Island Pacific Academy in Kapolei | Military Town Advisor

Posted: June 16, 2026

Island Pacific Academy is a wonderful school. One of the strengths of the school are the committed and caring teachers, who work hard to support their students. IPA is a small school where students are known. I appreciate that the faculty, staff and administration work hard to make sure that students, when they struggle, get the support that they need to be successful. In addition, for a smaller school, there are so many opportunities for students, including a variety of sports, a great theater program, arts, music, access to technology, and opportunities for students to use and apply what they are learning.

Posted: June 16, 2026

Posted: June 15, 2026

As I read some of the most recent reviews all I can think is, disgruntled people are the ones that usually take the time to do these reviews. My child has attended this school for 9 years and will continue through graduation. Watching my child think rather than just regurgitate something they were told to memorize is so much more valuable than what would happen at a public school.

A recent comment also mentioned that the school doesnt have good test scores. I question that when I see the colleges that the seniors will be attending at the last two graduations. Schools like Cornell, UCLA, University of Texas at Austin, USC, Cal-Polytechnic, Boston University, Temple University in Japan, Trinity University in Dublin, Northeastern University in London and so many more. These are just the ones I can remember.

No school is 100% perfect. One thing I do know about Island Pacific Academy. My child isnt just a number at this school. The bigger private schools and alot of the large high schools have large class sizes and less one on one time with their teachers.

Posted: June 15, 2026

Posted: April 9, 2026

DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE. racist, dont teach, expensive reason, dont even have a gym or cafeteria. bullies get away scot free, staff try to act like they are still in highschool and abuse their power. will single out poc students then try to blame them. try to pick and choose which students get in trouble, share personal information, belittle them and then make it out to be the childs fault. shame on you.

Posted: April 9, 2026

Posted: January 26, 2026

WASC and HAIS need to seriously look at placing Island Pacific Academy on probation or at least increasing audit cadence. There are growing concerns about grade inflation, and parents are reporting below-standard state test scores that point to real academic gaps.

It starts at the top. The headmaster is not equipped to lead and often chooses to ignore problems rather than address them head-on. While administrators talk about creating a school where students feel valued, whats actually happening tells a different story. Reports of student mental health issues tied to bullying by students and TEACHERS have risen significantly in recent years. Do not bother bringing up any issues to the staff youll be black listed-toxicity at its finest!!!

The navigators are off course and lost at sea. 10 out of 10do not recommend.

Posted: January 26, 2026

Posted: October 16, 2025

My child attended this school for six years before we decided to transfer. Unfortunately, we found that the environment had become increasingly cliquish among both parents and teachers faculty and staff. The same children would be featured on social media platforms. It often seemed that teachers and staff favored a particular group of families, which made it difficult for others to feel equally supported or informed.

The administration also appeared to lack transparency the principal has gainfully employed her immediate family members, and despite my efforts, I never had a clear understanding of my childs true academic progress. After transferring, we discovered through testing that my child had fallen significantly behind academically at the state level. Yet she had great grades at IPA. That just confirmed that transferring out of IPA was absolutely the right decision. We are playing catch up and it is what it iswe will get my child back on the right track. But it pains me to think we paid for below average academic standards.

Additionally, I rarely hear of graduates from this school being accepted into strong colleges, which raises concerns about academic rigor and preparation.

If youre simply looking for comfortable facilities, nice uniforms, and to be part of a social in crowd, this school best suits your family. But if you value academic challenge, transparency, and equal opportunity, Id recommend looking elsewhere. My childs current teacher communicates with us regularly about her progress and fosters a genuine partnership in her educational journey.

Not a robust sports program either. They got our kids playing in the parking lot. Im still truly rooting for IPA.my child has had many fond memories there. I hope they can turn the school around and make changes.

Posted: October 16, 2025

Posted: May 7, 2025

I used to attend IPA. The teaching level is extremely poor and all the good faculty leave. Now I dont even stop by to visit because everyone who was actually a good person has left. IPA lost its foundation when people started leaving- I remember how welcomed I used to feel by everyone from admissions, to the secretaries, to the teachers. It does not have that same feel anymore. 100% does not feel like a family and doesnt feel like they represent the values they claim to. Alumni dont even want to come back and only the same alumni attend the events they host.

