Hale Keiki School in Honolulu | Military Town Advisor

Posted: May 19, 2025

Absolutely love HKS. There are only positive reviews of this school on fb groups, surprised to see couple neg reviews here. Yes, the school isn't brand new and fancy, but my 5yo thrived in HKS. There was no bullying (unlike public schools in HI, where white kids are bullied a lot), teachers are amazing and there is so much communication between the school and parents. School sends out weekly updates amd reminders, extra reminders when some event is happening. At the beginning of the year I printed out the yearly calendar and it was easy to follow which days are off, as everything is in the calendar. It doesn't matter which school your kid goes, sometimes half days happen (someone here commented saying they didn't know when those days happen until a day before), that is absolute lie, that parent just didn't read their emails properly. And HKS also has an app where that you can easily use to sign up for after school care. 90% families do seem to be military families. Parents can volunteer a lot ildurongbfun events aswell. And they have tuition assistance for thise in need, you just need to ask and apply.

Posted: February 13, 2024

This school is OK, but not worth the money. The teachers are good, but facilities are outdated, the tuition is too high and keeps rising. Strangely, the administration seem to think we are receiving 10% pay raises every year. The student's performance is average, and the school lacks activities and any real sports. Having learned of yet another tuition increase I will be look for other options.

Posted: February 13, 2024

Posted: December 6, 2022

I never imagined my kids would have access to so many things at an early age... things offered at HKS and things that matter to our family. This magical place offers opportunities for kids, parents, teachers, and more. They have educational and fun family events as well as parents night out, a Young Patriots Club to support The Greatest Generation, and great before/after/summer care options. The price and location are ideal for our family, and we can't imagine a different environment for our keiki to attend elementary school.

Posted: December 6, 2022

All 3 of my children have attended and graduated/grew out of Hale Keiki School. This school is an amazing and wonderful place. The staff and faculty are what makes the school so incredible. They go all-out to be communicative and welcoming to all. But Hale Keiki School does not just focus on academic enrichment, they are concerned about the whole child and work to help the children grow. Our 3 children had a great foundation of academic and social growth with Hale Keiki School. All of our children always tested well above average. Of all the schools my children went to, Hale Keiki School was hands down the best. My children always felt safe and cared for at HKS.

"HKS is a place where I have made lifelong connections, friends, and even some that I would consider family. The community that has formed and been built up around the school is unlike any other, and I am proud to be a part of it."

"I grew up at HKS, and as years gone by I'm proud to see it always improving. The quality of life for teachers and students excites me, and I love the changes the campus alone has gone through."

Posted: December 6, 2022

Posted: December 3, 2022

The school name was recently changed to Hale Keiki School perhaps because it is not only for Navy/military students but serves everyone in the community.

As a dual-military family this school has been a dreamy oasis conveniently located next to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (and Target). Early morning drop off at 6am and late pick up at 6pm make it perfect for working parents who can't get off work at 3pm to pick up their kids. (School hours at 8-3pm normally).

Class sizes are small and the teachers and staff are fantastic.
Academic standards and expectations of students are high.
My oldest daughter graduated 5th grade and her test scores showed she was reading at an 8th grade level.

The PTO is active and engage and offers many opportunities for parents who want to get involved.

The school hosts some amazing events -- Back to School Night, Fall Festival, Shop and Drop School Sleepover, Holiday performance. The staff and volunteers are dedicated and always pull of some amazing events!

Posted: December 3, 2022

Posted: May 5, 2021

This school incooperates many subjects and helps students grow in many different ways. The teachers are so supportive and caring and make it their business to make sure your okay. They handle bullying and other incidents perfectly. I have so many amazing memories from when I attended NHKS. If you want your kid to have an amazing childhood please send them to this school. It helps students grow academaclly, socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. It has many special events such as the annual book fairs, "fun week", lei day, holiday specials, plays, end of the year mini graduation parties, mini stores, art shows/galleries, pearl harbor (you honor veterans), the kauai/big island trips, the amazing feild trips, talent shows, school sleepovers, auctions and so much more. NHKS makes learning so fun and you can tell that the teachers are so passionate about what they do. Each classroom is made into a safe and comfortable enviornment for the students to learn. One thing that makes NHKS so unique is is the flexible seating. Some classrooms have yoga balls, office chairs, and other cool seating that helps the students learn better. (scientifically proven) NHKS is diverse, and teaches you about many world injustices- (racism, sexism, disabilities,) and does not sugar coat it. I promise this school shaped me into who I am today and I STRONGLY reccomment it to you.

