Le Jardin Academy in Kailua | Military Town Advisor

Posted: June 1, 2026

LJA is a great school. My two kinds (one in Middle and one in elementray) both love this school, and school freiends. As parents, we are also very happy about programs, projects, events, and fairs...... Head of school Earl KIm;s leadership is great. My son kust had his Big Island trip, and we saw thousnads photos teachers uploaded.... you can see everyone is always happy.

Posted: June 1, 2026

Posted: May 6, 2026

LJA is a community that embraces its students and families and prioritizes wellbeing and happiness of everyone in addition to academic excellence. It's signature Impact Programs are absolutely amazing and have helped my two boys to be globally-minded thinkers who are plugged in to their communities, their impact on the people and places around them, and their kuleana (responsibility) to go out and make the world a better place in whatever ways they can. We are a proud LJA family and would recommend the school to anyone who shares its values and wants their kid to be a well prepared, courageous, and happy human being.

Posted: May 6, 2026

Posted: March 9, 2025

As a parent, I had high hopes for Le Jardin Academy, but after years of watching the school struggle to retain its best teachers and coaches, I can no longer recommend it. This school has become a revolving door of educators, churning through talented professionals year after year.

The athletics program is fair at best. They have lost their water polo coaches, their incredible boys varsity volleyball coach, and even fired their award-winning basketball coach, leaders who were dedicated to the students and their development. My student is now left with what amounts to a babysitter for their spring sport rather than great coaches.

The blame falls squarely on the Athletic Director, who seems more concerned with her ego than with building a strong program or prioritizing student-athletes. Unfortunately, the administration is no better, failing to step in and make meaningful improvements.

For the steep tuition, parents expect a stable, high-quality education and extracurricular experience. Instead, Le Jardin offers instability, poor leadership, and a second-rate athletic program. If you are considering this school, look elsewherethere are far better options on the island that actually invest in their teachers, coaches, and students.

Posted: March 9, 2025

Posted: March 16, 2024

LJA has the best caring, supportive teachers. They have a beautiful safe campus.

Posted: March 16, 2024

Posted: May 15, 2023

My kid enjoyed it, but opted for a different program the following year as it wasn't worth going back to over other options. There are just as good, if not better programs elsewhere, that are also more cost effective. There are even some top rated public and charter schools in the area. This school is good if you want business connections to other parents who are connected, or if your kids need more social emotional support. And it seems like the funding the school gets goes back into the school and not the overall community. LJA also has fairly unreasonable late and registration penalties so be careful and read the fine print before putting down any funds.

Posted: May 15, 2023

Posted: March 13, 2022

In my opinion, students' experience at Le Jardin is largely what they put into it. I have been attending LJA since kindergarten and am now in high school. Academically, I have always loved LJA. I appreciate that they teach critical thinking skills instead of just memorization. Students have a lot of choices in what they learn about when it comes to projects and essays. For the most part, teachers are truly incredible, especially the English and Arts teachers. I have to admit, in my experience, the HS math teachers have been inadequate and rude, putting students down for not being naturally gifted in math. Some of my classmates are very privileged and lazy, so they do not do well in school. I try my best to do well and teachers really do notice this and offer me and other hardworking students extra help whenever we want/need it. Although the school works hard to instill good values in students, the administration is too forgiving of misbehaving students such as a group that purposely angered a teacher in order to film her reaction and put it online. Students are given lots of opportunities to start their own clubs and join sports and because of the school's small size, it's not difficult to get into these. this goes back to what I was saying about how a student's experience is based on what they put in. I am on multiple varsity sports teams and participate in 6+ clubs, many of which I'm in a leadership position for. Of course, this was not just handed to me, but I'm assuming this would be much harder to accomplish at a bigger school. In summary, work hard, make friends outside of school, be kind to teachers, and you'll do very well.

Posted: March 13, 2022

Posted: July 4, 2020

HS students are usually given the opportunity to start homework at the end of class so that theyre not struggling at home alone. My son on more than one occasion has contacted a teacher by email when hes had a question on homework and received a helpful reply before the due date. The block scheduling also gives students 2 days to complete daily homework.

Posted: July 4, 2020

2019-20 Earl Kim is now Head of School and doing a great job. Alex Ramsvig is high school principal and has excellent rapport with students and parents. He listens to students and parents concerns with an open mind and works with the LJA community to find solutions.

Posted: July 4, 2020

Advisory groups of 6-10 students meet weekly with their teachers to discuss d social issues. Counselors are always available. HS administrators quickly put an end to a bullying situation last year as soon as the bullied student came forward.