Also, its now crazy expensive but does not offer the academics that downtown schools do. I can speak for myself that I was not prepared academically to enter a college environment and my grades in college reflected it. But, in school I had almost all As which shows they inflate the grades. They also would let students who did not meet standards join honor societies. Honestly crazy. Im surprised this place can still be called a school and hasnt been shut down.

Posted: September 10, 2024

The school is being mismanaged by the management team.
They cannot keep the hired staff (teachers/employees).
They artificially inflate grades to keep the $20,000 tuition flowing.
Rarely send home any homework and not challenged scholastically.
They have no gym, no cafeteria, and sit on the ground to eat lunch.

Posted: September 10, 2024

Posted: August 11, 2022

This is a HORRIBLE school. I was here for 3 years and it just got worse and worse as students and teachers continue to leave. The school teaches close minded ideas that are political and will change your kid. It has no gym and the facilities are horrible especially considering the high tuition cost. The only reason people go here is because its the only private school close to kapolei. DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY. Either drive to Punahou or other schools in town or go to public school. IPA is not a good school.

Posted: August 11, 2022

Posted: May 23, 2022

Ima keep it short this school is a waste of money. For $17000 you get less than public school qualities. You think its worth the money but its not if you cant afford it or if u can, think about it are you willing to spend 17k a year on a 3 star school.

Posted: April 4, 2022

Nice building, nice upper-class kids, so so teaching, terrible management from the Principal to the Guidance Counselors to the Doctor on the Board of Directors. School is being mismanaged and they can't keep good talent, there's a big turnover. One example is, they say they're teaching 5TH Graders the Mandarin Chinese language but nobody is learning it and it's not even graded. Then there is playing the Ukalayla class another one not graded. Two play breaks and no food cafeteria or bus transportation. And assigned very little Home Work. From sixth grade on it runs close to $20,000 a year. Others who are very Woke, love it there!

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: June 11, 2021

Sad to write this....but it is not worth the money. A lot of administration problems working with parents and teachers. Administration became lazy doing their jobs and kept giving responsibilities to other people. They dont have a solid format of how their school is changing their classes and faculty turn overs are regular. Only a handful of teachers were great instructors.

Posted: June 11, 2021

Posted: October 7, 2020

Generally good, however if you are looking for a student-centered teaching to help accelerate learning, in comparing my public school experience (which is likely different now) I do not see significant value add at least for the lower and middle school kids. The school does offer a safe environment.

Posted: October 7, 2020

I had uneven experiences with teachers being effective. Which leads me to think that the teaching systems can be improved. There are wonderful teachers and some not as wonderful in terms of teaching effectiveness. Lower school math is area of concern given these are fundamental skills. These skills are simple in concept, and thus should be relatively straight forward to teach so long the teacher recognizes the students maturity and gap in the math concepts.

Posted: October 7, 2020

My kids are in lower and middle school. Middle school leadership last year 2019 was not so great. Specifically math and science teaching approach seems to be more independent study for the students as opposed to student-focused engagement that accelerates concept and knowledge development. The student to teacher ratio which is relatively low (in both lower and middle), which usually is a good thing, does not appear to translate to a consistent positive experience.

Posted: October 7, 2020

Despite the low student-to-teacher ratio, there is uneven experiences for my kids. This I take as teaching (in)sensitivity to learning differences, and opportunity to improve teaching effectiveness.

Posted: October 7, 2020

My kids had an incident and the matter was resolved.

Posted: September 8, 2020

Good teachers always leaves after 1 year

Posted: September 8, 2020

They do not care. You have to take care yourself

Posted: September 8, 2020

Going there is waste of your money. Only good part is they have AC. Thats it.

Posted: September 8, 2020

Posted: July 28, 2020

The only reason I gave two stars is because this school does have some amazing teachers and good education opportunities. However, the staff and school as a whole had a very closed minded mindset that punished and scorned those who do not conform to their small-town mindsets and attitudes. Terrible administration and some teachers are horrendous, but if you ever try to report anything you will be reprimanded, things will be covered up, and they will keep their eye on you. This school was so hurtful to my character and I wish I never went there.

Posted: July 28, 2020

Students are not encouraged to be unique or be themselves. They have a very small-town closed minded mindset where conformity is the only option and if you are different you are scorned and punished. This school HURT my character immensely.