Posted: May 5, 2021

Posted: February 2, 2021

We absolutely love this school. The teachers are caring, compassionate, hard-working, and go above and beyond to create an environment for their students that is nurturing, engaging, and fun. My child has thrived at this school and we are so grateful that the administration was able to find a way to safely open the campus for families to return this school year. We feel truly lucky to have found this little gem of a school.

Posted: February 2, 2021

Best school ever! Everyone here goes above and beyond to provide the best education on the planet! I couldnt ask fo a better place for my children to grow and learn!

Posted: February 2, 2021

Posted: August 1, 2020

If a condescending school leadership does not bother you then this is your school. I have had better communication with two public schools at this point one in the mainland and one here in Hawaii. The leadership here is sub-par. After paying ~$1000 a month the school CFO thought it was appropriate to send me the following email:

I would not have asked you about this if I put the payment on hold so no I didnt. Please contact FACTS on Monday to ask why as I dont know if it is with your bank account or what. I dont have the luxury of seeing everything on my end.

Sent from my iPhone

I found this rude and unprofessional. A professional should sign their emails. If this doesnt bother you. This is your school not mine.

Posted: August 1, 2020

Our child was never bullied but I felt the school had a boys will be boys attitude.

Posted: August 1, 2020

Disappointed.
1. Our child maintained a 95-97% in academics. Our child was never recognized for academic efforts. The children in our childs grade who were recognized as Keiki of the Month were often senior ranking officer children or PTO children.
2. If you are part of a dual working family and are unaware that events such as lei day are half days surprise. They tell you the day prior (its not laid out in a calendar). My spouse and I travel for work. This was a nightmare.
3. The teachers are kind and loving.
4. The level of communication and access I have had at our local public school here in Hawaii has put this school to shame.

Posted: August 1, 2020

Teacher sent home an appropriate amount of homework. However, our child started school here as a first grader. All the work they provided to our child had been taught in to our child at a previous public kindergarten. Our first grader tested in October as a second grade student. Based off of our analysis, this school trends to be about a year behind in academics. However, their homework policy was appropriate for a first grader.

Posted: May 3, 2017

Character building, appropriate discipline principles and caring teachers are the foundational blocks of what we have experienced at NHKS. Would recommend this school to anyone who values education in a supportive, positive environment.

Posted: May 3, 2017

Caring, patient teachers invested in building children into community leaders and patriots.

Posted: May 3, 2017

Posted: May 2, 2017

Unfortunately, we experienced an unethical administration with a lack of critical thinking skills. They are unable to process situations which deviate from the norm in order to treat others with love and respect.

Posted: March 27, 2017

I have not had one issue with bullying at the school. Problem kids are dealt with immediately. Also, parent participation is high at this school, so I imagine this helps.

Posted: March 27, 2017

Yes! They aren't large enough to deal with all needs, but for those they can accommodate, they do everything they can to support them.

Posted: March 27, 2017

This school is staffed by mostly military retirees or people associated with the military in some way. To say their leadership is effective is an understatement.

Posted: March 27, 2017

Its in their school creed and they repeat it every morning a flag!

Posted: March 27, 2017

All the teachers we have experienced are awesome.

Posted: March 27, 2017

Homework load is appropriate for each grade.