Posted: July 4, 2020

Excellent. My son is thriving at LJA.

Posted: April 30, 2019

My daughters love this school and learning. We have loved the IB curriculum and have had the most wonderful teachers! This school focuses on an authentic global education. They create an environment that values nature and collaboration. The kids are happy and inclusive. Bullying isn't tolerated, which makes a wonderful learning environment for everyone. One reviewer complained that there isn't any homework. It's true. There is very little homework in the elementary grades with the exception of nightly reading. This is because the research is clear that homework isn't effective. Other schools may have your child stressing and up late doing worksheets, I am thankful to have stress free evenings with my child where we can spend time together and focus on after school activities instead. The college acceptances speak for themselves. LJA students go to the some of the best colleges our country and the world has to offer. I can't recommend this school enough. I'm so glad we have a school on the island that goes by research instead of just doing what has always been done. The world is changing and Le Jardin is preparing their students for the future.

Posted: April 30, 2019

Posted: July 26, 2018

I really loved my time there! The teachers are really good and the learning atmosphere is great!

Posted: July 26, 2018

Posted: May 20, 2017

Le Jardin Academy is a beautiful school led by an incompetent administration. The early years are a childs best learning time, but children at this school are given almost no homework nor taught the need for homework (and good work habits). My conversations with other parents show that this policy of not giving homework is moving up the grade levels.

As an example, just look at the early years of foreign language learning. These years are the best years for a child to form a solid foundation. Right now the school teaches French and Chinese. When kids hit middle school, I implore you to speak with them in their chosen foreign languages. Its not a stretch to say that ALL of them will have a deer in the headlight look and wont understand a word you are saying.

Teacher turnover is unbelievable at this school. On change.org, there is now a petition to save a teacher. I am dying to know why. I can only imagine that admin and teachers don't get along.

Don't get me wrong, the teachers are great. My child has loved all of her teachers. We inquired why my child doesn't get much homework and it seems to be admin policy. Wonder if its also admin policy to prevent students from learning how to spell English words properly.

This is the final year of the head of schools contract. Hopefully, there are board members with children in the school who have them scratching their heads on what their children are learning in the school and begin their search for a new head. The previous head (AA) had the school heading in the right direction and grew the school to where it is. The current head appears to be making decisions to hurt students in the coming years. There are no transitions, just brute changes that have students and parents very worried.

Don't look for too many IB grads in the near future. The students are being set up to fail and look for the schools the future graduates select to continue their education at as follows: WCC, HPU, KCC, and NOT USC, UCLA, or even UH.

Under the current admin, this school will never be competitive against Iolani, Punahou, even Maryknoll, HBA. They are even worse than the best Hawaii public schools.

Posted: April 20, 2017

It is very expensive for what you receive especially at the high school level. There is a lack of diversity, choice in electives and terrible communication. There are some excellent teachers and the campus is beautiful but for the amount of tuition parents and students should demand much more.

Posted: April 20, 2017

Posted: August 13, 2016

This is a truly exceptional school. The K-12 IB curriculum is rigorous, well balanced and worldly. The faculty and staff, from the top down, are highly qualified professionals that truly care about the students and go out of their way to ensure they succeed.

The campus is modern and absolutely beautiful.

The lower school also has a fantastic soccer program.

Could not recommend this school enough.

Posted: May 14, 2016

The school staff practice polite greetings encourage friendships built on trust and teach the children to take responsibility for themselves and respect for all!

Posted: May 14, 2016

It is the happiest place on earth! The children learn through play, love each other and their teachers! I can't say enough about LJA junior school my daughter is happy and learning more than she knows!

Posted: January 19, 2015

This is a wonderful school. The teachers are into the program and invested in thed kids being the best they can be. The IB program is fantastic and prepares the kids for a real college environment. They don;t need to knock the schools on the other side of the Pali as they are equal if not much better. There are so many sports and after school opportunities for the kids to choose from. Their campus is spectacular. My son attended 4/5th Grade and only left due to a move. If we every go back to Oahu, we'd look to come back to LJA.

Posted: March 10, 2014

Our family moved to Kailua 2 years ago. I toured a number of schools and was very impressed with Le Jardin. I have been a pediatric occupational therapist for many years and have a very strong belief that you learn through "doing''. Memorization of material and worksheets are not the best learning strategy. I am very impressed with Le Jardin'sn method of teaching through active participation. They are asked to create and work with others on a daily basis. This is actually one of the most important life skills for success. If an individual can create on their own and utilize social tools to work with others; they are being taught at a very young age how to be successful in life. I am also very pleased with the parent participation at this school. It is a wonderfully friendly and truly welcoming environment. The staff does a wonderful job of challenging the children and providing a warm and loving atmosphere. I have felt a very strong sense of community at this school as well. Finally, the school offers a wide variety of clubs and activities for any child's interest. From hiking to science olympiad to soccer to 4H; any child can find a place where they belong.