Posted: July 28, 2020

Posted: June 25, 2019

The headmaster is weak and strongly influenced by the principal, who by the way is no longer there. The previous principal said one thing to the parents (positive, supportive), berated the students in his office, and had a COMPLETELY different attitude when we asked to speak with him and the headmaster. They boast independent thinking, but it's their way or nothing.

Posted: June 25, 2019

Horrible. The problem starts with administration which is beyond weak. Hopefully your upper school principal will be more approachable, balanced, and FAIR. This school is no Punahou, let's be clear on that one. SAT scores are no better than their public school counter parts and life in their exclusive bubble is not real world.

Posted: June 25, 2019

Every infraction is a "Log In" with no follow up to better the student. Where is the opportunity to grow and learn from mistakes or poor judgement on the student end? The "Log In" approach was punitive and ineffective. Teachers throw "Log Ins" around candy.

Posted: December 15, 2018

At the high school level, my child's experience has been that homework is relevant and enhances the classroom lessons. Teachers are flexible and realistic about deadlines. As another parent said, teachers make themselves available at practically all hours and care deeply about the growth of each student.

Posted: December 15, 2018

My child's teachers consistently challenge her to think deeper, explore the world and beyond, and listen with an open mind. This is an excellent college-prep school.

Posted: December 15, 2018

Possibly because the class sizes are so small, the students tend to have a deep bond with each other. Integrity is very high. Students and faculty operate like a family, and we bonded with many of our child's teachers.

Posted: December 15, 2018

School leadership hasn't quite hit its stride yet. There have been changes over the past few years and it takes time to adjust to a new style. The students seem to go with the flow better than the parents because of the stability in a core group of outstanding teachers.

Posted: December 15, 2018

I would give IPA the highest rating. Our experience as a family has been incredible. From the friendships and support of other families to the incredible bonds we've formed with teachers and staff, this school is truly One Community. Throughout high school, our child's classmates have been very caring and supportive of each other. Priceless!

Posted: November 8, 2018

Communication between teachers, students, and parents is excellent. Folders come home every day with homework assignments and expectations are clear.

Posted: November 8, 2018

These teachers love their jobs and the students they teach.

Posted: November 8, 2018

IPA: Where values matter! This is printed on special shirts they wear to all field trips.

Posted: November 8, 2018

Administrators and teachers are clearly on the same page.

Posted: November 8, 2018

Very hands on approach to teaching that is reinforced through field trips and interactions with parents.

Posted: November 8, 2018

Have no idea since I have never seen it.

Posted: November 8, 2018

Outstanding! Cannot imagine going anywhere else. The school is small enough that administrators call students by name.

Posted: August 29, 2018

The teachers get to know each student well and are willing to work individually with students. Our kids are sad when each school year ends. The teachers stay in touch with the students over summer break.

Posted: August 29, 2018

Our 2 students have thrived at IPA. They are being taught how to think critically and behave as global citizens. Morals and values are insisted upon at IPA.

Posted: June 1, 2016

Our child just graduated from IPA. He was accepted into 10 great colleges. Several of the colleges provided merit scholarships up to $100,000.

He has attended since the 1st grade and has received a first-rate education. He was very shy and introverted when he entered the school and today is not afraid giving presentations in front of large groups of adults and peers.

His writing skills are excellent and has developed a global aspect of his place in the world. As a parent and graduate of one "large" private school's, the difference at IPA is the faculty and staff. Many of them are young, energetic, very competent, take immense interest in every child, and a passion for the students. They adjust their teaching style to reach every child.

Sometimes my son would text or email at night with homework issue and they would respond immediately.

After the 2008 great recession there was a period that IPA went through financial difficulty, however, this is in the past and fully resolved. The school is in a financially great place and will be there for generations as a center of excellent education on the west side.

I would not hesitate to recommend IPA to anyone.

Posted: September 18, 2015

Great school. Great faculty, great teachers. They genuinely cares about our kids and they make sure that they get what they deserve. Best decision we have ever made to put our son in this school.

Posted: September 18, 2015

Posted: August 18, 2015

My child is happy in IPA, but some of the programs are just an embarrassment. This is especially so when we are paying such high tuition while many of the kids are on tuition assistance! So, its not enough that we forgo the "free" public school while we pay taxes, but we are also subsidizing other private school kids tuition! For example, the Hula program is terrible and the people are rude and unprofessional. The summer program is horrible and is really not at all up to private school standards. Its just a money maker for IPA to babysit kids for the summer. If I could bear the drive into town, I would certainly go that route.

