There are some interesting reviews here from Tracy T, Tori M and Wendy A. When I buy products, I always check the bad reviews to see if I should avoid the purchase. HBA Elementary was more like one of those purchases where I've never heard of the product (which can be good so you don't purchase due to hype), I've heard good and bad about it (still hard to judge), but the one thing they had going for them was I heard they were very rigid in their guidelines for students. Something I felt my son needed. So now my son's been attending HBA elementary for 4 years. He does well academically. Not straight As (though he did get a Soaring Eagle award this last quarter - straight high grades in core subjects), he's happy with school (which I think is one of the biggest hurdles for a parent), still needs that guidance with behavior (hmmm), has awesome friends (and parents), and basically, the usual stuff you'd want from a school your child attends. There's always good and bad with every school and I'm happy with the way things have gone for my child and I've heard the same from at least half the parents of the kids in his grade (private school is awesome - you do get to know the other parents). HBA is probably not a good fit for all types of kids. If you feel your child is TRULY a self starter and very creative, there are other schools that will put this to the test. My son is not all of the above, yet, hence the needed guidance and rigidity for now. After 4 years here, I can say I have a new respect for the school I knew nothing about when my son first started. The biggest plus I've taken away from this experience so far is the faculty at this school steps up to the plate. You may sometimes need to ask and you may sometimes just get it without. In our case, multiple teachers have offered my son additional help with his better than average math skills. I think, one time I sort of asked and the 2nd time the teacher just let us know what was going to happen. In either case, as parents, we were extremely happy he could get advanced tutoring, FOR FREE. I'm not saying they'll do this for everyone, but I was amazed any elementary school, or teacher, has the time for unexpected curriculum. Keep in mind, this is not a group of students who are quite a bit more advanced than the rest so they set aside something for them, which can be kind of the norm. This is just him, getting the help I was hoping he'd get from the school, to accelerate. My hope is he can continue to get this kind of help until he gets to middle school. From that point on, the middle school sounds like it will be OK, but that will be another journey. I'm still glad they were able to step up in the first place. I've also heard of faculty helping kids who are really having trouble. Teachers letting kids come in after hours for tutoring. This isn't help with the homework they didn't finish. This is tutoring on a subject to help them better grasp the concepts they're having trouble with. Again, free, just to help the child. I've heard of kids in this situation at some of the hyped schools and (from the stories I've heard) they basically tell you, you have to send your child to an outside tutor for help, which of course is not free. There are other stories, but it all comes down to the faculty at HBA Elementary is there for your child and they put a lot of effort into their job, which I can confrm first hand (and from stories of other parents and their kids). There are some things schools can do for your child, but sometimes they can't do everything you want. It's these times you as a parent should step up to the plate. If a school can do this for YOUR child, you definitely should be willing and able to also. read more

Ive attened both hba and public schools throughout my life and from my personal experience hba is just a public school with a punahou/iolani price tag. There is clearly no selection process when admitting students as seen throughout their behavior's and actions. Teachers bombard you with homework everyday that doesnt help learning especially when it takes away from your sleep. Finally Christianity is pushed in your face constantly when its clear over 75% of the student base dont have any of the basic "morals" supposedly a Christian would follow. I could go on and on about favoritism towards certain students from the staff and administration, neglect towards issues between students, and more the list goes on and on. There is a lot that needs to be fixed at Hawaii Baptist Academy and its showing with the enrollment rates being at a all time low. read more

I have two kids in the elementary school, so I have seen the JK-5 grades. I can't say enough about the school. They both love their teachers and I have been amazed at the types of projects and activities the teachers create. I have a master's in education, and I see cutting edge best practices frequently. At the same time, I see HBA's commitment to the whole child--building character and social-emotional skills. Several of my daughters' classmates have parents who went to HBA K-12, and after their own experience, they wouldn't send their kids anywhere else. Now I see why. It has been a game changer for our girls, and it is truly a God-send to our family. read more