Posted: March 27, 2017

This school is absolutely amazing! We can't recommend it enough. We currently have two children at the school and will have a third next year. It was a sacrifice which we were very unsure of when we first registered our kids. Since the school came so highly recommended from our neighbors, we proceeded to enroll them. We couldn't be more happy with our decision. It is worth every penny. I know the tuition looks high, but after doing lots of research, relative to other schools on island, this school is a deal. Plus this school understands the military more than any other school on island. They work with parents and children to get through tough deployments and TDYs. Also, patriotism at this school is inspiring. No other school has WWII and Pearl Harbor survivors visit! Or astronauts! This is a testament to the school reputation. We also utilize the afterschool program and our kids WANT to go to afterschool care! I can't say the same for the public schools in the area. We actually tried the public elementary around the corner for a year before enrolling our first child. Although the teacher was ok, everything else about the school was a nightmare and the bureaucracy ridiculous. We hated the common core curriculum and my child was just another kid in a mass crowd of chaos. It was a regular occurrence to hear foul language and see kids pushing each other around after school as I walked my child home from school. Plus I hated the open campus utilized at most public schools in Hawaii. Both of my kids have excelled academically and we have no doubt it is because of the dedicated staff at NHKS. If you are on the fence, I would highly encourage you take a leap of faith and enroll your child/ren. You will not be disappointed! (Note: Don't ignore this school if your child has special needs. Although, NHKS doesn't have the resources to address all needs, they are excellent at working with parents of special needs children to see if they can accommodate them)

Posted: March 25, 2017

From the moment we toured this school, I've loved it. It has been a warm, inviting, and encouraging learning environment for my son from pre-k through first grade. I feel like everyone from the front office to the teachers to the involved parents really cares about the students. I feel my son has gotten a quality education that will prepare him for when we have to move.

Posted: February 28, 2017

We are in our 3rd year with NHKS and could not be more pleased. The school creates a safe, loving, and fun environment for the students. The students are challenged academically, but they are also taught how to be respectful and kind and take part in their community. It's a small school with a big heart!

I love that my second grader gets two recesses every day. She has about 10 minutes of homework most nights, which is a review of what they have been working on in class. Our Pre-K student LOVES school, and wishes she could spend the whole day there. The activities in her classroom are playful, but also very purposeful. (Playing with playdoh to strengthen their fingers, so that they can then learn to cut and write properly.) Her school days are off to a positive start with a very solid foundation.

Communication between teachers and parents is wonderful. We feel like we always know what is going on in our daughters' classrooms and the school in general. The school has an active PTO that hosts fun family events throughout the year. There are fundraisers, but we have never felt pressured to participate (encouraged, but not pressured). Tuition rates are extremely reasonable.

Posted: February 7, 2017

The school will work with all children and parents involved to find a positive solution, with attempts to make each child feel good. In other words...even the child who has acted inappropriately is treated with kindness and respect. They do not want to crush ANY child's spirit, and chooses to redirect and rehabilitate poor choices, as opposed to labeling a kid "bully' or 'bad.'

Posted: February 7, 2017

The school director is quite impressive. She has a strong vision for the school, thoughtfully designs school programs and has a solid presence around campus.

Posted: February 7, 2017

YES - these themes are regularly and blatantly discussed and promoted.

Posted: February 7, 2017

I feel there is an appropriate amount of homework given at each grade level. Most of the teachers seem to use homework to reinforce class lessons and evaluate student comprehension. "Grades" are not stressed, therefore students do not feel inadequate if they get some things wrong. The teachers strive to keep learning a positive experience.

Posted: February 7, 2017

Navy Hale Keiki School is more than just a schoolits a family. My son is in his 4th year attending NHKS and my daughter is in her third. In fact, my daughter is in the very class that a previous commenter was displeased with. Unlike her opinion of the class and the school, I absolutely ADORE the teachers in that class. My son had such a wonderful experience in her class, and I specifically begged to have my daughter in the same class 3 years later. We have loved every single teacher at the school, and found them to be very loving and sweetly affectionate with the children. They truly care for each and every child, and from what I have seen, they would never accept discrimination or bullying in any form. The administration would work proactively to peacefully mitigate any conflicts. The staff, and parents alike, strive to create a community of caring childrencaring for one another, caring for our family, caring for our community. You wont find a school with more parent involvement, happier kids, or better staff.