Posted: August 26, 2014

This is an excellent school offering quality education. The teachers are wonderful. My child has received caring and individualized attention and is excelling in the demanding IB curriculum. True, there have been some change at the administrative level, but a lot of the "problems" have left the school, thankfully. We look forward to the new administration and another great school year.

Posted: May 15, 2014

The school provides a wonderful, top education. Our daughter has received an excellent education from grade 1 - 9 and has ranked extremely high on national test scores. She loves the IB program and looks forward to receiving her IB diploma and attending a top university! Great value for the money; individualized programs and attention; excellent teachers; wide range of course offerings in the upper school.

Posted: May 15, 2014

I do not usually post on forums like this but after seeing the negatives I felt i needed to speak up.I am a parent of 2 kids at IPA and am very pleased with the state of my children's education. Both are excelling both academically and socially.I had a problem with the past admin but the Board seems to have seen the issue and taken steps to correct. I read all of the comments and I believe the negative comments in my experience are not valid and the product of a disingenuous campaign to smear the school for personal reasons. Even in my most frustrating moment as an IPA parent I NEVER thought my kids education was anything but top notch and believe its getting better under the current administration. As with any online anonymous forum there is a tendency to see both very bad and very good ratings and few in the middle. I believe IPA deserves the Very Good but that's something you should decide for yourself not solely from an online posting that could be vindictive. Go visit and see for yourself. JMHO

Posted: May 9, 2014

The teachers and staff at this school work so hard and the students are amazing; however the administration at all levels have turned this school from a loving, caring, place to work and learn to a hostile environment. Sadly the parents don't have their eyes open to how badly the teachers are treated so they will be blindsided when they figure out how many amazing teachers are leaving the school. Over 20 highly qualified educators that love the students at ipa are leaving because the administration has created a hostile environment for them to work. The students will suffer, programs will suffer, all because the egos of the people on the administration team. For the students I hope they find qualified replacements for the teachers that have left or are leaving but if I were a parent, especially of a 6-12 student I would be worried!

Posted: April 1, 2014

At first we liked that IPA was lowering its tuition for 2014-15. By lowering the tuition costs the school is hoping to increase enrollment. Our concern is that by charging less tuition, IPA may have less tuition income to help cover the increasing costs of educating students, making it more difficult to provide a top notch educational program. With less tuition income, it will be more challenging to offer many things like competitive salaries to attract and retain great teachers, maintain state of the art facilities, offer strong academic, athletic and arts programs, professional development opportunities, & technology enhancements. In the case of education, cheaper is not always better.

Posted: March 26, 2014

Island Pacific Academy has changed my son in ways that I will never be able to repay. The international baccalaureate education is excellent, but the fact that he comes home from high school every day with a curious, caring, and mature worldview, and a desire to succeed and to make the world a better place...now that is priceless. Thank you, IPA!

Posted: January 11, 2014

I have read the other reviews and I really do not understand the angry/negative comments. This is our ninth year at IPA and both of our children attend the school. I could not be more grateful to have such a great school just 10 minutes from my home. My daughter is now a senior and was just accepted to a great university on the mainland. The director of admissions at the university told her that the International Baccalaureate gives applicants a significant advantage when applying for college. IPA is obviously teaching the students well academically in addition to teaching them to be good citizens. I would recommend that any family that is planning to place their children in private school in Hawaii, go to the IPA campus and have a tour. Then, wherever your children attend, get involved in the school community and make the effort to build relationships with the faculty and staff, not because you might receive special treatment or be a part of some perceived "clique", but because it is important to take an active and positive role in your children's education.

Posted: January 10, 2014

If you are looking for a great school for your children on the Westside, IPA is the place for you. The faculty and staff are hard working, caring and provide a great education to the students. The school is small enough so students get personal attention. Students also have art, PE, music, and technology classes. Parents, grandparents and family members are welcomed as volunteers and members of the IPA community. One of the nicest parts about IPA is how students are taught about community service and how everyone, students and adults, give back to community.

Posted: January 10, 2014

IPA has been a great school for our two kids. The atmosphere is caring, friendly and we love that the families are like an extended family. The teachers that my kids have had really make a difference in our kids education. Thank you IPA.

