The school so far has met our expectations. There aren't many reviews because, it seems from our experience, many of the families are too busy balancing work and family life. A couple of these negative reviews come from people who haven't experienced actually attending the school during the traditional school year. I think the lack of reviews is more a reflection of the priorities that the parents at IPA have. For example, I couldn't be bothered to write a review because it's just not as important as spending time with my family and/or work. However, I felt compelled to write one today because of the position that the Covid 19 pandemic has put the nations' families in. So far our elementary age kids have had a positive experience with the distance learning model which the school administrators and teachers spent months preparing. Preparation is evident in the materials provided and with how well organized their classes have been. They've participated in around four to six hours of daily online direct instruction, and the teachers have kept them interested and engaged. A bonus for us is that they actually think they are IN school! read more

This is geniunely the worst possible school you could send your kids to (especially if they are a poc/non hawaiian or white). The amount of racial trauma I had endured at this establishment was insane. They unfairly single out students of color, would try to get them in trouble for things other students would do, scream and curse at them, share your personal information to staff in front of the students, and then act like nothing happened. A lady (who was not even a teacher & would wear color contacts) would try to recruit other staff to slutshame me, would only try to get me in trouble even if other students would wear the same thing, and even made comments about what i was wearing when i wasnt even at school. This school is very biased towards certain students, at one point a student was able to complete all their classes virtually while everyone else had to go in person because their parents gave them extra money, but god forbid your midriff accidentally shows. When racism and unfairness were brought to the schools attention they did nothing. Instead they screamed at me until I cried and the lady defended it by saying she has friends who are of color so she cant be racist. At one point at the school a teacher would constantly talk about x related things and drugs but was later removed. Another teacher ended up dating one of their students shortly after they graduated but the school invited them back as a dj for a school event.... Ive been holding this in for awhile but this school was one of the worst decisions I ever made. Please just go somewhere else and I hope they replace the staff or atleast get a cafeteria or gym. read more

I was goign to wait until my kids were out of this school to write this, but honestly the last three years at IPA have been the worst years developmentally for my children. This school targets any students who are POC or Black. The staff all the way from your matience guys to your teachers only know how to talk shit about these kids. Maybe if you spent more time cleaning up the cat and bird shit that our kids are exposed to, you wouldn't have time to be gossiping about people's children. How you one grown adult sitting there taking about kids and then try acting like a professional when you see a parent pull up. I don't know what the head of this school is thinking keeping these people employed. For all the money we pay, this campus screams broke, dirty, biohazards everywhere. Take a walk by the Elementary building so you can see the windows on the first floor and how the sill is bowing - scary! How do they pass inspection? I'm gathering all the evidence cause the way these kids are being exposed to cat shit and bird shit everyday for the tutition we pay don't make sense. Always nice to see how it's a revolving door of staff at this school, and they can't keep anyone a shade darker than a paper bag. Anyone can walk onto this campus and do wahtever cause these dummies don't have any security on site and the secondary building never has anyone on the first floor to greet us or help u find your kid. I had to wait 15 minutes for someone to figure out where my daughter was, not to mention the additional five minutes it took for someone to even notice i was standing in the lobby. For how much we pay, you get no cafeteria, no gym and a gross dirty campus. The lobby is dark, no seating, the receptioinst is never there and it's stacked with old water bottles and old lunch containers, it's so unwelcoming, everyone walks around like they don't want to be bothered. They starting laying this nasty red mulch everywhere that's now a big litter box and blows dust everywhere for our kids to inhale. I'm also not comfortable with the amount of weird posters being hung up in the secondary building. Again, taking photos and sharing with all the current parents so we can figure out where our money is going. read more

This private school is all smoke in mirrors. The buildings are not cared for- there are broken blinds, uneven floors and buildings in disrepair that make it look unkempt. Teachers and principals turnover fast because of the very toxic environment and culture. The bullies stay and continue their reign of terror, and the great teachers and leaders have to leave. Teachers talk badly about students and parents in front of other students and parents. There is no transparency of where the tuition money is going. The tuition is very high and there are no repairs done at the school and they can't keep good teachers. What is the problem??? If you send your kids here, you will see for yourself. read more

