Our family has had a very positive experience at this private Catholic school. My child is currently in middle school and is genuinely excited to continue on to the high school next year, which speaks volumes about how supported and comfortable he feels in this community. One of the school's greatest strengths is its size. The student-to-teacher ratio feels just right--small enough for individualized attention, but large enough to offer a well-rounded experience. I've seen my child both supported when he needs help and challenged to grow academically, which is exactly what we hoped for. Equally important has been the social environment. He has built a strong, close-knit group of friends who I truly believe will remain an important part of his life well beyond school. That sense of belonging and community was something we deeply valued when choosing a school, and it's a big reason he never felt the need to look elsewhere. Like any school, it's not perfect. At times, administrative decisions can take longer than expected. However, I've come to see this as a reflection of the school's thoughtful and compassionate approach--they take the time to carefully consider situations and prioritize what's best for their students rather than rushing to judgment. Overall, we're grateful to be part of a school community that nurtures both academic growth and meaningful relationships. It has been a great fit for our child, and we look forward to the years ahead. read more

Maryknoll School has extremely unprofessional and cruel teachers who physically endanger students, discriminate against students and show favoritism towards students who are not in minority groups. They also do not accomodate students with different learning needs or serious struggles with mental health, barely teach their students and expect them to figure things out on their own. This school also fails to teach students Catholic values or how they can become better indivuduals. In fact, students there enjoy sexually harrasing other students, physically harming other students, recording innapropriate videos of other students without permission to publicly post online, and shouting sexual, ableist, racist, and sexist slurs at other students. Teachers and other school staff members do not do anything to prevent any of this. In addition, the school lunches are stale, dry, and unhealthy. read more

This school is not worth 19,000 dollars. When I was there I was picked on by multiple teachers. The teachers don't care about you nor' does the head of the school. They don't do anything about the bullying problem and yolk it on. The teachers encourage bullying if anything. I experienced racism in a classroom with a teacher in the room and they didn't even care. If anything they ran along with the bullying. When the teachers do care, they care about the wrong things. There is so much bullying at this school but if a girl's shorts are too short that's what they're concerned about. Do NOT send you kids here because all the teachers care about is how much they get paid that day. read more

I selected something significant to write about since this is my 100th Yelp Review. It has greatly affected my life and has a large part in the shaping of who I am today - and that is my education during my formative years. There are two entries for Maryknoll School. This Dole Street address refers to the Grade School. The Punahou Street address refers to the High School, located next to the freeway where the famous "Freeway Five" basketball team originated... This review will refer to the Grade School. Upon reflection of my childhood years, I have come to appreciate all of the discipline and character-building lessons that the Sisters and Lay teachers have taught me. The uniforms we wore helped to bring us students together and decrease competition in superficial areas. I believe that our coed environment allowed us to think, speak, and act as responsible citizens. My classmates became outstanding professionals and I am fortunate to keep them in my life as friends - they were quality students and it is because of them that I studied and tried to keep up with their intelligence. Lastly, I am grateful to my parents for sacrificing and sending me and my 3 sisters to 13 years (including Kindergarten) of Catholic school. I know it wasn't easy, but it was really worth it. We all turned out to be productive and compassionate individuals! read more