In our time at NHKS, we have seen our children excel in the well-balanced curriculum, which includes music, art, computers and physical education. In my sons 3rd grade music class, he is learning to play the ukulele! In afterschool programs, my children have participated in dance and hula classes, robotics and Lego building clubs, and swim classes. They take wonderful field trips several times a yearto museums, plays, farms, historic sites, zoo and aquatic parks. There are overnight camps, trips and parties. In short, NHKS offers opportunities to experience a wide range of educational, cultural and leisure activities. I cannot rave about this school enough. My children have LOVED Navy Hale Keiki!

Posted: January 23, 2017

The school promotes a culture of tolerance and respect for others. Teachers effectively supervise children and promote problem solving.

Posted: January 23, 2017

My daughter's teacher provides homework to be completed throughout the week. We really like this approach, as it teaches my daughter to prioritize her homework. It also makes it much more manageable for a parent!

Posted: January 23, 2017

Weve been at Navy Hale Keiki School for a little under 2 years and could not be more satisfied! Prior to our experience at NHKS, we had our girls at a Christian school; although the education was good, we felt a lack of communication from the school with events and requirements always popping up at the last minute. As a dual military family, with high optempo jobs and a frequent travel, early and often communication makes our life much easier. At NHKS we always feel well informed. The teachers communicate often with parents and identify early potential issues. The office staff responds quickly to requests and seems to know every child at the school. Teachers work with students to expand on their strengths and build up any weak areas. For example, my daughters teacher identified, prior to the first trimester ending that my daughter was reading just below grade level. The teacher sent a note home for us on daughters status, along with some tips for at-home learning. The teacher increased 1 on 1 time with the TA during the school day. Within 3 months, my daughter caught up and is now working slightly above grade level. Most importantly, my daughter continues to love reading.
Our girls have had some bumps on the playground; school always sends home an injury slip or gives me a call. One night my daughter told me a boy kicked her on the playground. It didnt seem too serious, but we contacted the teacher. Both her teacher and the other K teacher took the report very seriously and had an answer for me by the next day. One of the boys was taking his Jedi training a little too seriously and my daughter ran into him. It was early in the school year, so the teachers reinforced the playground rules. While talking to a co-worker whose son was at the school, he relayed a story about his son. It turns out his son was the Jedi in training and he confirmed the school took the incident seriously.
NHKS conducts a daily flag ceremony and emphasis service through the year. In Dec NHKS hosted Pearl Harbor Survivors & WWII vets for lunch, classroom visits and performances by the keiki. It was a top notch day and so humbling to see our kids and amazing veterans bonding across the generations. I cant say enough good things about NHKS. Yes, its pricey, but everything is in Hawaii. You can tell each teacher cares about the kids and puts 100% effort into them.

Posted: December 6, 2016

Navy Hale Keiki School (NHKS) was our first choice to send our child too. We are a military family (both parents) and it seemed like the right choice at that time because we thought that our child would be supported by other children with similar shared deployed parent stories.

Prior to our child attending kindergarten at NHKS, she had spent two years at a Christian Preschool prior to attending Kindergarten. I think it's important to add that while there, she was described by her teachers and school director as a very compassionate, sensitive, fun loving, and happy little girl.

After a couple months at NHKS, our child's behavior changed dramatically. It was for the worst. We talked about her day, everyday, after-school and sometimes it was good and then, other times not. She mentioned that she didn't like school. She even drew a picture and wrote out that she didn't like school. Which was later removed from her binder by someone. We thought it was just part of growing up as a new kindergarten student. The change of behavior continued, then, little stories started to follow when we questioned her days spent at school.