As a former PTA president at IPA, I would not recommend this school. The Administration loves to play games with parents and children for that matter. I highly recommend you NOT sending your child to this school. They treat fathers especially badly. 5 principles in 6 years? Seriously? Inept leadership top down. read more

My child started kindergarten at IPA this year and so far I have been incredibly impressed with IPA. It's a wonderful caring environment, dedicated to teaching children the true meaning of Aloha. I am so grateful that our journey led us to such a wonderful and cultivating environment. The teachers, curriculum and community are exactly what we had hoped for. read more

Me and my kids love the school. Nice teachers and no bad bully kids go there. It's just a 4 star because of the price. It's expensive for just small classes and school with no gym or big basketball court. Iit still read more

So so so good school they teach you stuff they have nice food They also have nice teachers and nice education they teach you tons of stuff about history. I honestly think you should go to the school if you want your self to get a super good education. read more

Awesome school they teach the kids with the right education. As a student that is enrolling there right now. They have good teachers that teach pretty well. I would give it five stars but there is one probLen. The grading system is not great. read more

Quality of education here is no better than a public school and the turnover rate of teachers and administration is absurdly high. Toxic workplace culture that starts at the top with the headmaster. The headmaster surrounds himself with yes men and anyone below him doesn't have the voice to share an opposing opinion, otherwise they can expect to lose their job. There are certainly great and caring individuals at this school but until leadership at the top changes *cough* headmaster *cough*, the school will remain in a perpetual cycle of failure and turnover. Staying anonymous on this review because the administration is known to lash out at anyone that doesn't blindly follow their orders. read more

I will start by saying I'm currently a student at this school. This school is absolutely terrible, the education here is no different then anything in a public school, we're stuck paying 18,000 dollars a year to go to this school and yet they do absolutely nothing to improve the quality. Its such a toxic place to go to school at, if you are typically a shy student, you will constantly be picked on by other students and the teachers couldn't care less to do anything about it. The administration and faculty have favorite students and do not treat students equally at all. If you are a parent thinking about sending your kids here, DO NOT. read more

This school will ruin your children. My kids graduated some time ago, but the effects of their education and that of their friends hang on. The kids are mean, and no one teaches them otherwise because there is not a genuine clean and giving, unselfish attitude at the school. All of the kids who went there end up having psychological problems. The liberal bias is sick, and it perverts the kids. I wish I was a genius and could say how to correct the school and I am not. It seems to be just a toxic mix, and it's dangerous. read more

This school is crooked and very money driven. I have wasted the most "Critical" developmental years in my child's life. You'll be paying an arm and a leg in exchange for a VERY LOW QUALITY EDUCATION. You're better off teaching your child for FREE, which is what I had to do in order for my son to catch up. My sacrificial time probably saved my kid from falling behind. But unfortunately, not all parents have that time which means, their kids started falling behind. We're paying ridiculous amount of money. With that said we EXPECT the teachers/faculties to have some skill to teach our kids what they require to learn. The kids aren't being challenged. Homework are ridiculously easy, but sometimes kids would bring homework not knowing what to do regardless of how simple the work is. I would ask if teacher went over it at school? Answer is no. So again, I would have to teach my child and my child would quickly get it. No brainer there. Don't even get me started with classwork. When my child brings home his classwork for the week, I'd notice that majority of his work would be incomplete nor are there any teachers remarks/correction on it. Reading, forget about it. Teachers would just turn on the TV and have the tv read to them? How can they track these kids reading level if the tv is the one doing the reading? They can't even teach the kids basic note taking skills. I noticed my kid writing and drawing nonsense all over his notebooks. I had to reach out to his teacher begging her to make sure the kids write on their notebooks in order and have actual notes that actually relates to what they're studying and notes that can help them with their homework . Again, I had to teach my kid how to use his notebook properly. At this point it seems pointless because I don't think they do much note taking in class anyways. I buy so many notebooks each school year and they barely use all the pages. There is also a lot of suspicious issues going on with the faculties (specially Secondary). The turnover is insane. So many teachers and principals have quit. But I won't say more. Just stay away from this school! Save your money! But most importantly, "Save your child from falling behind"!!!! Note This: I am speaking on behalf of a lot of parents that had/have similar if not very identical issues, that we've experienced and what our children has been reflecting. I can agree with one of the reviews below (Talk F) where the kids here have suffered phycological effects as they transition out of this school. Anonymous H - also highlighted some important facts They need start investigating why this school has such high turnovers and specifically the Head of school. read more

