Keaau High School

[dayna]

So I wanted to post a few comments!

I know Keaau High has gotten a bad reputation (surely earned over the years!).

Most folks tried to steer us clear of this school and we did apply for a boundary exemption for our daughter to go to a different high school.

The principal of Keaau High called me and asked why I wanted my daughter to go somewhere else. I explained about my concerns regarding race issues, fighting issues, safety, not as good of classes, etc.

He really sold Keaau to us. He went above and beyond to place my daughter in upper classes (she's a sophomore and is in AP calculus done via skyping through Maui High, AP biology, Spanish 3) and the rest of the classes he put her in with mostly Juniors and Seniors.

The staff has been amazing, helping her to get adjusted to a larger school and a much different learning environment. The students have been FABULOUS! The local girls have pulled Laurie into their long time group of friends, and after school there is soccer get togethers and lots of texting. Race hasn't negatively come into play so far.

The class material in 3 of her 8 classes is challenging and that's wonderful! Regardless of the low recent series of state test scores (which are actually on their way up), I'm SERIOUSLY impressed with the teachers, their dedication, and the quality of the course/class work.

They are encouraging her to start college this summer, take college courses next year and graduate high school a year early.

So with all the negative out there about Keaau High, I just wanted to toss in our very positive first impression!

If Keaau High keeps up this high level of dedication and commitment this school is going to get more and more amazing each year!

[macuu222]

Excellent! That's great to hear. It sounds like there is still hope for Keaau High after getting such a bad rap these last couple of years.

[JerryCarr]

I am so glad to hear this after years and years of bad reports. IIRC, they changed principals not too long ago, and the new guy seems to be getting some results. I hope your daughter's experience is indicative of a broader trend.

[jade]

There were some problems in the past but those kids have moved on. My kids go there and we have not had any problems. They are in honors too. In my experience if you let the teachers know that your kids will be going to college and what is expected they will do well. I like the online reports so that you can track their grades and contact the teachers. The step it up program is good too.

[pslamont]

Happy to hear of this incredible change! I hope tim bears it out. Keep us posted.

I want to be the kind of woman that, when my feet
hit the floor each morning, the devil says

"Oh Crap, She's up!"

[Nalu]

I have to concur with also having a similar experience at Keaau High. I did my student teaching there last year, and went in with some preconceived notions and concerns. Nothing could have been further from the truth. I was met with courteous students, who opened doors for me, and observed nothing of the rumors I had heard prior. In fact, after having such a positive experience I am now hoping to get hired there when I finish school. Angela

[dfryman]

The principal at Kea'au High school transferred there last year from Pahoa High. He got Pahoa into shape and now he is at Kea'au to get them into shape. I think he is doing a good job.

Donna

[pslamont]

Happy to hear it!! OUR kids deserve the best we can get for them. Yayyyyyyy

I want to be the kind of woman that, when my feet
hit the floor each morning, the devil says

"Oh Crap, She's up!"