We, meaning our family, both student and parents, had a pretty good experience with Maryknoll School. Daughter attended from eighth grade and graduated after 4 years at the High School. Then she finished college successfully in 4 years. I believe Maryknoll Schools contributed to her success. Before choosing MK we applied to some of the major Oahu schools, toured all, and interviewed at some. All kids are different and the parents are all different too. And the parents are just as important as a consumer as the student. We saw some parents come prepared with detailed lists of required classes to be certain all math and science classes could be completed in a timely manner, if not a year ahead of time. We were more concerned with an overall positive high school experience. We weren't into putting pressure on her to succeed at all costs. We were hoping she would build self esteem, develop as a well rounded person, and make friends too. Personally I really liked La Pietra's program the best. Le Jardin's IB program seemed legit and they had a better campus. I was overruled and informed that several of her friends were transferring to MK and that is where she wanted to go. We knew lots of local families who had made similar decisions for their kids. Bottom line is not all kids are Punahou material, but some are. The parents hopefully know their kids the best. School selection is not a perfect process. The reality is, raising a child and surviving the teenage high school years is still a hair raising experience. The resulting praise or blame falls on the parents and not the school. Financial Need and Scholarships: Not all the students are from well to do families. Don't let cost stop you from applying though as there is no harm in trying. Tuition is very high at all the private schools. And the cost goes up every year. There is no way to sugar coat this. Life is not fair. No one is going to help you. Most families are caught in the middle. Too much income to qualify for financial aide. Physical Plant: Grade school is normally sized. High School is on a micro campus next to a freeway. Weird parking. Excellent new multipurpose gymnasium facility sort of close by. No football stadium, no track and field, no tennis courts, no pool, no cafeteria, but it is air-conditioned and the class rooms are high tech. No band, minimal language programs, no cheerleading or student commons. College Prep: Now a days all high schools are college prep and they all tout 100% college acceptance/admissions. ALL the private schools claim this. Reality is it is probably 98% because there are always those who can't or won't get it together. I know this is true. Dysfunctional families and screwup students. But, chances are, barring unusual circumstances, your child will go to college and do just fine. Faculty: Many Maryknoll faculty have taught there for years. Some are alumni of Maryknoll. Some are award winning. Other than one or two, I felt all the teachers were adequate. Most seem devoted to the school and the students. Administration: Recruitment, retention, parent relations, tuition realities, community relations, paying the bills, student discipline, long term planning etc. Running a private school is no easy task. Overall High School Program: Despite the micro-campus and general lack of space I believe the school offers a quality program. Your student is not likely to get lost because the school is small. If someone falls behind or stumbles someone is going to notice. Faculty and administrators will know your child and probably you too. Some of these factors are intangible but Maryknoll tries hard to support its students. read more

One star. This is for the excellent early childhood program and academics they have. The lack of stars? They have yet to use their Christian, CATHOLIC beliefs in guiding their students. They don't like "problem" children in their school. Being Catholic, I don't find their ways of shunning a problem, a child for that matter, a Christian thing to do. Practice your faith Maryknoll. Who are you to judge? read more

No matter what school you go to in Hawaii, they are all trying to teach the children. Now - no school is a perfect match for every child or family. But since my daughter has attended since Kindergarden, she has made friends, done amazing in academics, and has a Christian value towards life. Does she enjoy mass? Heck NO! but did any of us love our parents dragging us to church? : D But we've seen a few friends pass away, and she was able to fall back on her teachings, and actually comfort those who lost loved ones. and she's only 7. The staff will take the time to meet with you and discuss anything that you have questions on. From the teachers, to the office worker to the custodians. The new gym is amazing. I have seen Maryknoll constantly upgrading the technology in the classrooms, at least on the grade school side, which I'm familiar with. They don't have a cafeteria, so meals are eaten in the classrooms, the snack bar has breakfast and lunches.They don't have green open fields. But when you walk the campus at recess, the kids are laughing, running around and having fun. So for my family, Maryknoll is a great fit, and I thank them for what they do and the guidance they provide. read more

Continues the long tradition of teaching drugged-out rich kids who are too ungrateful to know they're getting a quality education (relatively speaking - schools in Hawaii suck). When I was here, it was great. I had a blast. College-prep was poor. read more

My son has been a student at this school for the past ten years. Although his brothers all graduated from the KS school on the hill with unbelievable odds of getting in - this one would NOT even try to go there - and he did threaten to say so in his interview. So, he continues on at a small (less than 150 students per grade level) school - with caring and overtime worked teachers - who really want to see each child succeed! He was not always the most intelligent nor the most out-going youngster - but the school has taught him well in that each year in his high school days - when it really counts - he's gotten honors or principal's list. Way to go, Maryknoll School - I can only look forward to the next few years of his success and on to college! read more

Maryknoll School - Elementary Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Same as Keane (probably because we went to school around the same time) it was great while I was there. But there are, like any other private school, kids that are rich and ungrateful going there. On the other hand, there are kids that are smart and grateful going there and I'm honored to know them. A lot has changed since I've been in school with the introduction of a full blown laptop program. But the one thing hasn't changed is the size of the school; forever small and forever next to the freeway (high school). Some day soon there will be a gym which will increase the size of the grade school about two blocks. HURRAY! read more