To move this story along --- I went on a business trip for a month, so, my better half took on the responsibility to care for our daughter while out. I spoke to my family everyday and one day our daughter told me her nose was bleeding. She was kicked in the nose by a fellow student. No call or report was given to notify us. Our daughter told us that a teacher saw this, yet failed to report it. The way this school handled it was UNSAT. They continue to stand their ground to say that "no one saw this incident" and no further action or correction known to us was taken. Lastly, our daughter was taught by another student about the color of skin and not in the context of curiosity. This made me very upset! I am a local female born and raised in Hawaii and never separate races. What we just experienced was unbelievable! Nuts! For the curious minds, our daughter is Hapa --- brown & white.

When I returned from my trip, I removed our daughter from this school. It's been roughly over a month at her new private school and happy to report that we have our happy daughter back. She loves school again and even wrote it in her new journal with hearts.

Beware. Appearances are often deceiving.

Posted: December 6, 2016

Posted: May 18, 2014

Navy Hale Keiki has been an excellent choice of a school for our child this year. Being that the school services mostly military families, we have felt our child is in an environment that it perfect for her. She is surrounded by children who face the same issues and dedicated teachers who understand the needs of the population. We are excited for her to continue at NHKS for years to come. We also would like to say that the office staff is supportive and helpful with all of our questions this year. Mahalo!

Posted: November 23, 2013

To the 17 Jun post: Before you single out a (gasp) negative comment about this school and seek to spin the truth, perhaps it's worth others considering NHKS to know the facts. It's a good school with lots to offer but the administration and Board of Governors pushed through additional costs without properly publicizing this, however small they may have been, and admitted this (I have it in writing). If the school needed to gain efficiencies and wholly benefitted from them, it should have borne the cost. This post is not "ridiculous", unless ridiculous = truth, of course. I'll never be appreciative of paying more for something I don't want and wasn't told about ahead of time in some official format. Folks ought to know this so they can make informed decisions or in case it happens again.

Posted: October 31, 2013

I cant say enough good things about this school. The staff and teachers truly understand the challenges faced by military students and actively seek to engage them in overcoming said challenges. The academics are spot on. Our child was not reading when we started NKHS in kindergarten and is now reading on a 3rd grade level. Our family electively chose to extend orders in Hawaii so our children can attend NHKS longer. If there was anything I could say negatively, it would be that we often feel nickled and dimed. That being said, we understand that this comes with almost any private school. We love NHKS!

Posted: August 9, 2013

I really enjoyed this school for pre-k. It developed a patriotic pride in the children, wonderful teachers and families. Drop-offs and pick-ups were a bit stressful due to the lack of space & parking. But they made every effort to make it smooth as possible. And I do feel that the academics could have been stronger given the teacher/child ratio was good (10 to 1). Reading and basic math skills could have been touched upon in pre-k and it was just basic phonics and number writing. We enrolled in Kumon for additional work so along with home study, our child did well.

Posted: June 16, 2013

Navy Hale Keiki is a fantastic school for young children and parents alike, and we are so privileged to have found such a gem on this island. The teachers truly care about their students, and actively engage the parents daily with kind words. They are smart, professional, and skilled at educating youth. The Director has been a wonderful part of the school for many years. In response to the ridiculous comment by a parent in the April 6, 2013 review: She was complaining about a $46 charge that helps the school avoid wasting time processing what amounts to over 3000 checks annually. That charge represents less than 1% of tuition; so please ignore that parents unfortunate complaint. The school is wonderful and everyone (else) whose child attends it is so very lucky and appreciative!

Posted: February 28, 2013

My child has attended NHKS since 2010. He will be entering 3rd grade in the coming school year and his sister is enrolled for pre-k. The teachers and administrative staff are friendly, helpful, and caring when it comes to the needs of the students and their families. They understand the special circumstances that military families experience and encourage skills that the students need in order to be resilient in the face of these changes. Academically I couldn't ask for more. The students learn at a pace which challenges them without being overwhelming. The class sizes are small and each classroom has a teacher's assistant which means more individualized attention for all students in the class. Many of the activities the students are involved with teach them about having a role in the community outside of school. From Operation Candy Drop for the troops after Halloween to collecting goods for the local Fisher House, they learn that they can make a difference in the lives of others. Some parents may complain about tuition costs and nitpick about other issues, however, the quality of education and close-knit community are well worth the price.