My Dad was a Army officer. I was never sure what he did during the three years we were stationed in Honolulu, but he did it all underground and I know he did it for us. To this day I can only speculate. We would pick him up every evening at an entrance to a small building the size of an outhouse that lead to a stairway going underground. I only went down those stairs once, but I remember a heavy barred gate and two MPs with rifles at the bottom. I have lots of tales to tell of my time in Hawaii and the deep contrast between this beautiful paradise we, his family, lived in and what was, obviously, my Father's reality for those years. But, I digress . . . In light of my Father's reality, today I now know that my brother and I were put in a private school for "safety" reasons. My Mother had determined that we would not be safe, nor well educated, if we went to a public school in Hawaii. I am not sure what made her come to that conclusion, but she (or they) did. In later years she told me that the first private school that answered the phone when we moved to Honolulu was the one she chose and the one in which we were both enrolled for the next three years. The 8th grade in the Hawaiian Baptist Academy was the first year I finished an entire year in one school . . . ever. Transferred, relocated, moved on or off base, across the country, around the world. It was the school life of a military brat. I started in the 8th grade at HBA and spent three wonderful years here. Many lessons were learned. Many memories that I have carried all my life. Is it a good school? I suspect so. Did I learn from my time there? Yes, but probably not what they meant me to learn. Were they able to convert me to a Southern Baptist? Not even close. What did I learn? That everything that touches your life is a learning experience and that my Father's "safety net" was able to create a "safety net" for me for my entire life. More tales of UFO's, May Day is Lei Day, Sticky Rice, the Air Force Academy, no dancing, the first to buck the system, Poison Flowers, power to ship an unsuspecting fellow off to Egypt and other Hawaiian Baptist Academy tales perhaps will be told in some future Yelp review(s). Perhaps. Three stars are based on my three-year attendance here. Two additional stars are for the belief in myself that this school provided me with without even knowing they were doing it. The Hawaiian Baptist Academy. Thank you. read more

I have to preface this review and say that I attended HBA from K-12, so I have had a lot of experiences with this school. I also have applied my son to attend Kinder here as well. HBA is (IMHO) one of the best private schools on O'ahu. It's a school that has all the opportunites you could imagine with a great campus, genuinely caring teachers, and a rigorous curriculum. I am not sure what school Tori M. went to when talking about this place an "not safe, nurturing, or welcoming if you're not straight, Asian, or Southern Baptist." Also "not challenging?" Hmmmm maybe I wasn't that bright, but high school was pretty damn hard! I'm sincerely sorry you didn't have a good time at HBA, but I completely disagree with those statements. There were lots of people that weren't straight, Asian or Southern Baptist and had a great education and a good time. (They were my friends -- a mix of non-Asians, mixed orientation, and definitely none of us were S. Baptists.) HBA accepted and nurtured them all. It's a little pricey, but on the lower end of the top private schools in cost. You get quality education for what you pay for. As a parent of a child going in to Kinder and looking for the best place for my child, I see HBA in a different perspective. I'm impressed that it is a school that runs like a very organized and professional business and 100% of the graduates still attend college. They have an organized and professional admin staff that coordinates a slew of applicants and schedules parent orientations, interviews and testing for new students. The parent orientation was a great overview of the elementary school with the Kinder teachers sharing about what the children do and learn throughout the day and school year. I overheard other parents saying that this was more than they got at other schools and I agree. I've been to several other orientations which is a bunch of brochures and a Q and A session. The staff genuinely cares about the kids and are top notch educators that are constantly improving their classroom/teaching skills. The elementary campus is also more well maintained than I ever remember which is impressive because I know how much effort and money it takes to keep up a huge campus like they have. The middle school also has a new state-of-the art campus that is LEED Gold or Silver which shows effort to provide the best facilities and technology for the students. HBA has had a significant part in shaping me into the person I am now and I'd say I've been pretty happy with where I've gone in life. *steps off soap box* read more