Love this place. Great place to work, great place to send your kid. As a product of a really great public school in California (high rankings even with private schools) and working in the private sector majority of my life, I didn't know being so caring was so cool - from a professional and educational stand point. My son now attends school here and I'm just blown away at the LOVE and care all the teachers and staff have for every student. Some people/students gripe about the "Catholic" traditions and rituals but honestly, it's the foundation of the love of God that makes this place so caring. My first year of employment here, I was so impressed that the principals and teachers could say the name every kid who crossed their path regardless of age/grade! I've never been at any school where that happened before! As an employee, they are supportive of your whole welfare. Yes of course there's going to be some "conflicts" as personalities are all different in this world, but I've worked in the cut through world of corporate America where I've seen bosses make employees choose a sales call over their children. Here....nope, family always first. Your well being always first. As a parent who's child attends the Grade School....I'm excited at quality and well roundedness of education they're getting here. Really blows away a lot of the private schools I know of in Northern California. And the level of personal attention the teachers give to both our son and us as parents, wonderful. Open door, helpful, collaborative, guided. Could be coz I work here so they're biased but oh well! lol! It's unfortunate that some people did not have the same great experience as I did/am, as I can only attest to for the here and now. One thing is for sure, no one business, school, time, era, etc is perfect....or perfect for all the people. All I do know is that regardless of its a public school or private school one thing remains the same: Your school experience is as good as your parents involvement. Period. Parents must be involved for their student to get the most our of their elementary/high school life. Again, no one school is right for everyone but if you are looking at quality, caring, 'boutique', intimate and forward thinking education environment (we now have one of the only STEM/Civil Air Patrol/Aeronautics programs in HI for HS students!) at a not break your pocket price, this is the place! read more

Really, as I look back at my childhood ... my memorable moments were of attending school here. I had started when I was in first grade all the way to my senior year. Granted that my time there was always on and off due to my dad being stationed all over ... But still, the many times that we were stationed here I was always back home in Maryknoll. I'd like to think that while attending school here, I was given the chance to appreciate what was being taught to me a lot more than I would have in a public school. (I'll explain that later) The teachers ... they were the most memorable for me. The one that still to this day sticks out the most, is Mr. Kennedy ... he taught 8th grade math. I absolutely loved him! I remember he took the time to individually help each student with the basics of Trig. And I used to rave about him to my dad ... come the 1st parent/teacher conference with him, my dad then further embarrassed me by telling him how much good I talk about him. Hahaha ... Mr. Kennedy replied that he did something right then. Lol. I didn't understand it at the time, but I do now. It's a shame he no longer teaches. He was an inspiration to me to keep learning. There was one teacher though, that I thought was off her rocker ... Can't remember her name ... She used to teach Hawaiiana. And back in my time, that was a mandatory class. Only thing is, she never taught us any Hawaiian language or writing. She taught us pidgin, and if you haven't met me yet, you'll soon realize that I speak no pidgin what so ever. None. Anyway, she used to tell us stories about how she woke up one day to find her tree in the back yard sprouting money on it. Or how she was at Ala Moana, bought a chinese plate lunch and threw it in the garbage so a homeless person (to her story, there were none around) could take it out of the trash and eat it :/ I cannot express how excited I was to not have to take her class anymore!! Three years of that was enough for me. hahahaha :) Without sounding like a nerd, I loved learning ... well, that and the teachers .. they push you because they want to see you excel. And I think without that drive that they helped fuel, I probably wouldn't have done any of the extra curricular activities there. Ballet, track, cheerleading, book club .. and Brownies and Girl Scouts ... yes, I was one of those adorable little girls outside of Times giving you my winning smile and batting my lashes asking you to buy some cookies :D I probably wouldn't have a love for literature either as I do now .. but I guess it depends on the teachers doesn't it. When we had moved back to Hawaii in my 9th grade year, my dad had sent me to McKinley to see how I'd like it. I didn't. They could only put me in pre-algebra because that was the highest for my class, and I had learned that 2 grades prior. Science I was put in the Juniors biology class, because again that was the highest. I had learned a year prior. I was put in 10th grade literature, only to be taken out by the teacher because she said she ONLY taught 10th graders. So I was put in a Social Science class ... I lasted at McKinley for 2 weeks before I begged my dad to enroll me back in Maryknoll. Nothing against the students, I made tons of friends there. And I'm not saying everyone that goes to public school is stupid either. Hardly that .. but it was the curricular I couldn't handle. I was bored in every class, I wasn't motivated. Mainly because everything they were teaching I had learned already. I appreciate the fact that my dad was able to give me a great education, especially in a Catholic school. I know he wanted the best for me, and for that I am grateful for. I honestly loved my time there and cherish all of my memories. I am happy that my munchkin gets to experience her own joys there. I cant wait for the day that she asks to join the Brownies!! Hahaha!! Girl scout cookies anyone??!! Lol ... read more