Posted: March 1, 2014

I am a former student of LJA. It's strange to read reviews that give glowing marks to LJA, but feel the need to bash the other schools "over the Pali". Maybe they are so insecure with their little, isolated private school, that it makes them feel better to "know" that they are not wasting over $17,000. I attended LJA from K thru 5th grade and I was lucky enough to be accepted into Punahou and Mid Pac for 6th grade. I chose Punahou and I couldn't be happier. I always received glowing report cards at LJA and assumed that I would be just as strong at other schools, but this is not the case. It has now been almost a full school year and it has taken almost that long to adjust to a different school and a completely different form of teaching. At LJA, they care more about making the parents happy by giving away easy grades. School was a breeze and I never had to do anything. I never learned writing skills or study skills. I actually have to work for my good grades. At LJA, the teachers were never interested in helping me & just gave away grades so we wouldn't bother them. Yes I have to wake up earlier, but it is completely worth it. My friends say that I got out just in time!

Posted: February 27, 2014

I am truly impressed with Le Jardin Academy and the PYP. My daughter began at the school four years ago, then we transferred internationally for two years and were SAVED by the high level of IB readiness into another PYP school, and returned for 3rd grade. As a fourth generation product of Punahou, I had considered it for my daughter, but was actively discouraged by multiple friends with children there now and who teach there. Back to LJA - the content has been spectacular, the whole-child interactive learning is stunning to watch and the communication from the classroom teacher through principal, up to the interim headmaster is clear, constant and encouraging. Watching how carefully the school is looking for a new headmaster, and involving the entire school community, makes me certain they are destined for success similar to the processes that found the three stellar principals. I will not take my daughter from this school "over the Pali" for any reason, what this school offers is a strong, international and challenging curricula and the teachers/administration to support extraordinary learning! So glad to be a parent here.

Posted: February 8, 2014

I attended Le Jardin from 7th grade through 12th and graduated with an IB diploma. Reading some of these reviews is truly disheartening to me, as I loved my experience at LJA. While going through the IB program we all had our struggles with adjusting to a new curriculum, but ultimately it was for the better. Upon entering college, I walked in with 15 credits (a full semester) which was far more than the average AP student I talked to. For me, a good school experience is not just academics, and LJA is a community of students and faculty who love life and support each other through extra curricular activities, sports, and generally is a close knit community. This is something I wouldn't trade for a seemingly "better" academic education at a public or private school that doesn't have the same warm community as LJA. In HS years, school is what you make it - and if you chose to work hard the students and teachers will support you, especially Mr. Webb, Ms. Burvall, Dr. P and Ms. Yoshida! If it is within your budget, LJA is a great small learning community for any kind of learner and IB does nothing but help.

Posted: January 24, 2014

I attended LJA from JK all the way until 8th grade, just before the IB program was instituted. I'm glad to say that I got out at the right time. JK through 5th grade was actually very good. However, in middle school things started to change. LJA was transitioning from a conventional school to an IB school. The transition was anything but smooth. The entire format was flawed. The teachers were not well trained on how to teach at an IB school and the students suffered because of this. By the time my 8th grade year rolled around, I knew I had to get out. I spent my 4 years of high school at Punahou. I know I haven't made very many big decisions in my life, but this was without a doubt the best. My friends that are still at LJA say it's the worst thing that's happened to them. The school is now filled with druggies and alcoholics. I'm very lucky to have escaped from this harmful environment. Le Jardin is not worth the $17,000 a year. Parents, tuition can be very expensive. Why spend it on a school that doesn't know what they are?

Posted: January 22, 2014

The education is no different from a public school, they offer little to no creativity for children. many teachers are flat out grouchy and the staff (teaching and head master included) have no problem gossiping to parents about other parents. Unless you are a parent that wants to drop your child off and never look into what happens when you do, this is a terrible school.

