St. Anthony Parish School in Kailua | Military Town Advisor

Posted: November 22, 2022

We started our three year old at the Early Learning Center (ELC) this school year (Aug 2022-May 2023), and half way through the year we have been nothing but impressed at the small class sizes, individual attention from the teachers and staff, fun community building events, and sense of both belonging and self sufficiency our child has developed. We adore the local, private feel of this school, and the caring nature of all the teachers and parents who pitch in to help the kids succeed. While it's too early to assess academic rigor, our child has been receiving a classical, well-rounded education including letters & numbers, age appropriate math, collaborative songs and games, physical education, Catholic religion (but not overdone, ~1x per week), art, and a foreign language (Spanish). Additional extra curriculars--soccer, hula, and even golf!--are offered separately at reasonable costs after school. The value for St. Anthony's tution is fantastic. The location is convenient, adjacent to downtown Kailua in a beautiful neighborhood setting, across from Kailua Beach with the Ko'olau mountains visible in the distance. Among the schools we looked at in Kailua, St. Anthony's was our top choice and has been wonderful for our pre-schooler.

Posted: November 22, 2022

Posted: March 26, 2022

This school is small and has a good teacher-to-student ratio. They align with the (some) Catholic church beliefs, which share the campus. Overall, a good experience having two children attending for the past 2 years. Some quick up/downs:

Pros:
- Small class size
- Quick feedback from teachers/staff
- Better academics than public alternatives

Cons:
- Little-to-no extracurricular activities
- Some COVID-crazy staff that prefers students in masks 24/7.
- Private school, but aligns with DOE/DOH guidance (no parental feedback taken)
- Homework workload is heavy compared to public/private alternatives.

Posted: March 26, 2022

Posted: May 26, 2021

Im an alumna of the school and have had many family members go here. My two young children now attend. The best part of St. Anthony is the sense of being part of a school family. I love that it is not a big school and the values that are instilled in every aspect of the day. One of my children has special needs and that has been the only area where I wish Dt. Anthony could have a gifted&talented/special needs coordinator or aide. I know that for budgetary issues thats difficult for a small Catholic school to do.

Posted: May 26, 2021

Posted: September 20, 2020

I do not recommend the Early Learning Center at this school. We did not have a good experience. This school made us feel like there was something wrong with our child and it turns out it was the environment at St Anthony's. If you are looking for preschool education, look elsewhere. We moved our child to another school and have been so much happier since and she is doing great!

Posted: September 20, 2020

Posted: July 7, 2020

I was extremely disappointed in our experience at St Anthony's school. I do not recommend them, particularly for the Preschool/Early years age group for a number of reasons. The school does not have the necessary education or support to deal with children who do not conform or show any sign of developmental difference, for those who are advanced or delayed in any area or just a typical 4 year old. While most of the teachers are warm and friendly, I've had a much better education, compassion and support at other schools we have sent our children to.

As excited as we were to join St Anthony's, it was a blessing for us to leave sadly. Since that time our child has developed in leaps and bounds and most importantly, our family is far less stressed not having to deal with the school.

My recommendation is to review the school philosophy (interests of the group versus individual child), ask questions about how they support individual differences and learning for your child and most importantly for the early years - where the focus in on play based learning which is a fundamental aspect of learning for the early years.

Posted: July 7, 2020

This school has a philosophy based on focusing on the whole group rather than supporting individual developmental differences among children.

Posted: July 7, 2020

Posted: November 25, 2018

Finally, a school with strong math and science and a foreign language at the pre-high school levels, in Kailua and within our price range... We looked at Le Jardin, Iolani, and Punahou - which we could afford if we thought they were that much better than St. Anthony - and we still choose St. Anthony. The teachers are knowledgeable and patient, there is just the right amount of discipline, the location is perfect, and the extras one would pay for at schools like Iolani we get through the town of Kailua for free or at 1/50 the price. St. Anthony we choose for its academics, learning environment, and families that care about education, plain and simple. Everything else (the competitive swimming, the music, the gymnastics, the art, etc.) we get through Kailua, after school. The fact that St. Anthony has a preschool is a huge plus for us, too. The only real competition I see for this school is Le Jardin, largely because its also in Kailua, but we simply couldnt find Le Jardins price justified, unless you really cant stand the Catholicism at St. Anthony, need the International Baccalaureate for foreign study reasons, or truly want to keep your children ultra localized to Le Jardin and not part of the broader Kailua (e.g., having your child do all her extracurriculars right at the school - but then why live in Kailua instead of Honolulu and pay for Iolani?). St. Anthony knows where to put its money - to its teachers and core academic programs. After all, that is the primary function of school - academic learning. Theres also just something about the other students and the parents who send their kids to St. Anthony... Perhaps its because they are not super-rich, even if wealthy by Hawaii standards, and therefore seriously consider education a major investment - and the students are aware of the sacrifice it means and do not take the education for granted... Its hard to put my finger on it, but these are the types of kids and parents I want my children growing up around.