Maryknoll is a good school with caring teachers. We had some wonderful experiences at the school and still recommend it. It's is not perfect, of course. If your high school student is very strong academically, they may not feel challenged by some of Maryknoll's high school curriculum. Some of the high school teachers are just fantastic. Others don't raise the bar high enough. But the entire school is full of good people. read more

Here is a reason to rethink applying to this school. I just submitted a K-12 online application. The admission application states the fee is $75 and $90 for international. I am a local resident and was charged $90. After calling the school about the discrepancy, I was told that there is a flat $90 fee for submitting the application online. Supposedly the Webmaster is working on adding that information. Maryknoll has had a long time to clarify this mandatory penalty. We are nearing the end of the application period; the deadline is in a few weeks. Seems like a money-maker to me ... which says something about the school. read more

We are not a religious family so it was a difficult decision to place our kid in a catholic school. In the end we did it and we are VERY happy with our decision. Do we wish that mass did not take up valuable academic time? Absolutely! Have we had to speak with the office staff so that teachers would stop asking our kid to pray with the other kids when we are not a religious family? Yes, and they have respected our request. Religious matters aside, the school environment is very nurturing and the teachers are very attentive to the kids needs. Our one complaint is that there are too many class parties during the school year. I understand having a Christmas party and an end-of-the-school-year party but that should be enough, particularly after the first grade. read more

I love it here! As a new parent and member of the Maryknoll grade school faculty this school year, I am blessed to be surrounded by such caring students, families, and faculty/staff. The leadership team has been supportive by listening to feedback, giving guidance, and providing professional development. A definite strength for the school is their Campus Ministry program. read more

Maryknoll School has always been one of the top Catholic schools on the island, but as a student I can say that Maryknoll is the best school on the island. I am currently a junior and have been going to Maryknoll since kindergarten and have seen Maryknoll go through its ups and downs. One thing has not changed; Maryknoll still has the goal of providing the best education and instilling social responsibility in their students. Ever since kindergarten, Maryknoll has just improved in many ways. When I was in the first grade, I remember having to leave the classroom doors open because there was no air conditioning. When I entered the second grade every classroom had air conditioning. I thought this was a huge improvement since previously only the library, office, and kindergarten classrooms had air conditioning. Maryknoll continued to make improvements. The most exciting news was when we started our campaign to raise one million dollars for our gym. In eighth grade Maryknoll finally started construction on the Maryknoll Community Center. A year later, when I was a freshman, Maryknoll held its grand opening for the gym. The new gym gave Maryknoll the opportunity to have school-wide gatherings; it was our new home. In high school, the block schedule is something that set this school apart from all the others. With trimesters, we take four classes per trimester, three classes per day. Two core classes are taken every day and two electives alternate every other day. I think having fewer classes lets us focus more on that particular class rather than worrying about seven like in most schools. The teachers and faculty at Maryknoll are some of the best people I have ever met. They are very supportive, friendly, and dedicated. There are two individuals, which I appreciate the most for being there for me whenever I needed them. The first person is a faculty member who told me "I am here for you." I can talk to her about anything and she will guide me in the right direction. Even though she is very busy, she will make time to talk to me. She is like my second mother. Next, is a teacher that goes above a beyond what is required. Prior to teaching at Maryknoll, he was recognized by State and National organizations for his excellence in his particular subject of specialization. I think this has helped him to develop a unique teaching style and a personality that students can relate to. Not only is he an excellent teacher, but an even better tutor. He has tutored me for countless hours after school in subjects that I never had him in. Something that he once wrote about peer tutoring was, "Students become more than tutees; they become friends." I believe that he has become one of my 'Teacher Friends.' I also think that he is the definition of a teacher; he is someone who not only teaches and tutors, but also involves himself in school life. He devotes many hours of his own time to attending school events and also advising several clubs. He is one of those teachers of which you can see his passion and excitement for teaching every day. Maryknoll has instilled many values in me, the most important of which is to always give back. As a lifer, Maryknoll School's Motto Noblesse Oblige, "To whom much is given much is expected," along with an emphasis in scouting helped me understand to never to take anything for granted and give back what you can, whenever you can, even though it may not seem that big. Maryknoll has given me an opportunity to grow and strive to be better. As a Junior, I have decided that it is my time to give back and decided to be a part of the Maryknoll Majuro Mission this summer. Six juniors will be flying to the Marshall Islands where we will develop a curriculum in helping the incoming freshmen students get situated to high school life. Overall, I believe that Maryknoll's Catholic education and values is what makes Maryknoll, Maryknoll. I heart Maryknoll. read more

