Waialae Elementary - Public Charter School

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

My little sister gets bullied and ignored everyday. She always says hi to everybody but most people ignore her. She has autism but hers is not as severe, the kids in this school are the worst and most entitled little brats I've seen and heard from, from my sister. This school needs to do better and address this problem and focus more on special needs kids. They need to teach these little brats not to think there so much better then a kid with Autism, the girls are the worse and they do way more awful stuff to her that she doesn't even want to talk about because she feels to ashamed because the other girls make her apologize for them making fun of my sister. The parenting thats going on in this school is really a reflection on how terrible they are as parents and human beings. Waialae needs to do better to look into these problems

Posted: February 25, 2022

Posted: February 25, 2022

Posted: February 25, 2022

Posted: February 25, 2022

Posted: February 25, 2022

Posted: February 25, 2022

Posted: February 25, 2022

Posted: February 25, 2022

We have had two children in this school. They both have had varying experiences based on their teachers.
There seems to be a lot of turnover both in the administration (principal, vice principals) and in teachers.
My daughters were lucky to both have a compassionate, but skilled teacher who really left an impression on them. One had her as a third grade teacher and one as a second grade teacher. She incorporated mindfulness into the school day and made sure different children received the work they needed. She shared that the philosophy of the school was that homework should be “minimalistic and purposeful”. I appreciated this very much, however, not all the teachers were on this same band wagon.
We love the Specials teachers and appreciate that this school values these subjects.
We wish they could keep good teachers around. Currently, there is an interim principal as the last one left after only three years. The one before was there about tbe same amount of time, I believe.

Posted: October 22, 2018

My daughter was a "special needs" student and had a great experience at the school with very caring teachers.

Posted: October 22, 2018

Posted: October 22, 2018

Both of my kids attended Waialae and both had just the right amount of HW each night (even my special needs daughter). Having a lot of HW each night does not necessarily equate to success in learning.

Posted: October 22, 2018

Posted: October 22, 2018

Posted: October 22, 2018

Posted: October 22, 2018

Both of my kids attended Waialae and although one was special needs and the other was not, they both had different but great experiences there. My special needs daughter is now in high school and is doing quite well - I feel her positiveness and perseverance came from attending Waialae. My son, is now at Iolani and is doing just great. He definitely learned from his foundational skills acquired from Waialae. Both have learned to be life-long learners, trying their best at whatever they do -- and we are quite thankful for this foundation from Waialae!

Posted: July 24, 2018

K-2nd grade was great! Third and fourth grade teachers were disappointing.

Posted: July 24, 2018

Posted: July 24, 2018

There was a CEO (Chief Education Officer) who was there for 4 years. He was ineffective and has since left for a new position. There will be a new CEO starting Fall 2018.

Posted: July 24, 2018

Posted: July 24, 2018

Posted: July 24, 2018

My child didn’t get math homework in 4th grade. I was concerned and asked the teacher and she told me not to worry... my child is at standard levels. I was shocked and bought a math workbook to use.

Posted: July 24, 2018

Their kindergarten through 2nd grade was great! The teachers were amazing. Third and fourth were disappointing and a bit lazy in my point of view. Music, hula, and Hawaiana is huge here. I think those subjects are important, but as extracurricular subjects. Waialae Charter does not emphasize academics.

Posted: March 1, 2016

There is a range in the skills sets of teachers, as with any school. I've been very happy with 80% of the teacher interactions. When I have run into a problem, I can easily seek advice from the school counselor or CEO.

Posted: March 1, 2016

Posted: March 1, 2016

Posted: March 1, 2016

This is the 3rd year our two daughters are at Wai'alae, after transferring from a private school. The focus is truly on the kids and ensuring they have a well rounded education, experiencing integrated learning and personal growth. While test scores are important, certainly, it is not the prime focus of the school. The new CEO (his second year) has brought an invigorating fresh perspective and is implementing changes that make the school even better. I couldn't be happier with our choice, and will be sad when we have to move on after 5th grade.

Posted: January 5, 2016

Posted: January 5, 2016

Posted: January 5, 2016

My daughter is currently in 1st grade at this school and she loves it. She attended another public elementary school in the area and there is no comparison. Waialae's teaching philosophy is very hands-on and innovative, instead of just relying on workbooks. They offer extensive extra-curricular programs with dedicated specialty teachers in Art, Music, P.E. Hawaiian, and Gardening! The teachers, CEO, admin staff, and even the after school program leaders are all very thoughtful and caring. Waialae employs their own after school program leaders (not outsourced like many other schools) which in my opinion, makes a difference. I also appreciate the very open and consistent communication I get from the school and teachers. Overall, this school is amazing on all levels and I'm so happy my daughter is getting a whole-child education at Waialae.

Posted: January 5, 2016

Posted: June 4, 2015

My daughter went there for 3 years and I love this school.
Kids are friendly, happy, the staff is nice and every time I have had any concern, they were really helpful. I was very pleased to know that she was learning in a safe environment.
My daughter loved it.