we're cooked the administration here doesn't care about any of the students, and as as student at IPA, I don't feel like I matter to the school besides giving them my tuition, I don't feel I get any support here and I don't feel my education here is any better than a public school. The administration is biased, and they have favorites. The counselors and vice principal have favorites, and our last principal was the only sensible person in the office, and now that she's fired too, students, parents, and teachers have no control over anything that happens at this school, and now the office can do whatever they want and continue to trash this school and treat students unfairly. read more

The principal turnover rate is crazy high, the board doesn't know what's going on, and nobody is giving any reasons for the recent firing of the principal. It's all "No comment". We never know what goes on behind the scenes because the admin is so secretive which is one of the annoying parts about being a student here. None of the administration cares about the student, parent, or teacher's opinions, and they never listen to the people who are actually funding the school. read more

Our child went there for a year. Probably set her back academically about 3. School can't keep a decent teacher. Pretty much 10-15 new teachers a year. No Principal / Headmaster. Interim.... whatever that means. I think tag you are it. School very unorganized. Academics below sub-par. Very, very bad experience. read more

My daughter loves this school. All the teachers and staff are well mannered.  Greet with smiles everyday. My child has learned so much with their advanced curriculum. Special thank you to Mrs. Momi, Mrs. Tiny and Mr. Ross! The drop off and pick up is super organized and planned out, actually all of the school events are well planned out. During Covid, IPA put together a really good game plan to keep the kids learning and growing in a safe environment. If you have the chance to put your child in this school please do so. From my daughter and the family. THANK YOU IPA!!!! read more

I would give this place a zero if I could but I can't so it's going to be a 1, I know several people attending this school and have heard nothing but horrible things - for starters there's always changing staff and never someone to hear the students out, they will passively listen & ignore things as if they never happened wether it be concerns on students or staff. Secondly - I know a handful of students distance learning due to worries of catching COVID but they're putting a DEADLINE ON THEIR DISTANCE LEARNING? for what reason? Also using the school dance as a blackmail to come back to in school learning!! Only notifying them THE DAY BEFORE THE DANCE THAT IF THEY CANNOT GO TO IN SCHOOL LEARNING THEY WILL NOT BE GOING TO THE DANCE ??? That's non-refundable there was 700+ cases AND a reported case IN THE SHCOOL ABOUT A WEEK AGO Do they really care? Is this pandemic not a concern at all to them? I see kids sick all around and nothing is being done about this it seems in this school and yet they're still having this dance + allowed to bring in people from other schools with (I'm assuming) no proof of negative COVID test or vaccination - they are allowing 100 students to attend this dance?? just because students AND FAMILY do not want to put their health at risk doesn't mean they do not need socialization. "their goal is to give students the skills they need to lead healthy, productive lives both inside AND OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROM." When they try to get kids to be exposed INSIDE of the school hah ok Sick. All they care about is money. read more

Island Pacific Academy - Elementary Schools Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

We sent both of our daughters to the elementary side of IPA when we lived in Nanakuli. We were happy with this school, especially the principal Mr. Ross, the kindergarten teacher Mrs. Kuahiwinui, and second grade teacher Mrs. Dube. Our girls had a good experience and as parents we were happy with their academic progress and we felt well informed; the school had good communication with families. read more

My son was bullied and assaulted at the school and the student was back in school 2 days later. (His mom is a teacher at IPA). Needed to press charges and file a TRO so he could finish out the year. Will be going to a different school next year. read more

This is the building my church has their afternoon services at 3pm on Sunday's! The building is a great place to have church, cool, comfortable, and clean! Love it! Great for fellowship afterwards as they have a kitchen we can use. Thanks IPA for letting us worship here! read more

Island Pacific Academy - Elementary Schools Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Great school. My son went through High School and came out a critical thinker ready for any University. If you want great teachers and challenging environment for learning look no further. read more

This is a great school and loving environment! I appreciate how much they have done for both of my kids.