Posted: January 8, 2014

If I can turn my selection of 1 star into a trash can I would that's the value of education we received at this glorified day care center. If your seriously considering this school for your children you really need to reconsider, save your money for tutoring and send your children to another school. Your not going to receive the education that your paying in tuition at this institution.

Posted: November 19, 2013

IPA's IB diploma program is first rate and gives students a leg up when applying for colleges and scholarships. Also, integrated within their philosophy is "Generosity of spirit," as well as "The power of human kindness." This says a lot when you can meld both academics and building character. I'm proud that my kids attend that kind of school.

Posted: November 18, 2013

IPA is a wonderful school that is just getting better. The teachers and staff work so hard on behalf of the students and their families. IPA offers a safe and caring environment where students are supported and encouraged to be individuals.

Posted: November 14, 2013

There is so much favoritism in this school, it's unbelievable! I miss out on a lot of opportunities the school offers because I'm not quite in the "incrowd" and don't have connections to the unfriendly staff in the office. Most teachers are moody, I feel like I always have to watch my back at all times when approaching them. The teachers I had a great connection with who encouraged me to succeed all got laid off.. IPA was once a friendly, warm place a few years ago.. what happened?

Posted: October 15, 2013

Tuition is not worth what the school has to offer. This school is definitely NOT for everyone. I was forced to attend this school upon IPA being the only private school on the west side that my parents have heard of at the time before. Yes IPA provides a small safe environment, but there is a lot of favoritism and cliques that this community is just to small to have. Also there have been many teachers that have come and go, and a few teachers that don't have teaching skills worth paying for. Though some teachers are great, it's not worth the money overall. Other than that, because our absence of a gym or football field, and such, opportunities of a homecoming event isn't even possible. I won't be getting a full high school experience at my own school and that saddens me. Academics wise I feel I'd be getting a better education at kapolei highschool. Parents, though private education seems nice, do your research and really talk it out with your kids.

Posted: October 6, 2013

I pulled my children from the local public school to attend IPA. They have gone from crying everyday to running into school with smiles on their faces. Academically the school is International Baccaleaurate, not the US Core Curriculum. The US program does not follow appropriate developmental guidelines and is teaching our children rote memorization. IB teaches problem solving and inquisitiveness. My children are asking questions all the time. My second grader is designing science experiments at the pool and telling me about her hypothesis. Everyone is friendly and we are happy and my children are learning.

Posted: September 29, 2013

This school was a waste of time and money for our family. We took out loans and borrowed money from our parents' retirement to pay the tuition. Now our children are enrolled in a good public school and we are finding out that they have big gaps in their academics. While at IPA, we were told they were doing great. Now, we find out that our children are behind in basic language arts and math skills. On the positive side, IPA did have a friendly atmosphere. But for the amount of tuition we paid, we expected a strong curriculum as well.

Posted: September 13, 2013

I previously went to IPA for 6 years. I am now a freshman at a private school in town and I can definitely say that I am finally learning something. When I first attended IPA, I was a 3rd grader. I did enjoy the teachers and the fact that we never had any homework. As I got older, I realized that I needed to start learning some new material to get prepared for high school. Last year, I had multiple study halls, and I barely learned anything. After taking the same foreign language for 3 years, I was only able to get into a second year class at my new school. According to IPA's grading system I was doing outstanding. When I got to my new school I realized that I was unprepared for high school. I wasn't used to all the homework and I also wasn't used to learning in every class. The IPA curriculum is confusing and it is weak. You have no idea what your actual grades are. At the end of the year, all of the 8th graders were expecting a grade graduation like any other "great" school. We didn't have one because of IB. As I got to my new school I was happy to find a gym and a cafeteria. I definitely do not recommend IPA to anyone that is looking for a great school and a great education.

Posted: September 12, 2013

Everyday I see the passion and commitment of the teachers and staff at IPA! We are having an awesome first year experience and are blessed to have our son thoroughly enjoying everyday at school. Love that the Headmaster, Principal, and other staff are out there greeting the families every morning. Happy 9th Birthday IPA!

Posted: September 11, 2013

The location is great! Parents are awesome but this school has serious problem with favoritism. Your child will not have much recognition and important roll of school activities if you are not a member of IPA faculty. Most cruel experience that I had was watching teachers kids received award While my kid was sitting on the cold ground. That was break my heart.