Posted: September 26, 2018

There are no student plans that address individual needs.

Posted: September 26, 2018

Admin and teachers turn their cheek to ostracized kids whom are not included by their peers.

Posted: September 26, 2018

I reccomend the lower school but definitely NOT middle school. Weak teachers that are not held accountable by the administration.

Posted: July 24, 2018

As an alumnus and parent I have had great experiences with St. Anthonys School. My siblings went here as well. The teachers are caring and work with the parents to give their children the best education possible. We love SAS.

Posted: July 24, 2018

Posted: May 30, 2017

My family left St. Anthony's following the 2013-2014 school year after sending our sons and daughters there for 7 years accounting for 21 student-years. We left because the school lacked Catholic identity and delivered substandard education. We moved our students to the local public schools where we have now accumulated 15 student-years (and counting) of experience at grade levels K-8. A military family, we were originally concerned with the quality of public education, but can now wholeheartedly state that public education is far superior to that offered at St. Anthony's. The curriculum is organized and rigorous, the teaching comparable or better, and the facilities and extracurricular programs superior. With a substantial population of military students, St. Anthony's relies on the unfounded fears of public education to maintain enrollment. The Administration there further utilizes heavy marketing and fluff programs (of which the iPad and foreign language are examples) to attract the uninitiated. We strongly urge our fellow military parents to consider public education as an alternative to St. Anthony's -- we guarantee a far better value.

Posted: June 27, 2016

There is a reason that this school has such longevity. While it is small, it still provides a challenging and stimulating curriculum, with qualified teachers and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of ALL TYPES of learners; it provides a great balance of Catholic values and 21st Century Learning skills. The faculty and staff are all dedicated to teaching and learning, and the atmosphere is one of the spirit of Aloha. I highly recommend this school.

Posted: June 27, 2016

Posted: June 25, 2016

My son attended Saint Anthony School from kindergarten through eighth grade, and I love how the school helped him develop into a fine young man. He has a diagnosed learning disability, and the school provided outstanding services that met his needs and challenged him to excel. I volunteered hundreds of hours during my son's years at Saint Anthony School, and these were some of the most rewarding times of my life. I felt appreciated and valued. I only wish the school went through high school. This is a wonderful school and I am proud to have been part of the ohana.

Posted: March 15, 2016

My child attended this school from preschool to 2nd grade. I fell in love with this school when my child attended preschool here; however, once my child attended elementary school things seemed to change. One of the kindergarten teachers puts the kids down and yells at them constantly. No one does anything to stop it, including the principal.

My child struggled with reading and math in first & second grade despite my efforts of working with my child endlessly with no improvement being made. Each time I expressed my concerns, it was brushed off, and I was told that my child was not focusing on the task at hand, which is why she was struggling in these areas. I took matters into my own hands and had my child tested only to find out that she has a learning disability. She is currently at a new school and has made huge improvements now that she has an IEP and is getting the services she needs. If your child is gifted and can learn materials that are taught from a curriculum that is an inch deep and a mile wide, then this is the school for you. If your child struggles, they keep moving forward and leave those kids to fall through the cracks. I am all about helping my child learn at home, but when almost the entire workload falls on my shoulders, it is a hard pill to swallow for the tuition spent at this school.

Also, I have volunteered for many activities at this school & was taken advantage of b/c no one else wanted to step up to the plate and help out. There is a lack of communication between the administration and parents. Several times additional tasks were thrown on my lap, because they did not have enough volunteers. I was never asked if I wanted to do these additional activities. I was "voluntold." I then decided not to do volunteer activities at this school b/c they will give you more than you signed up to do.

Posted: March 15, 2016

Posted: March 15, 2015

SAS has been a great school for my son. He started here at Preschool and is now graduating from 8th grade. I'm thankful for the teachers that gave him the chance to grow both intellectually and spiritually. The staff there will always be a part of our family. Mahalo!

Posted: December 26, 2014

Neither the parish nor the school has a strategic plan resulting in disjointed curriculum, taught by underpaid faculty operating in dilapidated facilities. The school administration happily operates in the absence of school governance, rewarding themselves with handsome salaries, and refusing to respond to legitimate, constructive parental criticism. I urge any parent considering enrolling their children to carefully consider whether the school s marketing effort featuring their internet / ipad focus and cursory February 2011 accreditation review outweighs the weak, uncoordinated curriculum, playgrounds in dismal repair, hot classrooms and dinghy bathrooms, an out of date library, and a physical education program whose disengaged instructor reflects the inadequate facilities. In summary, the profound leadership problems gravely affect learning and do not justify the tuition.

Posted: July 1, 2013

As a parent who has had two children graduate from this school, I can honestly recommend sending your children here. The current administration is really pushing the school toward the future and adjusting the school's teaching style according to our ever changing society. I love the teachers and my kids love to visit, and only have good things to say about St. Anthonys. They both got into great high schools and have been doing very well. I totally recommend anyone to send their kids here. It is a very nurturing and loving environment.