Teachers and classes there are great. You really learn a lot. My problem is that a lot of the students there are snobs. I got bullied almost everyday and when I finally spoke up about it, no one really did anything. Also, I got picked on by one of my teachers every class. I was miserable there so I left. All the bullying really lowered my self confidence unfortunately. read more

Sent my grandson there one summer. Academics in the morning, sports in the afternoon. Came home with his notebook everyday, not one note, scribble or assignment in it. As for sports, they just ran around. Nothing organized, no teaching basketball, football, nothing. What a big disappointment! Taught me a big lesson that summer, RESEARCH the school before enrolling the child! read more

This school is horrible. I went here for three years and it has continued to go down hill since i went there. Most students and teachers are leaving because of the high price with nothing to offer. The facilities are horrible, no gym and no food at lunch. It is way too small for 500+ students you can barely move in hallways. The good teachers always leave, and the school also teaches political ideas that are opinionated. This school has no organization and the staff is very lazy. I have watched many teachers leave and be overwhelmed with how bad the school is. It's very sad situation but this school is going down the wrong path and you do not want your kid to go down with it. The people that go here are only there for the safety of a private school and it's the only one in kapolei. Either consider the better private schools in town or go to public schools but please don't go to IPA. It has caused issues for me as i continue to attend a different school because the academics were so behind!! read more

Unfortunately, the dynamic at this school is just off. Kamehameha scholarships are recognized at this school which prompted my interest. It has long been perceived in the community that the students were snobby or stuck-up. Not sure where that started but I have known graduates of this school who have echoed these sentiments. The lower grades seem to have more Native Hawaiian students which is great to see and sad at the same time. Our public school systems here really should work better so parents can keep school expenses saved for college... but it does not and it's why I'm on a quest for a private school. IPA is not it. Great facility, probably should have planned for much larger growth and expansion, but overall nothing special. I am looking for a curriculum that will challenge my child. This school is for parents who can not come to terms with sending kids to public school or who have had children who ran into problems in public school.... just saying. I remember when the school was first built and I anticipated that it would be an option one day for my child. Teachers here are not required to have specialized degrees. A bachelor's degree in anything can make you a teacher. The surrounding area of Kapolei, Waianae, Makakilo and Ewa really doesn't pull any uber-rich families into the school, so not sure why the snobbish entitlement reputation abounds, but it does. The students I've run into were foul-mouthed and not very friendly. Cost is way too much, again another $16,000+ school in Kapolei. I would say a fair cost for this school is really no more than $10,000 a year and even that is pushing. read more

This review is about 10+ years too late but what happened to me as a student at Island Pacific Academy was NOT okay, and I HOPE that over the years new teachers, new administration, and new students have created a better environment at IPA. I attended IPA from 2006-2007 & 2007- 2008, I was a middle school student at the time and had transferred from a public school. While I was a student at IPA I experienced bullying & harassment from my peers and teachers. One day after a lecture about bullying, a friend of mine approached one of our teachers to let her know that she felt I was being bullied at school. That teacher did nothing with that information. I experienced bullying and harassment on a daily basis and no one did anything about it. I just hope that IPA is not the same school that I went to, and that they have created a better and safer environment for the students. I'm a 25 year old woman now and it's been 10+ years but the emotional pain I endured is life long. read more

Good luck dealing with admissions. I think they may need to drop their ego a bit and realize this isn't Punahou...at least not yet. May not be a bad idea to have some kind of an idea what your enrollment looks like before you tell parents you have availability. Great facilities too, if you like the idea of paying $14k a year to have your child play in a parking lot. read more

Our son has been attending IPA since pre-kindergarten. Great staff and teachers. Ideal location in Kapolei and adjacent to Kapolei Library. Tuition I'd say is about middle compared to the other private schools on Oahu. read more

I have three children in the school and have never regretted the decision to enroll them at IPA. An outstanding school and perhaps the best education on the Island. IB program is a higher standard for education, and IPA is ahead of the curve in offering the IB diploma. read more