Hawaii Baptist Academy - Beautiful campus - Elementary Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Not exactly sure how to rate, so I'm going to go "middle of the road". I had only been to the lower school once for a sample sale about 8 years ago, and I was the passenger in the car. I Googled how to get there and felt pretty confident. I went a step further and asked my nephew if the school was on Bates St. He responded, "yes, but no one goes in from there." I dismissed his comment as he really wasn't paying attention to me. I use Siri to navigate me to the school. Upon my arrival at Bates St., his words were rang loud and clear, "no one goes in from there." It was a ghost town. Three cars were parked in the loop drop off, and the big wooden doors to the building were closed. "This doesn't look like the cafeteria!" I murmured. "Rats, the kid was right!" Ok, now what? There obviously is another entrance, but where? Google Maps, don't fail me now! There! A road next to Rehab Hospital, on Kuakini St. Back on the road going Ewa on Kuakini St., I see a driveway to the Elderly condo, the the driveway to Rehab Hosp. Rats, I must've missed the third road, but how? U turn and go slow. Tiny, yellow sign posted on a fency thing, "Hawaii Baptist Academy", into the driveway of the elderly condo. I made it!! A for effort! Educators, you need a bigger sign!!! read more

To: Tracy T My daughter will be ending her first year at HBA as a Kindergartener this year. She has grown to become a beautiful, independent, fearless and confident child while attending this school. Your quote, saying: "Kindergarteners die in their first year. Coming from preschool where they are creative beings and encouraged to talk about their day, HBA students are stifled and almost made to be robot like." Is so untrue. My child is one of the most creative people I know and infact has come up with a novel idea of her own, a "kid food blog" which we will update as we travel across Europe the next 2 years. She is a shining example of what kids (when placed in the RIGHT school), can accomplish. She has learned from attending HBA that the world is bigger than just Hawaii and we (as parents) are responsible for preparing her for her future, not just "top" local private schools and colleges, which seems to be your focus. Again, successful, free-thinking children are MADE when there's BALANCE both at HOME and at SCHOOL and we've found that balance with HBA. If we return to Hawaii, we will re-enroll both of our children back into HBA. So something must be wrong with us and our children (as you state in your review). Shame on you! read more

Hawaii Baptist Academy - Cupcakes for the Fun Fair! - Elementary Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

If you want to deepen your religion and faith in God, this is a great school. If you want challenge in college preparation, athletics, and students who push the limits, I suggest to look elsewhere with your $12,000 dollars a year. read more

I wouldn't typically write a review about a school but since i'm a alumni, I figured I better write a short review. Located in Nuuanu, HBA is of Southern Baptist and funded partly through the Mainland Advisory Council. Millions of dollars come from the mainland to help offset cost to run this school. I've been at HBA since elementary so I was there for an extended period of time. When I first went there, I wasn't a happy camper as I went to a public school prior and this just didn't seem the right fit for me. Many of the kids come from money and its pretty evident by the amount of stuff they have. Education wise, its a pretty good school. Many of my classmates went on to do bigger and better things. Although I was a rebellious child, I think I did get some foundation in there...even if I didn't realize it at the time. I honestly believe now that its about the environment and how you can benefit just from being in a nurturing environment. read more

Do not send your kids to this school it is not a healthy and safe environment. The teachers do not care about my daughter and do not help her with her school work. Even though I encourage my daughter to ask question in class she tells me that the teachers do not help her. Let's just say do not waste your money here. And don't even get me started with the after school care program. They discipline the kids with exercise! It may look like a joyful place on the outside but it is really not the best school. read more

Our son attended HBA and it was an incredible experience. The faculty and staff are incredible. The academics are a high standard and my son excelled academically because of the curriculum and the excellent and caring instructors. Previous to attending, we did not know a lot about HBA. It is truly a hidden gem and more people should know about what an incredible school it is. They also have a wonderful band. Athletically they are part of Pac-5 and have buses take the students from school to their practices. Which was perfect. My son loved participating in the sports program. HBA is an incredible school and we are sad that his time there is complete but we are grateful for the education, experiences and friends gained there. read more

I'm a little biased. Just saying. I attended and graduated from the school and now I have a kid that attends the school. I think I'm a qualified to share some information about my experiences. I have fond memories of the teachers and all my friends. The atmosphere was very supportive and I'm still close to many of my classmates. I enjoyed playing sports and being involved in other activities. Now there's even more opportunity than when i was there. One of the most important things beside the relationships and environment was learning about Christ. In life, my faith really has shaped my perspective, outlook, attitude and decision making process. Because my experience at HBA was so favorable, I'm glad I can send my child there and I feel that the school is also continuing to grow and improve as well. They have more space, facilities and programs! But some things still consistent, the great teachers and administrators! I know my kid is in a terrific school because she is so happy to be there. One day i hope to send my son too! read more