Posted: December 13, 2013

We have two sons who have attended LJA since kindergarten and are now in grades 6 and 10. The IB program is challenging both for the kids and for the school in terms of implementation. My boys can memorize and take tests just fine, but when it comes to reflecting and communicating what they have learned they struggle and need the kind of program that develops these important abilities.. This is exactly why LJA and the IB program works for us. And I disagree with the parent who suggested that the IB program does not help in terms of getting into college. Based on my discussions with people in education who are not connected with LJA, it is very well regarded in college admissions. And more importantly I believe that IB kids are well prepared for college. I have not rated the principal leadership since LJA has a new interim headmaster and it's too early for me to give a meaningful assessment, though so far it looks positive.

Posted: November 11, 2013

When out with my son at a childrens museum in Honolulu, I ran into Le Jardin students who were on a field trip. Although the students were well behaved, I felt the staff (who were identified by badges) rude and some what snobby. They acted as if they owed the museum and no other children should be near or playing around their students. I have never encountered this with any other school! Ironically, my husband and I had considered this school for our son who will be in kindergarten next year, but I have to say after their demeanor and attitude this is not a school I would want to associate with-Too elitist for my family.

Posted: September 22, 2013

Our kids went all the way through LJA and I would say from pre-K to six grade was excellent. It was from 7th grade on that I gave the school the low grading. The headmaster was horrible but had the support of the board so nothing got done. The IB system was too complicated for this school to take on and subsequently there was poor execution. Ultimately, I don't believe the IB system helped any of our kids get into college. If I had it to do over I would send the kids through elementary and then somewhere else after that. Aloha

Posted: September 7, 2012

I have two children that have attended Le Jardin over the past 4 years and can't say enough good things about this school. The teachers are not only talented, but show a warmth and understanding of the developmental needs of each individual child. The school also pays close attention to the moral development of my children and I never worry about "the lesson behind the lesson" as everything being taught promotes being a kind, considerate, civic minded. I am happy about the new IB program and can see that it is bringing new academic rigor to the school, I am hopeful that it won't also bring the mean spirited, competitive environment that plagues other private schools on O`ahu.

Posted: April 20, 2012

I found this school to be a hugh mistake for our child and family. The Head of School is dishonest and is looking to keep up with the larger private schools in town and will stop at nothing to do so. It is more about his ego and less about the kids. If you are looking for a school with character then just drive past this school and head on over the Pali!

Posted: April 11, 2012

International Baccalaureate world school with excellent teachers who care about the students. A small, private school in Kailua, Hawaii that offers an excellent foundation for students.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Enchanted Lake	Area of Town	Kailua	HI	2 mi
2	Ka Malanai	Condominium/Townhouse	Kailua	HI	2.1 mi
3	Kailua/Lanikai	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Kailua	HI	2.3 mi
4	Waena Apartments	Apartment Complex	Honolulu	HI	7.4 mi
5	Aliamanu Military Reservation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Honolulu	HI	9.3 mi
6	Pacific Palisades	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Pearl City	HI	12.3 mi
7	Fairway village	Condominium/Townhouse	Waipahu	HI	14.9 mi
8	Ewa Beach	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	16.1 mi
9	Ewa by Gentry	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	16.7 mi
10	Ocean Pointe	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	16.8 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Kaneohe	Kaneohe	HI	2.3 mi
2	Kailua	Kailua	HI	2.4 mi
3	Waialae Nui Ridge	Honolulu	HI	6 mi
4	Waimanalo Beach	Waimanalo	HI	6.2 mi
5	Kaimuki	Honolulu	HI	6.7 mi
6	Hawaii Kai	Honolulu	HI	7.2 mi
7	Waikiki	Honolulu	HI	7.9 mi
8	Kakaako	Honolulu	HI	8.1 mi
9	Diamondhead - Monserrat Ave.	Honolulu	HI	8.3 mi
10	Pearl Harbor	Honolulu	HI	11.1 mi
11	Kaawa Area	Kaawa	HI	13.4 mi
12	Ewa Side	Ewa Beach	HI	16 mi
13	Ewa Beach	Ewa Beach	HI	16 mi
14	Mililani	Mililani	HI	16.6 mi
15	Wahiawa	Wahiawa	HI	18.6 mi

Base	Distance
Kaneohe Bay Marine Base	4.6 mi.
Fort Shafter	7.9 mi.
Tripler Army Medical Center	8.1 mi.
Coast Guard Honolulu	8.5 mi.
Camp Smith Hawaii	9 mi.
Pearl Harbor Naval Base	11.9 mi.
Hickam AFB	12.4 mi.
Schofield Barracks	19.8 mi.
Coast Guard Barbers Point	20.2 mi.

Le Jardin Academy

Kailua, HI 96734

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Le Jardin Academy

Kailua, HI 96734

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