My son has attended IPA for six years. The school has supported his unique learning needs (he's gifted and disorganized) through caring teachers and small class sizes. The faculty here are well-trained and very professional. I love this school! read more

What an amazing little piece of heaven for my girls. We have been at IPA now for 4 years and my kids are thriving. Small classrooms size and hands down the greatest teachers around. We couldn't ask for a better learning environment for our girls. Thanks IPA for continuting to amaze us every year!!! read more

Enrolled my daughter here but unfortunately she didn't get in. I was disappointed, but I take it as a blessing in disguise because I realized what kind of school she'd be getting into. Based on our experience, the staff/admin could do better with their admission process. My child is 4-years old when she took her admission entrance exam (March 2018). After the evaluation, the proctor said that she did very well, no other bad comments. A month later, we received a rejection letter in which they stated "she was unable to demonstrate the skills required to be successful in our kindergarten program...because of her birthdate, we strongly encourage you to reapply..." In my humble opinion, it was truly upsetting that they gave such a false sense of hope (saying that my daughter did well, when in fact, they could have given us helpful feedback about her performance.) Also, if they knew that her age would play a factor, why did they tested her in the first place? There's no clear lines regarding age restrictions on their website. If we knew, we would have not wasted our money and time going through their admission process. As a parent, I value schools who demonstrate honesty, integrity, and transparency, which this school has failed to do so -- it's an eye-opening experience, considering we'd be paying 14k per year. Thankfully, we were not complacent and still looked for alternative schools. read more

We have had the most awful summer school experience here!!! We originally signed up for reading, math and art via online application for my 3rd grader. This was not remedial but just enrichment. I received an email that my payment via paypal did not go through. After calling the school 4 times and getting transferred multiple times each time I called. I finally got through to someone that confirmed payment received and all was ok. Started school on the first day and the teacher that was supposed to be there teaching reading and writing was someone else. After 5 days of playing on the playground and playing hangman in class and writing and reading NOTHING I confronted the teacher Who said he was filling in for someone else and was not prepared to teach. He apologized and said he would try to make it more challenging. The following week some reading and writing occured but never got a grade, progress report or any finished work that came home. Talked to the secretary and complained. SHe said she would notify the head of summer school who would call me . I never heard a word. The second 2week session -we get a call on the first day that class will not be held this session and will be held the next session (we we're already signed up for another class so could not do math next session) they offered to let us go to summer fun for 2weeks and. They offered to refund tuition. Two weeks later we have still not received a refund. We are starting 3rd session art-what could they screw up about art? I'm waiting to see. My expectations have plummeted. I was checking this school out as a possibility for the academic year . No way -the public schools do a way better job than this. It is very disappointing. I could have put my child in summer fun for all the enrichment that has gone on here or chosen a different summer school where some enrichment would have occurred. A colossal waste of money! Very disappointed!!!!!!! Do not send your kids here unless you like wasting your hard earned money ! read more

Two years ago, I sat in a parent orientation for new students at IPA. My oldest was about to enter Kindergarten. At the orientation, the students and parents of current students literally raved about the school being AWESOME! The students stated that they missed the school (and friends, of course) so much during the summer break that they couldn't wait to return. The first thing I thought was, "Yeah, right! Who loves school that much?" and my second thought was, "How did they con them into saying all these nice things?". Well, two years later, I get it! My son literally misses the school and his teachers during the summer! Last March, I began the enrollment process for my second child. Not knowing if we would be able to manage both kids in school financially, my husband and I began to stress out. We were not ready to leave the school so I took the opportunity to chat with the administration office one day. I explained our situation and expected to walk out completely embarrassed and feeling judged. But, on the contrary, I walked out with hope that my kids would return for the next school year. The administration staff was not only helpful in giving us options but also understanding and compassionate. The families at IPA come from all walks of life and clearly the staff understand that. Private schools can be a little intimidating. There is a stigma about them that only the elite can afford to attend them. At IPA, they teach the children, "whenever you can, help!" and that is exactly what they do! Going through the admission process (both times) at IPA was a wonderful experience! On a last note, I have to say a few things about the wonderful teachers and faculty at the school. ALL of the staff at IPA give the children 110%! They really get to know each child on a first name basis. They take the time to chat with them and see how they are doing. Aside from the regular curriculum, IPA teaches character building. Yes, they may not have a cafeteria or gym (yet!) but their priorities are to make the children of tomorrow not only well balanced academically but also good citizens of the world we live in. A high moral standard is very important to our family. The school is still young in comparison to the more established ones in town, but the opportunities (especially with the IB program) all children have there is endless! read more