Posted: February 28, 2013

With experience with other private schools on the island, Navy Hale Keiki is by far a bargain for the creative, individual attention provided to each child. Average testing scores are significantly above grade level. I am proud to be part of this school and the dedicated service provided each day to the children and families enrolled.

Posted: February 19, 2013

I am very sad to see what this school has become. It was once out of this world. As of late, test scores have dropped below that of some of the better public schools, communication has taken a beating and with the new business administrator, the nickel and diming has become overwhelming. For the upcoming school year, families will be charged a fee for paying their tuition, despite the money the school will be saving by having payments processed this way. The straw has broken the camel's back. We will not be returning. I'm all for using this school as a pre-school, but would definitely recomment researching other schools for a tuition free alternative to other grades. This school is no longer worth the money it costs to attend.

Posted: September 15, 2012

We LOVED NHKS! If we could have taken the school with us when we moved, we would have. Our daughter thrived there and was loved, cared-for and taught as an individual. We also loved NHKS for how well it focused on character as well as academics. They are in the business of producing healthy, patriotic, critical thinking little citizens of our great nation. Recommend!!! If we end up back in HI, this is where our kids will go to school! Please pray that they expand past 4th grade!

Posted: April 21, 2012

We moved away from Oahu last summer and really miss this little school. Although we are in one of the top pubic school systems now at a highly rated school it just doesn't compare to NHKS. The teachers we experienced at this school are so dedicated as are the administrators. The director is the biggest advocate for the children. She is somewhat reserved but once you get to know her you realize the passion she has for this school. You will not go wrong here. I tell everyone I know moving to Hawaii about this wonderful place.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Aliamanu Military Reservation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Honolulu	HI	1.2 mi
2	Pacific Palisades	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Pearl City	HI	5.1 mi
3	Waena Apartments	Apartment Complex	Honolulu	HI	5.3 mi
4	Fairway village	Condominium/Townhouse	Waipahu	HI	5.5 mi
5	Ewa Beach	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	5.5 mi
6	Ewa by Gentry	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	6.1 mi
7	Ocean Pointe	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	6.4 mi
8	Ko Olina	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Kapolei	HI	12.4 mi
9	Kailua/Lanikai	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Kailua	HI	12.5 mi
10	Enchanted Lake	Area of Town	Kailua	HI	12.6 mi
11	Ka Malanai	Condominium/Townhouse	Kailua	HI	12.6 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Pearl Harbor	Honolulu	HI	0.5 mi
2	Ewa Side	Ewa Beach	HI	5.6 mi
3	Ewa Beach	Ewa Beach	HI	5.6 mi
4	Kakaako	Honolulu	HI	6.6 mi
5	Waikiki	Honolulu	HI	7.9 mi
6	Kapolei	Kapolei	HI	8.3 mi
7	Mililani	Mililani	HI	8.5 mi
8	Kaneohe	Kaneohe	HI	9 mi
9	Diamondhead - Monserrat Ave.	Honolulu	HI	9.6 mi
10	Kaimuki	Honolulu	HI	9.8 mi
11	Waialae Nui Ridge	Honolulu	HI	10.8 mi
12	Wahiawa	Wahiawa	HI	11.4 mi
13	Ko Olina	Kapolei	HI	11.8 mi
14	Kailua	Kailua	HI	12.6 mi

Base	Distance
Pearl Harbor Naval Base	1.3 mi.
Hickam AFB	2 mi.
Camp Smith Hawaii	2.5 mi.
Tripler Army Medical Center	2.5 mi.
Fort Shafter	3.1 mi.
Coast Guard Honolulu	5 mi.
Coast Guard Barbers Point	9.8 mi.
Schofield Barracks	12 mi.
Kaneohe Bay Marine Base	12.2 mi.

Hale Keiki School

Honolulu, HI 96818

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