Posted: August 31, 2012

This past year I graduated from St. Anthony's.I attended for 2 years and was less than impressed.In fact, I became so stressed and upset about having to return there after 7th gr that I spiraled into a depression.I felt like I wasn't learning and the kids there were too sheltered. In 7th grade I was pre alg in math so I had to do independent study until the day an accredidation commitee came and they put me downstairs with the librarian.No coincidence there or anything!In 8th grade I had a teacher but I had a shared class!Really, I only had half a period of math everyday.Oddly enough, even though I only got a half a period I probably learned the most out of any class.I really did feel like I was wasting my time going to school everyday.As middle schoolers, we were forced to do the same stuff as the little kids taking away from education time. I come from a christian famiy and after attending religion class I can tell you that i never want to have any part of christianity as an adult.The hipocrisy displayed by the teacher was overwhelming.She also didn't have any viable knowledge to back up what she was teaching us."Because it's tradition" is what she'd say. Don't send your child.

Posted: August 2, 2012

My 5 year old recently completed summer school here. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. He went from not knowing which hand to write with to tracing his own name with his right hand while holding the pencil correctly. I couldn't get him to do it with me for months and he got it in 6 weeks. The staff is so friendly and it feels like a family there. My son was in the ELC program and felt so comfortable in their environment. For summer school they mixed 3, 4 & 5 year olds but all the children worked well together. The ELC has a beautiful playground complete with a clean sandy bottom, slide, little tree house and jungle gym. Inside they have tons of excellent manipulatives and toys as well as a train table which is my son's favorite. The children had water play every Friday and walked to the local public library once a week. This is a Catholic school so the children also learned lots of prayers. My son picked them up quite easily and he still says them even today. He even told me that he knew all the sounds of the letter A, and he did. I am so impressed and every day was so worth it knowing how much he learned in such a short time. A+++ St. Anthony's!

Posted: June 4, 2012

As a military child, I have been enrolled in many wonderful schools, but St. Anthony;s is by far the worst I have ever been to. Not only does it lack appropriate teachers for those students more advanced, but it also does not help those students who are falling behind. The religion program was also very disappointing and made me very upset everyday. Students who attend a Catholic school should not doubt their Catholic faith because of the religion class. This private school was not worth the money, sedn your child to a different one.

Posted: May 3, 2012

We have been so happy with the elementary part of this school. I love how teaching is done outside of the box with hands on experiments, guest speakers and wonderful parental support. We came from a public Hawaii school in Kailua that didn't have music, art, Spanish... Sas offers all this with skilled professionals and fab computer center as well! We are military and my child has attended many schools. This is by far our favorite!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Ka Malanai	Condominium/Townhouse	Kailua	HI	0.5 mi
2	Kailua/Lanikai	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Kailua	HI	0.5 mi
3	Enchanted Lake	Area of Town	Kailua	HI	1.3 mi
4	Waena Apartments	Apartment Complex	Honolulu	HI	9.7 mi
5	Aliamanu Military Reservation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Honolulu	HI	11.4 mi
6	Pacific Palisades	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Pearl City	HI	13.8 mi
7	Fairway village	Condominium/Townhouse	Waipahu	HI	16.7 mi
8	Ewa Beach	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	18.2 mi
9	Ewa by Gentry	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	18.8 mi
10	Ocean Pointe	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	18.9 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Kailua	Kailua	HI	0.2 mi
2	Kaneohe	Kaneohe	HI	3.7 mi
3	Waimanalo Beach	Waimanalo	HI	6 mi
4	Hawaii Kai	Honolulu	HI	7.5 mi
5	Waialae Nui Ridge	Honolulu	HI	7.8 mi
6	Kaimuki	Honolulu	HI	8.7 mi
7	Waikiki	Honolulu	HI	10.1 mi
8	Diamondhead - Monserrat Ave.	Honolulu	HI	10.3 mi
9	Kakaako	Honolulu	HI	10.3 mi
10	Kaawa Area	Kaawa	HI	13.1 mi
11	Pearl Harbor	Honolulu	HI	13.1 mi
12	Mililani	Mililani	HI	18.1 mi
13	Ewa Side	Ewa Beach	HI	18.1 mi
14	Ewa Beach	Ewa Beach	HI	18.1 mi
15	Wahiawa	Wahiawa	HI	19.8 mi

Base	Distance
Kaneohe Bay Marine Base	3.7 mi.
Fort Shafter	10.1 mi.
Tripler Army Medical Center	10.2 mi.
Coast Guard Honolulu	10.8 mi.
Camp Smith Hawaii	10.9 mi.
Pearl Harbor Naval Base	14 mi.
Hickam AFB	14.5 mi.
Schofield Barracks	21.1 mi.
Coast Guard Barbers Point	22.4 mi.

St. Anthony Parish School

Kailua, HI 96734

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St. Anthony Parish School

Kailua, HI 96734

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