an issue with the videographers. So the school stole $20 from all the families that paid. Not sure how that is allowed, but again.... no one to talk to about it. read more

I have been happy to have served on the Board, be a current staff member and a parent of children attending the school. As a staff member, I most appreciate the inclusive work environment and the openness the Head of School has for ideas and letting staff create their path. As a parent, I am excited as the student body gets along quite well, the teachers are amazing and there are many events and projects that my children are able to participate in. read more

Our first assignment in Hawaii we were recommended HKS and enrolled our daughter for Pre-School and Pre-K. After a tour away, we returned to HI, and it was an easy choice to re-enroll our daughter and enroll our son. We are going on 6 years and we have been extremely grateful for this amazing school. Not only are the academics, specials, and extracurricular activities exemplary, but the staff and faculty have been nothing short of amazing! We love our HKS Ohana and are so appreciative for the love of learning they have instilled in our children! read more

What a fun and magical place this has been for our keiki for 3+ years now. We had every intention of this being Pre-K and done... but when all the pandemic restrictions hit, HKS was the only place we could find that worked to support our family with in-person opportunities. We feel strongly this has contributed to their ability to thrive. Great teachers and admin... the synergy across the teaching teams is amazing! Small enough every teacher knows my kids by names, but very engaging with plenty of enrichment for kids and families. read more

It's for military families but they are absolutely a great school. They are a small school and offer after school care and activities. They have a very good curriculum and small class size. I enjoyed the after school opportunities from dance classes to golf and swimming lessons and it includes transportation. If you are looking for a good school for your child and are moving here this is your best find!! It can have a waiting list so I recommend getting on it before you move here! read more

My first experience with NHKS was through the school's lei day program. I was completely in awe of the atmosphere and attitudes of the teachers and students. Everyone was just happy to be there. I knew then and right away, I wanted my children to go to NHKS. I arrived as early as possible to get my oldest daughter enrolled for kindergarten. There is a screening after enrollment, but it is primarily based on social skills and helps determine classroom placement. To be honest, I was nervous because my daughter can be very shy. She passed with flying colors. From the first day of school and all the way to the last day, I was completely satisfied. There is so much involvement from the teachers, staff, and parents. I've never seen a school welcome parent participation like this. Every day you could see a parent at the school volunteering or visiting. The PTO was very active. They were constantly raising money, being involved with the students and giving back to the teachers and students. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better school for my daughter. My only regret is that we had to PCS before both my girls could attend. This school, the staff and teachers, love their students. My daughter came home every day talking about her teacher, Mrs. K, and all about what she did in school. It made me smile that she was happy. read more

Very excited with this school. The Principal is very active with the student population, and the staff is always kind and willing to listen to any questions or concerns that I have. Excellent! read more

Navy Hale Keiki School (NHKS) was our first choice to send our child too. We are a military family and it seemed like the right choice at that time because we thought that our child would be supported by other children with similar shared deployed parent stories. Prior to our child attending kindergarten at NHKS, she had spent two years at a Christian Preschool. I think it's important to add that while there, she was described by her teachers and school director as a very compassionate, sensitive, fun loving, and happy little girl. After a couple months at NHKS, our child's behavior changed dramatically. It was for the worst. We talked about her day, everyday, after-school and the responses sometimes were good and then, other times not. She mentioned that she didn't like school. She even drew a picture and wrote out that she didn't like school. Which was later removed from her school binder by someone. We thought her change in behavior was just part of growing up as a new kindergarten student. The change of behavior continued, then, little stories started to follow when we questioned her days spent at school. To move this story along --- I went on a business trip for a month, so, my better half took on the responsibility to care for our daughter while out. I spoke to my family everyday and one day our daughter told me her nose was bleeding. She was kicked in the nose by a male student. No call or report was given to notify us. Our daughter told us that a teacher saw this, yet failed to report it. The way this school handled it was UNSAT. They continue to stand their ground to say that "no one saw this incident" and no further action or correction known to us was taken. Lastly, our daughter was taught by a student about the color of skin and not in the context of curiosity. This made me very upset! I am a local female born and raised in Hawaii and never separate races. We live in Hawaii for crying out loud and it's a melting pot of all kinds of ethnic backgrounds. What we just experienced was unbelievable! Nuts! For the curious minds, our daughter is Hapa --- brown & white. When I returned from my trip, I removed our daughter from this school. It's been roughly over a month at her new private school and happy to report that we have our happy daughter back. She loves school again and even drew it with hearts. Her new friends are respectful and caring. We absolutely love her new school, teachers and staff. We could feel the differences between NHKS and her new school when you just walk through the campus. The staff at the new school are happier and it shows through their students. We honestly wanted to love NKHS and gave it a fair chance because what they look like on paper and websites from "legit" parent reviews but its quite apparent that their actions point to the money not the Keiki's. I made an expensive mistake ($1,000 early withdrawal from NHKS) but well worth it because we can't undo, what could've been done further more to our daughter's young mind. Glad it was just a couple months. Beware. Appearances are often deceiving. read more