Posted: September 9, 2013

My son has attended IPA since its opening. Over the past 9 years, I have watched him grow into a confident young man who is excelling in his classroom studies, has run for class office, and tried new sporting activities. He has had truly exceptional teachers along the way, who not only cared about his school work, but about him as a person. In fact, I can also say this about all the staff that work at the school - they care. The list of colleges and universities that IPA's graduates have been accepted into is quite impressive, and the IB curriculum will only strengthen this. Although a smaller school, there are still many opportunities for sports and other extra curricular activities. In fact, my son is able to participate in sports at IPA, which might not be possible at a larger school with rigorous tryouts. Yes, there is no gym, but there are still many opportunities. The students are celebrated for academics, community service and extra curricular activities (music, theater, sports). Lastly, the school teaches as principles the power of human kindness and generosity of spirit. These are wonderful principles to teach young people, and what everyone should strive for.

Posted: September 7, 2013

My two children attend IPA. I have come to fully respect and admire the amazing talents, commitment, and drive of the teachers and staff there. Everyone from admissions, leaders, teachers, and even the security and maintenance people are friendly and competent individuals. I have yet to have a negative experience with anyone at that school, including the other parents and students. The older kids even mentor the younger ones. This school has a very community atmosphere where everyone feels safe in being who they are. I have zero relationship to anyone at this school other than my experience as a tuition paying parent. I wouldn't change a thing about how the princples they teach here or the way they so it.

Posted: September 7, 2013

All I can say is my daughter never wants to come home. IPA is a great school. They are moving forward with a wonderful new principal in the elementary. The teachers and staff are very friendly. Most importantly my daughter is above average in all subjects, and I can surely thank IPA for that. You rock IPA keep up the good work!

Posted: September 2, 2013

We attended this school and finally decided that we needed to leave. The tuition is too high for the education we received and the very very few extra curricular activities. There is no gym, no high school band or orchestra. This school has no grades. There is way too much "flex time" so on some days students do not even have an academic class. The school seems to emphasize personal development and Hawaiian culture over reading and math skills. Also there seems to be a disconnect between the administration and the parents. The promised gym never materialized while our tuition kept increasing at an unprecedented rate. There seems to be a high attrition rate of teachers and students. The tuition does not warrant what you get. There are other schools with much better value. Please do your research before attending this school or any school.

Posted: August 28, 2013

Our daughter is in the 2nd grade and has been going to this school since Junior Kindergarten. We feel blessed to have a school like IPA on this island and couldn't be happier with the experience we have had thus far. We value education highly and I don't believe any other school in this state can match what IPA has to offer. The community, the quality of teachers and staff that are committed to continuing growth and excellence of this school is amazing. We are looking forward to enrolling our 2nd daughter into JK next year. We will do whatever it takes financially to send our kids here until they go to college. Just for those comments about financial difficulties of the school--at least they are being transparent about things and trying to make things right. The right leadership is in place the parents are committed as are the staff and teachers. Let's move forward. Please take a tour!

Posted: August 24, 2013

IPA will be my child's school until graduation day! I have to agree with the last post in saying that VALUES matter! When our child is sick, we have to force her to stay home - that's how much she loves school! The IPA staff and teachers are caring and friendly. Our daughter does well academically. Contradictory to some of the other posts, she was fortunate to have had highly qualified teachers that taught standards and the basics. I know students in both the middle and upperschool, and the work is quite challenging so I don't understand the negative posts. Although IPA has had some obstacles along the way, we are really feeling that this year will start a positive change to the difficulties they may have faced in the past. Thank you, IPA, for your awesome teachers and the environment that you provide for my child!

Posted: August 24, 2013

This is our daughter's 3rd year at IPA and we have been more pleased every year with the WELL-ROUNDED education she is getting due to the school's IB curriculum and the wonderfully trained teachers she's had. Where else can your child get art, music, foreign language, engineering & design, and computer (she was taught to use a PROGRAMING program in 2nd grade...same program is taught in 4/5 grade public mainland schoolshclasses all 2 times a week?! When touring 4 different public schools we were informed our child would be lucky to touch a computer once a month! Also, my daughter reads 3 grade levels above her own and now has much more confidence in math and actual understanding of how math works and why. And above all the IPA motto, Whenever you can, HELP! The students are taught kindness, generosity of spirit and to consider others in their decision making. THIS, to our family, comes before standardized test scores! IPA will never "teach to the test" and this is why we love it here so very much.