Don't send your child to this school, it's a poop school to be in, I went to this school and I hated it, I always got bullied by the students and the teachers thought I was dumb which I don't understand because my grades were all A's, the teachers were never helpful, when I stayed after school for extra help the teacher didn't even pay attention to what I had to say, all they said was "Do it yourself" so I was like "dude help me", you couldn't rely on your friends to help you with anything because when I always Ask to help me on my homework they just ignored me and walked away and continued playing basketball, the environment wasn't my thing it was like a zombie apocalypse event and it was an "eat or be eaten kinda thing" I suggest you send your child to saint Francis because it's a better environment if your kids like to be around nice people and kind teachers, also good,clean, and safe school. read more

We are sending both of our kids to Maryknoll, and very happy with that decision. Our oldest began Maryknoll in middle school, and that move was a good one for him. When our youngest was ready for kindergarten, we chose to send her to Maryknoll and it has been excellent for her, too. At the middle and high school, the new Mx inititive is quite attractive. Our son is interested in computers and robotics, and he is getting opportunities to build an impressive specialty at Maryknoll through the robotics club and through courses in STEM, robotics, engineering, and coding, alongside very good math/physics/chemistry tracks. We've been similarly happy with the academics for our daughter, and especially pleased with how warm the teachers are. She loves school at Maryknoll. For both kids, the character training and expectations are valuable to us and have not been overly evangelical (we are not catholic). In our experience, they set a tone at Maryknoll where poor behavior is quickly and effectively addressed, so you know your kids are safe from others and on a positive path themselves. Whenever issues have come up with our kids, other kids, or teachers we have found the leadership very responsive and quick to professionally address our concerns. Our satisfaction with Maryknoll has only grown since our children started there. read more

My son went to Mary Knoll for two years. My son attended this school due to the fact that the public school system in Hawaii is completely substandard in relation to the rest of the U.S. The school prices were expensive, but we thought we were getting a bargain at the time in comparison to the public school system. My son was getting all A's and B's at Mary Knoll but also got fat because there is no real physical education program to speak of. Then we moved to California, and upon my son testing for placement, we discovered he was a year behind in everything. Obviously after spending approximately $25,000 for two years of school we were very upset and felt very cheated by the SCAM that Mary Knoll, a CATHOLIC school, had pulled on us. Honestly, I think my money should be refunded and Mary Knoll should be respsponsible for the additional tutoring costs ($700 a month) that we have incurred just to bring my son to the grade appropriate academic level. I recollect a time when I arrived at the school and the lady in the office that does the tuition accounting starting yelling at me to pay the month's tuition or my son would not get his grades. I pulled out a wallet full of cash to pay and then she pulled my file up on the computer system and realized I had already paid the next three months in advance. Her attitude and false accusation had me leave the office in tears. SO RUUUUUDDDEEE! My son now attends a private school in San Diego that is not only organized, every single person from the janitor to the principal is polite and extremely involved/concened with my son's education. The cost of the school is half the price of Mary Knoll, but 50 times the school that Mary Knoll will ever be. The principal at my son's new school is leading from the front, unlike Mary Knoll's principal who is rude, disrespectful and not to mention exponentially lazy. Oh, did I mention the principal will never, never return a phone. I don't even know what the principal looks like. The Mary Knoll principal is like the Wizard of Oz. Promising all these dreams, but hiding behind a curtain. I believe that Mary Knoll understands how bad Hawaiian public schools are and they feel like they have a monopoly on our children's education (i.e. they can do whatever and charge whatever they want because this is as good as it gets). The customer service is appauling by all personnel at the school. My son's new principal is out in front of the school every morning one hour before school to open the car doors of the students that arrive. Greeting the parents, shaking their hands and actually knows every student and the program so well, that he asks my son how he did on his math test yesterday upon his arrival at school. This school is K-12 and has 300 more students than Mary Knoll. With a principal like that, you can obviously see what his expectation of the teacher's under his tutelage would be, simply amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My son's is now smilining every day, happy and sees a great deal of support at his school from the faculty. Now, my son is excited to go school and involved in a real sports program at school (after school sports programs competing against other schools) and has already lost 10lbs in one month of school from the activities. I cannot say enough about the substandard faculty and program at Mary Knoll. After my son attending a real private school with a real program where we feel like we are getting our money's worth, I would never put my son in any school in Hawaii again unless it was Punahou. I would not even consider moving back to Hawaii for a job unless my son already had an acceptance letter from Punahou. Summary: I truly believe I was completely scammed for money under the Catholic School name. I truly wish you the best of luck with your child. read more