We've been at Navy Hale Keiki School for a little under 2 years and could not be more satisfied! Prior to our experience at NHKS, we had our girls at a Christian school; although the education was good, we felt a lack of communication from the school with events and requirements always popping up at the last minute. As a dual military family, with high optempo jobs and a frequent travel, early and often communication makes our life much easier. At NHKS we always feel well informed. The teachers communicate often with parents and identify early potential issues. The office staff responds quickly to requests and seems to know every child at the school. Teachers work with students to expand on their strengths and build up any weak areas. For example, my daughter's teacher identified, prior to the first trimester ending that my daughter was reading just below grade level. The teacher sent a note home for us on daughter's status, along with some tips for at-home learning. The teacher increased 1 on 1 time with the TA during the school day. Within 3 months, my daughter caught up and is now working slightly above grade level. Most importantly, my daughter continues to love reading. Our girls have had some bumps on the playground; school always sends home an injury slip or gives me a call. One night my daughter told me a boy kicked her on the playground. It didn't seem too serious, but we contacted the teacher. Both her teacher and the other K teacher took the report very seriously and had an answer for me by the next day. One of the boys was taking his Jedi training a little too seriously and my daughter ran into him. It was early in the school year, so the teachers reinforced the playground rules. While talking to a co-worker whose son was at the school, he relayed a story about his son. It turns out his son was the Jedi in training and he confirmed the school took the incident seriously. NHKS conducts a daily flag ceremony and emphasis service through the year. In Dec NHKS hosted Pearl Harbor Survivors & WWII vets for lunch, classroom visits and performances by the keiki. It was a top notch day and so humbling to see our kids and amazing veterans bonding across the generations. I can't say enough good things about NHKS. Yes, it's pricey, but everything is in Hawaii. You can tell each teacher cares about the kids and puts 100% effort into them. read more

This is one of the best early education centers I have ever encountered - not only in Hawaii but throughout the United States. The administrative staff is both conscientious and extremely competent. The teachers and support staff are kind, skilled, and extremely nurturing. The Board of Governors is among the best leaders and guides of any volunteer organization ever assembled. Both of my two children were enrolled for five years at this school and, now that they have graduated college, each reflects back at Navy Hale Keiki School as the foundation for their search for and appreciation of education opportunities and enlightenment. The students are eager and enthusiastic with the start of each new school day. In short, Navy Hale Keiki School provides both students and their parents with an outstanding educational environment and an excellent foundation for lifelong learning. read more

I am so glad we sent our children to this school! The staff are warm and welcoming. If we have any concerns they are addressed as soon as possible (which is usually immediately). They understand the special challenges of being a military family because many of them have been, or currently are, in our shoes. All of the teachers know my children by name. Every teacher, not just the teacher whose class they are in. T. It really is one big Ohana! That makes a big difference when a child is coping with deployment, living in a new city, or dealing with a friend who has PCS'd. As far as academics we couldn't ask for more. They don't necessarily teach to the grade level, but to the ability of the students. The curriculum is challenging without being overwhelming. I love that the teachers not only help students who are struggling, but also encourage those who are more advanced than their classmates. I cant say I have heard anything like that from friends about the schools their children attend. The best part of NHKS is that they not only nurture the students' minds, but also have high expectations as far as behavior. The students understand they are a part of a community: in their school, in their neighborhood, as a military child, and in the wide world. They are taught to respect others, be responsible for their own actions, and to look out for one another. It makes such a difference in the school environment and in the lives of the students themselves. We love Navy Hale Keiki! read more