Posted: August 23, 2013

We are an Air Force family who moves around quite a bit. In fact, this is my daughter's fourth school and she is only a 3rd grader! Though I was worried about the schools in Hawaii, we are thrilled with the IB program at Island Pacific, the caring staff and the talented and enthusiastic teachers. I highly recommend that any parent wanting the best education experience for their child on Oahu check out Island Pacific.

Posted: August 18, 2013

Please do your research before you enroll your child at this school. We had a positive impression of IPA when we first toured the school last spring. Then we started talking with some other families who have left the school in the last year. They explained some shocking things about the school. There is a huge amount of student and teacher attrition which makes us think people are dissatisfied with many things at the school. There is no real curriculum or accountability for what students are learning. Students do not receive the support, academic or personal, that they need to find educational success. Also, tuition is expensive. Because the school is struggling financially, has no endowment, and is carrying a huge debt to cover the mortgages for their classroom buildings, tuition revenue goes to service the school's debt, not to fund outstanding academic programs for students or to fund faculty salaries. We are happy with the school we chose in town. The tuition is also expensive, but our tuition dollar is being used to provide an amazing program at a school with outstanding facilities and teachers. Please do your research before selecting this or any private school.

Posted: August 15, 2013

Just went to Elementary Meet and Greet today. The principal was welcoming and the teachers are so friendly. I am hopeful that there will be many POSITIVE changes this year. Good luck to the new principal and headmaster. What I do know is that my child loves going to school and is excited to start. Way to go, IPA!

Posted: August 9, 2013

After reading some negative comments, I felt compelled to post my own review. My child attended IPA's Upper School and was a member of the first graduating class (2010). She was accepted by UCLA, Berkeley, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Davis, and numerous other prestigious universities. The only university that declined her was Stanford. (I see that a brand new IPA grad was accepted there!) Today, my daughter attends the University of Southern California on a merit scholarship and will graduate in 2014. Obviously, the folks at IPA are doing something right! Furthermore, my sons attended 7th and 8th grade at IPA. The military moved us to Northern Virginia since then, and my sons were quite prepared to enter a top high school in our new community and have been excelling, thanks at least in part to their years at IPA. IPA was a great fit for my family and I will always be grateful.

Posted: July 24, 2013

We wasted a lot of money at IPA! Our child attended IPA Middle School and was very bored. All of the students are put in one math class, for example, and then they teach to the lowest level. The academically stronger students are not challenged. They use a lot of "study halls" which are just excuses to watch movies on their computers because they have nothing to do. We moved our child to public school and was below Hawaii public school standards in math! The public school quickly remedied that thank goodness. They also do not discipline some very bad behavior. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this school. The public school is much better.

Posted: July 17, 2013

IPA is a great smaller independent school that offers a wonderful, well rounded education. Both of my children will be attending IPA this coming school year. My oldest child has gone since 6th grade. He scored well above average on the independent schools standardized test IPA gives, is nurtured and looks forward to finishing High School here. The school is an IB school - things are taught differently. I'm surprised by the negative ratings given by parents whose children have attended for several years...you could have pulled them out at any time.

Posted: July 10, 2013

I've sent my children for past 5 years to IPA. This private school wasn't worth the money for us. Most parents expect strong academics from a private school but their standards are lower than public school. Unfortunately, the principal doesn't believe in test or homework. Some of IPA staff aren't certified in their area and some of the teachers don't have teaching credentials. There are some positive aspects like AC building, small classes, family events like May Day, winter concert. Also, if you visit their website, they still have many photos of students who are no longer attending the school.

Posted: June 12, 2013

Like several of the other parents, I am very concerned about the direction that IPA is headed. Financially, the school is facing difficulties. This year, some teachers and staff have been laid off, others were asked to take pay decreases, and enrollment is down. The tuition keeps getting more and more expensive. I agree with the other parents that posted that they have concerns about the high rate of turnover among some of the key leaders at the school. We are choosing to stay for one more year, but I am cautious about what the future holds.