This school was disorganized and w/untrained staff & teacher. I signed up for reading and writing booster for my son, after the first week I asked how was my son doing, the teacher did not know the answer, she mumbles and actually said, "i don't know." I ask what are they reading in class she stated "what ever they want". I asked what are the writing in class she stated, " draw and color in their work book" OMG I was in such shock, the teacher was immature and obviously did not have a clue. Please DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THESES EXTRA SO CALL READING & WRITING BOOSTER" if you want "baby sitting service" this is the school... read more

Island Pacific Academy is a wonderful place for students to learn. The teachers and administrators really know the students and families. The academics are strong. Meaningful, integrated, experiences are provided for students using an inquiry approach so students truly understand what is learned. Great facilities and support staff, including the Parent group. read more

My son will be entering the 9th grade at IPA in the fall. He has been at IPA since he was 4 years old. He is considered a pioneer of the school. We have stuck with this school from the beginning. Partly because we wanted to support the establishment of a good private school on the Leeward side. I am sorry, but the public schools in the Waipahu area are not where I want to send my son. He has flourished at IPA and likes the school very much. You will never see bullying at this school! The International Baccalaureate program is challenging and engaging. My son has enjoyed interacting with students from Mexico and Sweden. He very much enjoys Humanities, English, Robotics, Music, PE, Spanish, and ILH athletics such as Track and Cross Country. The class sizes are small and the students have plenty of opportunity to interact with the teachers and if needed to get extra assistance. At first glance, you may wonder why they only have two buildings. I would very much like to see the gymnasium built one day, but the school is still building its endowment and I think they are doing the best they can being only 10 years old. The secondary building is three stories high and has ample classrooms and lab space for the size of the school. I am impressed that IPA supports athletics the way they do. They may not have a gym or a track but they field their own teams in sports like Track, Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, and Air Riflery. They have done quite well in swimming, basketball, and volleyball in recent years and have several state champions in swimming. My son was the ILH Intermediate Champion for 2014 in the 3000 meters for Track. He also came in 3rd at the ILH championships for Cross Country. This shows that even a small school with a small program can do very well even against the big boys like Punahou and Iolani. There will always be those that are never satisfied and like to complain about everything. What matters is that your child will get a quality education, feel safe and happy, and feel like they are part of a community. IPA instills the sense of community and the feeling is like a family. If you don't want to have to commute every morning into town with your child and you are looking for a good school on the leeward side, give IPA a chance. read more

Yes, Marcy you are right! This is not Punahou, Iolani or Kamehameha. However, it is one of a two small independent schools on the westside. Given the population of people(and it grows daily), IPA should have a line of bright, talented students waiting to get in the door. Unfortunately word is out in the community, IPA is not living up to their promises. Curriculum is weak, the discipline is poor (IPA admits anyone who can pay), favoritism among staff children is laughable and administration doesn't listen to parents concerns. Many families have been told "if you dont like it, watch the door on your way out". We also know several families that left IPA to go to the public schools. Shockingly they found out that their child was not meeting Hawaii standards. Our own child, who was a student for several years, was lucky she was accepted at a private school in town. The grading system leaves a lot to be desired and we were assured our child was a top notch student. IPA uses the IOWA test of basic skills so this is the only standardized testing our child was given. She took an SSAT and we were shocked by her poor performance. Thank you IPA!!!!! Could we get a little of our money back??? Maybe with the new headmaster, new middle school principal (this is the fourth or fifth one in as many years) and the "letting go" of the admissions director, things will change. Buyer beware.......don't believe me......ask around! read more