Disappointed in the Administration. I have had multiple negative experiences with them. The Admin does not properly communicate or reply to phone calls/emails. You have to send it multiple times. The Principal isn't present and heavily relies on those amazing teachers. Her lack of leadership is unprofessional and concerning. She only interacts with favorite students and families. But the worst person is the Chief Financial Officer. Her billing skills are concerning. She will accidentally bill you for something or forget to take off a billing fee. Not sure how she can mess that up when the school makes you sign up for FACTS. She also recently denied my Enlisted family of 3 financial aid but I found out that officer families have received it. I also realized that she didn't realize we were a colored family because when I came in for my family interview, she said "You weren't what I expected." That has sadly sat with me and made me worried about my child's safety at the school. While understand the Covid policies, I find that it is still unacceptable that the Admin lacks serious communication skills and efficiency. read more

I have two children at Navy Hale Keiki. It was our first choice when coming to the island. Their warm welcome, and challenging curriculum were exactly what my family was looking for. They were able to work with my children, who were scared, anxious, and lonely, and give them a safe haven and home. I can not recommend this school enough. They have mastered the perfect combination of warmth and academics. read more

I had 3 children attend NHKS for 3 years. They spanned in age from Pre-K all the way through 4th grade. I cannot say enough positive about NHKS! The academic foundation they received has benefited them well beyond their time in Hawaii. They were challenged well beyond their grade level. Their classrooms were wonderful learning environments. The entire staff from the administration all the way down truly loved my children, and that was evident each day on campus. My children received so much more than just an education at NHKS. Our family was truly blessed by every day we spent there. read more

We were very excited for our PCS move to Hawaii. We signed up early for this school and acceptance was contingent on a screening with the staff for his first year of Kindergarten. Upon arrival and screening, my son wasn't accepted to this school's kindergarten because it's an "academic school" I was told. Although, my soon-to-be 5 year old can count to 99, spell small words, knows his shapes, colors, can read over 15 words, etc... I was told the screening was only to make sure the student wouldn't hurt himself or others but apparently that was incorrect since they will not accept him because "he needs too much direction," (this is after being inserted into a summer school class that he's never been in, and doesn't know the teacher or kids, etc...). If I had known I would have made back-up plans for school for him instead being a year behind mainland kids (with public school age change in HI; my son was born in Sept). Now we need to find a private school that isn't full less than a month before schools start. read more

We have been at NHKS for two years and have nothing but great things to say. Our child is thriving and loves her teachers. They made sure our child felt safe and happy while her dad was deployed this year. There isn't any other school around this area that can relate to the life of a military child like they do. The office staff is also helpful and we appreciate the quick responses to any questions we might have. Thank you NHKS staff! read more

We are a military family whose daughter attended NHKS 1st-4th grades. I cannot say enough positive things about this special school. She received an outstanding education and was easily accepted into top schools back on the mainland. However, the social opportunities that she received there aren't quantifiable-life long memories of trips, clubs, school events, and friendships that have endured through our transition back to the mainland. The teaching staff is of the highest caliber and have an unmatchable passion for the children placed in their care.This school holds such a special place in our hearts and it is the bar to which we hold all schools in all places against. We are proud NHKS alumni! It is the best school on the island! read more

I am very thankful that my son received a strong academic and social foundation at NHKS. He attended from Preschool through the first month and K before having to PCS. We were sad to leave, and NHKS will always have a special place in our hearts... Because of the fabulous teachers, he is academically beyond his peers, caring, and loves school. NHKS is a wonderful, supportive community that is hard to find and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a top notch school. read more