Posted: June 3, 2013

I agree with the parent 100% when she/he said that they felt they had to post something. I am aware of many families that have left IPA and never looked back. We are taking our child out too!! Constant change in staff (at least four or five midle school principals in six years), the school admits anyone (behavior problems and learning disorders welcome) and my child has been bored all year. Teachers are busy with behavior and poor academic issues. With the amount of money that parents pay we can expect solid academics, and a school that disciplines children for misconduct. Some children get away with everything because of their last name! Anytime we have brought up a concern, the response is "IPA is not for everyone and we are proud of what we do here"!!! Wake up IPA and open your eyes and ears......people are leaving every year and your ship is sinking. Good luck to the NEW headmaster!!! We are making the drive to town. Save your money people and find a better, cheaper alternative or do what others do.....leave IPA for the public school only to find out that after all that money your child cant meet the Hawaii standards!!!

Posted: May 12, 2013

Our family has been an active IPA family for several years. We were very happy the first 5 years however, we have grown so disappointed in the past couple of years. There once was a feeling of warmth and kindness & now whenever we inquire about the ever changing curriculum & "IB" program we are received with debate & negativity. The elementary administration is poor at best & shows clear favoritism towards children of staff members & the in crowd. We have supported the many bumps in the road of a new school and have paid FULL tuition for multiple children yet feel as if we walk on egg shells with the administration. There is a clear "if you don't like it you can leave" attitude from administration. We have seen many families leave over the years with the same complaint of poor administration. The office lady is rude and has poor people skills. Many of the teachers are great however there are several who are unprofessional and speak to parents disrespectfully. The principal tells you what you want to hear and has no follow though. We hate to leave IPA with such a sour taste in our mouth however we can't take another year of such poor leadership at such a high price!

Posted: December 20, 2012

This is our first year at IPA. I have a child in the Elementary School and we love it! My child looks forward to coming to school every day, and especially loves the specials classes like computers, engineering, music, and art. When we were first applying to the school, Megan in the admissions office gave us a personal tour of the campus and helped us to learn all about the school. The teachers and staff are friendly and welcoming. The only reason I gave the school 4 stars instead of 5 is the cost of tuition. As much as we love IPA, $14,000 per year is very expensive. I really hope we can stay next year, but it is a stretch for our family financially.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Ko Olina	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Kapolei	HI	2.8 mi
2	Ewa by Gentry	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	3.6 mi
3	Ocean Pointe	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	4.2 mi
4	Ewa Beach	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	4.3 mi
5	Fairway village	Condominium/Townhouse	Waipahu	HI	7.2 mi
6	Pacific Palisades	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Pearl City	HI	10.5 mi
7	Aliamanu Military Reservation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Honolulu	HI	11 mi
8	Waena Apartments	Apartment Complex	Honolulu	HI	14.2 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Kapolei	Kapolei	HI	1.5 mi
2	Ko Olina	Kapolei	HI	2.2 mi
3	Ewa Beach	Ewa Beach	HI	4.9 mi
4	Ewa Side	Ewa Beach	HI	4.9 mi
5	Mililani	Mililani	HI	9.1 mi
6	Pearl Harbor	Honolulu	HI	9.3 mi
7	Waianae	Waianae	HI	9.7 mi
8	Wahiawa	Wahiawa	HI	11.6 mi
9	Makaha	Makaha	HI	12.7 mi
10	Kakaako	Honolulu	HI	14.8 mi
11	Waikiki	Honolulu	HI	16.1 mi
12	Waialua	Waialua	HI	17.1 mi
13	Diamondhead - Monserrat Ave.	Honolulu	HI	17.6 mi
14	Haleiwa	Haleiwa	HI	18 mi
15	Kaimuki	Honolulu	HI	18.5 mi
16	Kaneohe	Kaneohe	HI	18.8 mi
17	Waialae Nui Ridge	Honolulu	HI	19.7 mi

Base	Distance
Coast Guard Barbers Point	2.4 mi.
Hickam AFB	8 mi.
Pearl Harbor Naval Base	8.5 mi.
Schofield Barracks	10.9 mi.
Camp Smith Hawaii	11.7 mi.
Tripler Army Medical Center	12.3 mi.
Fort Shafter	12.6 mi.
Coast Guard Honolulu	13.4 mi.
Kaneohe Bay Marine Base	21.6 mi.

Island Pacific Academy

Kapolei, HI 96707

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