Ok, I am biased because I teach at the high school campus, but I must say, the mission of the school, the loving teachers, and the feeling of welcome at the elementary campus is wonderful. My daughter is currently in the first grade, and academically, she is way ahead in reading, writing, and math than I ever was at her age. I was an avid reader growing up--my 7 year old daughter, however, reads nonstop and picks "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" or similar chapter books. And she only just turned 7 two days ago. More importantly, she is learning about Jesus and His love for her, and how she should share His love with others. There are many private schools in town that we could choose to send our daughter to, but the small class sizes, great resources (as kids get older they all receive an ipad) and quaint campus are a perfect fit for our elementary schooler. read more

So I gave in and decided to write a Yelp review for HBA. I could write a book on my six years here (I wont say which ones they were, too embarrassing). Bottom line, it's not a safe, nurturing, or welcoming place to learn if you're not a straight, Asian, Southern Baptist kid. They don't challenge students, especially the bright ones. They discourage independent thought and punish it, especially in Bible classes. It's one thing to encourage Christianity but nobody benefits if students hear that one way is right and everybody who doesn't believe what you believe is evil and vile. They only thing this school has going for it is cross country and bowling teams. read more

I credit Hawaii Baptist Academy in establishing the foundation for my Christian faith, beliefs, and values, and for that reason, I cannot put a price to my time spent there. What I have gained from my experience at this school is simply priceless. read more

For the most part, HBA is a great school. The teachers are very caring but the student body isn't all that great. So, the teachers. I've found that almost all the teachers are amazing people and they truly do care about the education of the students. I haven't got much to say about them, because they are just good people. Keep up the good work guys! The students are a major turn off though. Now, it's unfair to say ALL the students aren't that great, but for the most part, the students are rude, obnoxious, and think they are the greatest people on the planet. For example, whenever a teacher doesn't serve the lesson to the students on a nice silver platter, the students complain about how the teachers are unqualified to teach and how they are "trash". Another example would be a 2021 student who had an altercation with a student from a public school. Yes, the public school student should not have responded with force, but the 2021 student had it coming. I heard from multiple people that the HBA student taunted the public school student with words like, "at least I'm going to college". On another occasion, my mother was purchasing a drink from a vending machine. It was a Diet drink. When the other students saw it (I believe they were seniors class of 2018), they were at first excited that the school had soda but when they saw it was Diet, they dismissed it as for "fat people" in front of my mother.... this is in no way acceptable and unfortunately, I think this is where the teachers are lacking. They teach us to act properly only in front of visitors (Ive had it happen to me and seen it happen. The teacher will tell students not to do something because there are executives or visitors, not because it's wrong. In fact, I even had a teacher keep several people in to tell them to calm down because the potential students that were touring the school looked like they were scared of the behavior and HBA needed those students) and don't care about what happens on a day to day basis. Because they ignore daily behavior, students will still continue to act like this in front of guests because they are used to acting so foolishly. Again, this is the only part I find undesirable about the teachers. They fail to stop this behavior and for the most part will ignore it. It is my honest opinion that we shouldn't have to act differently in front of visitors, we should either make acting like regular, civilized human beings the norm, or let the world know what kind of environment they are actually sending their children to. read more

It's really too bad that Tracy T. is having such a terrible experience. It's too bad her kids are stuck in a school their mom hates (I'm assuming she would have pulled them out by now if they'd been accepted anywhere else). Clearly their continued enrollment at this school will be negatively impacted by her own baggage and jaded attitude. Reading her sad commentary, the only thing I could think of was, you're only going to get back what you expect. If you only look for the negative, that's all you're going to find. I don't find most of her data and observations to be accurate. My own experience has been entirely different from hers; my children have developed wonderful friendships not only amongst other "lifers" but also with those who ENTERED (i.e. CHOSE to attend) from either middle school or the 9th grade... and I would say the same is true for the majority of parents who have chosen to actively participate in school activities and events, etc. So much so, that many parents continue to stay involved, volunteer, and support the school years after their own children have graduated. Perhaps Tracy T. should stop projecting her own unhappiness upon the school and everyone else. For the record, I only applied my children at HBA, had no desire to apply them anywhere else (and we're NOT Southern Baptists!) We also know of other kids who were accepted at those "first choice schools" but actually chose (WHAT?!?!) (*gasp*) to attend HBA. Please, Tracy T., take your kids out and make room for others who would like the opportunity to send their children to this "school of choice". read more

fun fair is happening today, lots of baked goods, country store and delicious huli chicken for sale at this campus.