Our child is 3 years old and is currently enrolled here. We will not be returning next year for a number of reason. I would 1st like to advise anyone looking into the NHKS that they are NOT a Daycare Center or Child Development Center (CDC). So if you are looking to get into a place with the perks of a "daycare" but the added benefit of an educational curriculum, this place isn't for you. With that said, this place is average at best; but due to some personal issues with the staff and administration this place gets 1 star. There are many things that are misleading or not mentioned until you deposit the NON REFUNDABLE $300 fee. For example the school is only 3 hours long (8-11). Any time needed before or after that is an additional cost. If you need to drop your child off earlier than 0730 that is another additional cost. During that 3 hour period, 45 mins is recess. So you are really paying for 2.25 hrs. My complaints First, for this school to have the Navy attached to its name it is not very accommodating for the military working family. They take off every state holiday (though federally the military or Gov employees have to work), Fall/Winter/Spring Break so plan your leave ahead. They do offer "interim care" but the cost is high!! For example, 1 week (spring break) cost around $250! Second, for the amount of money you pay in tuition (close to $7k for the school year not including interim care nor summer sessions) all of the extra-curricular activities offered are not included. You must pay extra for those. And be sure to pay attention to wording as they are very crafty and literal. Many of the classes offered are "immersion" classes which basically means your child will be "immersed" into the activity but not necessarily taught. Third, They will fundraise you, email, and ask you for donations to death. I don't understand why they would not just include the cost for everything needed into the tuition. It's a private school so you should not have to beg me for additional money. Very tacky in my opinion. Fourth, Food (breakfast and lunch) is not included. However, they offer "hot lunch" for a cost if you don't want to pack lunch every day. The set up here is what kid wants to eat cold lunch?(because they will not heat up home brought lunches) over a hot meal. Also as part of a fundraiser, they offer pizza Fridays for a minimal cost. And knowing that most kids will choose pizza over anything else you are boxed into another purchase. Fifth, helping your child with shoes. They often use the line of letting the children be independent as an excuse to relive themselves of responsibility. Almost every day I pick my child up his shoes are on backwards. Im all for letting the kids be independent, but you also have to correct them when they are wrong so they can learn. He often has bruises on his feet for wearing shoes backwards without being corrected. Sixth, when paying the school you have to pay through a third party which incurs an additional fee if you pay with a credit card versus checking account that you will have to cover. Seventh, ZERO diversity. If you want your child to be exposed to different races and cultural backgrounds (which you would expect being a school attached the Navy) good luck. A minority is even more of a minority here. Eighth, They are passive aggressive. Instead of telling you what they want they hint at it. And if you don't give them what they want you can expect the treatment of you and your child to be slightly altered. Ninth, parking is a mess and they often do fire drills during after school pick up hours which not only is inconvenient but their procedure is terrible. Tenth, Their diagnosis of a sick child. If your child has a running nose (clear or not) be ready to come pick him up. To them a running nose equals being contagiously sick. My positives First, The teachers are GREAT. Our child seems to very much like the teachers and his aftercare teacher. Ms. Alba and Ms. Ryan is awesome and I am greeted with a genuinely positive attitude every day. Second, The class structure is good and your child will be engaged and learn different things. Overall, I believe this school is living off the fact that allegedly the Hawaii school systems are poor so people pay this outrageous amount of money to attend. I cant say for sure if our child has learned anything as many of the things they teach we taught him prior to enrollment. Plus with age comes better understanding of the things we teach at home. If you're a dual working household good luck. At times it can be very challenging with this school taking off Winter Breaks, Spring Breaks, Summer Break, State Holidays, Teacher Work Day/Parent Conference Days and any sick days..... read more

This school is poorly organized. There are no lesson plans. A majority of the time is spent attempting fund raising and the production of little holiday art projects by the children. These children will not be prepared. read more

This school is absolutely amazing! We can't recommend it enough. We currently have two children at the school and will have a third next year. It was a sacrifice which we were very unsure of when we first registered our kids. Since the school came so highly recommended from our neighbors, we proceeded to enroll them. We couldn't be more happy with our decision. It is worth every penny. I know the tuition looks high, but after doing lots of research, relative to other schools on island, this school is a deal. Plus this school understands the military more than any other school on island. They work with parents and children to get through tough deployments and TDYs. Also, patriotism at this school is inspiring. No other school has WWII and Pearl Harbor survivors visit! Or astronauts! This is a testament to the school reputation. We also utilize the afterschool program and our kids WANT to go to afterschool care! I can't say the same for the public schools in the area. We actually tried the public elementary around the corner for a year before enrolling our first child. Although the teacher was ok, everything else about the school was a nightmare and the bureaucracy ridiculous. We hated the common core curriculum and my child was just another kid in a mass crowd of chaos. It was a regular occurrence to hear foul language and see kids pushing each other around after school as I walked my child home from school. Plus I hated the open campus utilized at most public schools in Hawaii. Both of my kids have excelled academically and we have no doubt it is because of the dedicated staff at NHKS. If you are on the fence, I would highly encourage you take a leap of faith and enroll your child/ren. You will not be disappointed! (Note: Don't ignore this school if your child has special needs. Although, NHKS doesn't have the resources to address all needs, they are excellent at working with parents of special needs children to see if they can accommodate them) read more