Kaimuki Middle School

Posted: September 15, 2021

My 2 kids started here this year, after distance learning last year and being shuffled about in country-wide confusion. I could not be more impressed with the 7th grade school counselor, Mr Craig Yamada. He is very communicative via email and takes the initiative to work through challenges with students before they become overwhelming. He knows what kids this age need. He will not push anyone to talk to him more than they may want to and will ask for parental feedback before approaching any issues students are having. I have emailed him questions at 9:30pm, when I’m finished with my day, and he’s gotten right back to me with resources for answers, passwords, phone numbers, or anything I may need. He is like an on-call liaison between parent and school that I’ve never experienced. I have told everyone I know about how amazing this man is— forwarding helpful emails he has sent to educators, telling friends at the DOE, and talking to clients at the mental health practice I run, in hopes of spreading his amazing work around our school systems. If all schools had just one counselor who worked as well as Mr Yamada, I feel that we would have communities of happier teachers and parents working as one.

Posted: September 15, 2021

Posted: February 7, 2014

My son is a student at Kaimuki. While most the teachers at Kaimuki are great if you have a problem with one right or wrong the school will not advocate for the student. There is very little teacher accountability. I moved to Hawaii with a straight A student and will be moving back home with a student who has A's one B and currently an F. The teacher has been cruel to him by causing him to miss lunches and wander around the school looking for answers to what was wrong with his paper while refusing to help him when he didn't understand the information on her rubric. When all was said and done all that was missing was a period after the html. This is one example of many. She has also asked him to keep things between them and spoken derogatorily about me. I feel for the other kids in the class whose parents maybe aren't involved and who have to go it alone,

Posted: January 11, 2014

Kaimuki Middle School has the best teacher/staff anyone could ask for. They are always helping you and they are very understanding and kind. Each grade is split up into different teams like 6th Grade has Na Koa, Na Hoku, and Laulima. 7th has Hui Ho'oulu, Lokahi, and Helu Ekahi. I don't know 8th grades though. I'm only in 7th grade. We have the best music program Ukulele, Band, Orchestra, and Chorus. Each year, some band, orhcestra, and chorus students go to Elementary schools and play for them teaching them about the instruments. Its really fun. I like all the activities and sports they have. We have health classes and CTE.

Posted: December 27, 2013

Kaimuki Middle School is overall a good school in my opinion. Some of the best features of this school are the teachers, the Music program, and the energy of me and my fellow classmates. To start off with the teachers, they are very nice. If a student needs help and/or a student has an issue with education or a classmate, teachers will talk to you in their free time to come up with the best solution. Teacher also have tutoring time after school, and can help students with any homework in order for students to fully understand their work. Now for the Music Program. There are is a wide variety of options for any of the students which include, Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and Ukulele. All of which is a great experience. Students must attend one of the classes daily, perform in concerts, and have the option for an annual trip that can take you around the world! One final thing that I found great are a couple of my classmates. The whole class can create an environment of teamwork and energy which is great for any student. Every school can have great things to it, and not so good things. "KMS" sometimes feels unsafe, as there are no fences or protection to it. Other than that it's great,

Posted: October 2, 2013

Kaimuki was a pretty good school, except that they move at a fast pace and the teachers don't get paid for staying after school, hence students are unable to get help if they have fallen behind. We had one of or the best public middle school band on Oahu, and we made up a good percentage of graduating kids that were accepted and now attend private schools. Overall, I think that Kaimuki just needs to put more struggling students into slower, more helpful classes, just like any other public school in America.

Posted: November 29, 2011

This is not a good school for kids on the lower side of standards. They do not offer any supportive services if your child is struggling to keep up. My daughter would try coming during recess or after school for help, but the teacher would have appointments to go to or not available. They don't offer any tutoring like other schools do. I asked if she could be in a lower class rather then keep following behind. I was told that they have thousands of kids and they don t have anymore lower classes available. When I asked about the law no child left behind they said that they are in the standards. My opinion is that this is an uncaring school. They only care about meeting the standard and not about the kids being left behind as long as they have enough kids that do meet the standards they don t have to help the kids that don t.

Posted: November 14, 2010

kaimuki middle school is a great school with a lot of fun and nice students

Reviewed: April 23, 2013

KMS is an amazing school. We have been so fortunate to have a child attending there for the last two years. KMS is known for its high test scores, high student/parent/teacher satisfaction rates, and incredible music program. People drive from West Oahu to bring their kids to KMS; it's that good. Of the 1000 students at KMS, 600 are in the music program. KMS provides 4 levels of bands, 2 levels of orchestra, ukulele, and chorus. The students compete and are offered music study travel opportunities every year. The band directors are phenomenal and the level of instruction and performance is extremely high. Under the leadership of Hawai'i Middle School Principal of the Year, Frank Fernandes, the teachers and staff at KMS are not only teaching and mentoring, but preparing students for life in the 21st century. The school has a Sustainability Program that gives students the knowledge to make wise choices for their world. WE LOVE KMS!