When we were applying to HBA were heard all the typical things--"Homework Baptist Academy", "Here Because Accepted" and "the Terminal" (this is because kids go there while they wait to get into better schools)--it cracked me up when I head HBA is really "Holding-area B or A). The sad thing is these things are really true. Any parent who is honest will tell you that they applied to other schools and they are at HBA because their kid didn't get it. If someone tells you they only applied at HBA, something is wrong with them or their child (really, think about it). So we've established that HBA is not a first choice school. With this being said, most kids are just hanging around until they get into a better school. Clear evidence is how many seniors actually started at HBA. The retention of students from K-12 is not very impressive. Since families don't intend to stay at HBA they are really just waiting until the entry points at other schools, so they make very little effort to get to know other families, become part of the campus community and care about the school. I'm just sharing this so you'll know this when you get there. Also I should point out, since most parents are thinking about applying their kids to other school, you should really know that classmates at HBA should look at their neighbors as competition because at the end of the day, the kid next to your kid wants to get out as badly as you do. Another thing, many parents think if they get their kid into any private school it's better than going to a public school. STOP. You need to rethink this. if you are willing to pay, then yes HBA is a satisfactory choice. BUT if you have expectations and want your child to get a holistic experience and grow as an individual, then you may want to check out another school... maybe even Maemae up the road. HBA really doesn't want to deal with kids that have a creative flair, are too smart, think outside the box, speak their opinion or are unique. For example, if you are thinking of entering at K or 4th (the current entry points, but wait they are now accepting all grade levels because the enrollment is low and they are trying to fill slots because students are leaving... sorry I got distracted) you should know that is when they quickly intervene and ensure that your child is molded into their cookie cutter model. Students are expected to sit still, not talk, do only what the teacher wants when the teacher wants and make the teacher happy. Okay, does this seem a little extreme to you. Kindergarteners die in their first year. Coming from preschool where they are creative beings and encouraged to talk about their day, HBA students are stifled and almost made to be robot like. The Kindergarten teachers should probably think how they'd like their children to be treated, because they are clearly not treating the student like their own children. Then as they progress to the next grade they same rigid treatment continues. Student that enter in the 4th grade are greeted with teachers who expect all students to be well behaved and quiet. REALLY? It's amazing how much emphasis is on ensuring that students are quiet. What does quiet do but make it easier for the teachers. The reading teacher is the only one that makes the grade tolerable. If you plan to transfer in, wait until middle school, don't enter in 6th. The 6th grade teachers are okay, but nothing worth rushing to apply for. Most say middle school is the best time for kids to transition. If you are looking for a school with a family focus, you may be disappointed. As mentioned earlier most people don't intend to keep their kids at HBA unless they don't get in anywhere else, so... many families don't invest in really getting involved. Besides the point that the school only really wants your help for the fair or to provide food for different events like open house, MAC week, etc. HBA offers opportunities to visit the school for morning coffee, I can't remember who it's with but it's not to get to meet parents, but like a coffee hour with either the counselor or some churchy person. Interestingly because I get along with the faculty and staff, I've also been told that they filter who they invite on special field trips and to help with events. So even if you are interested to help, you may never get to if you are not one of the "selected few". This is good to know because I've meet many parents that keep volunteering but wonder why they don't get picked. Finally, if you are thinking of HBA be ready okay with not having a voice. The school makes it appear like they want to hear what parents think, but never share the data they collect. Occasionally, the principal will mention something that was revealed in the survey, but it only supports something they are already doing. A great example is the survey on homework, we never got the details of the survey. Just that HBA gives right amount. What? Why even ask us? Be transparent. read more