Posted: June 4, 2015

Posted: June 4, 2015

Posted: June 4, 2015

Posted: May 6, 2014

The kids at Waialae are friendly, happy, and work well together. The school's holistic approach to education shows in the various extracurricular activities, projects, and field trips they organize. Like any where else, some teachers are great, some are so-so. The school could do a bit more to challenge the advanced kids but other than that, great school.

Posted: September 29, 2013

In response to the previous post: "A lot going on behind the scenes at this school, wouldn't send my child there. The CEO is nice, but oblivious. They have trouble hanging on to teachers and not without reason. " I'm not sure where this individual is getting their information if they don't even attend Wai'alae. In regards to teacher turn-over, I don't believe our churn rate unreasonably high. We generally loose teachers to maternity and moving back to the Mainland. We have also lost teachers because they moved abroad, which is a testiment to their adventurous spirit, which we want to foster in our children.

Posted: September 28, 2013

A lot going on behind the scenes at this school, wouldn't send my child there. The CEO is nice, but oblivious. They have trouble hanging on to teachers and not without reason.

Posted: May 15, 2013

My daughter 2nd great teacher is AWFUL...very lazy and disorganized, and although we had a parent/teacher/principal meeting...minimal improvements...teacher needs to retire...she is lacking nurture and it has been observed by other parents that the student take advantage of the teacher's lack of focus and laziness. Its a hit or miss with the teachers. 1st grade teacher was excellent! However, as stated previously..this year's 2nd grade teacher terrible! Most likely opting for private school in the Fall. Principal unsupportive, has never followed up since the meeting and she is always in meetings.

Posted: February 12, 2013

I go there it is great (p.s. my dad is on the board) I like may day there

Posted: July 14, 2011

After one year at this school it has become very clear that we made the correct choice for our daughter, and we are now great fans of public charter schools. The teachers are warm and caring. Great vision and curriculum. Friendly campus with a beautiful view. Wonderful assortment of extracurricular activities. Love the connection with the community and environmental awareness. It has provided a perfect transition from Montessori to a more traditional school setting. We love this school.

Posted: May 12, 2011

Very turned off by their corporate approach! The intent to follow their vision is there but the administration is not approachable and they seem to be concerned with their agenda, which, doesn't always accommodate what is in the best interest of the child (family). Very disappointed since we were attracted to their curriculum and visionary statement. I felt a strong disconnect between the administration and the intent of the teachers.

Posted: October 13, 2010

Great public charter school. I really like the teachers and the curriculum and small class sizes.

Posted: October 12, 2010

Waialae Elementary is a great school that focuses on celebrating childhood and teaching the whole child. It has continued to provide specialty subjects like Art, Music, and Hawaiiana. The school is very community oriented and is open to the public for events and celebrations, like the upcoming Halloween Celebration to provide families with safe fun.

Posted: October 12, 2010

Progressive, green, parent & kid friendly and where a lot of learning takes place in & out of school!

Posted: October 12, 2010

Waialae has a great diversified program, a child-centered approach (paced for them, emotionally more nurturing), and are always growing in terms of program (philosophically they explore new ideas, push the curriculum envelope, and seek out partnerships with state-of-the-art researchers/institutions).

Posted: October 12, 2010

The School has a great environment, and is all about teaching the whole child!!!!

Posted: April 28, 2010

Waialae school is not to teach study alone. This school is teaching children how with nature to touch it. And, this school is done help that searches out child's talent, too and exists.

Posted: April 28, 2010

Great teachers, nurturing and happy school environment where the kids enjoy going to school.

Posted: April 27, 2010

Waialae has a committment to children and not just to make them feel good while learning but to create a sense of empowerment in their own education.

Posted: April 27, 2010

Wai'alae Elementary PCS is the best thing that has happened to our family. It offers a healthy and safe learning environment. My children have learned about their community, about the environment, about community service and working well with others. They have been taught how to be a leader and how to be part of a team. I love the healthy lifestyle that the school promotes and the teachers are amazing! My son was part of the school play, student council, jpo....there is nothing bad to be said about the reputation of Wai'alae.....we love the school and wouldn't have it any other way!! Mahalo!

Posted: April 27, 2010

The administration, faculty and staff are all amazing! They truly care for the well-being of all the keiki and is very family friendly!

Posted: April 27, 2010

Waialae gives families the opportunity to be involved in their childs education.

Posted: April 27, 2010

Because of the great teacher involvement, you should see our Waialae Fair. Its like a hugh family christmas party where so many parents give to the school like its their family

Posted: April 27, 2010

The teachers at Waialae PCS are the best. They care so much about the kids and my child loves to go to school!!

Posted: April 27, 2010

With a lot of center-based learning, it's like each child gets their own personal learning experience. The teachers are really committed and go the extra mile. As a parent you can be as involved as you want to, and everything you do (big or small) is recognized and appreciated.

Posted: April 26, 2010

Wai'alae PCS is a special school that makes a difference in our children's lives. In a state where public schools are affected by furloughs, ours is one of the few that has continued to use their own funds to keep our school open. They maintain special subject teachers and thrive on parent involvement.

Posted: April 26, 2010

Wai'alae PCS is a school that has far exceeded my expectations. It is a wonderful school and my children love their school.