Island Pacific Academy

What an amazing little piece of heaven for my girls. We have been at IPA now for 4 years and my kids are thriving. Small classrooms size and hands down the greatest teachers around. We couldn’t ask for a better learning environment for our girls. Thanks IPA for continuting to amaze us every year!!!

Sent my grandson there one summer. Academics in the morning, sports in the afternoon.
Came home with his notebook everyday, not one note, scribble or assignment in it.
As for sports, they just ran around. Nothing organized, no teaching basketball, football, nothing.
What a big disappointment! Taught me a big lesson that summer, RESEARCH the school before enrolling the child!

Our son has been attending IPA since pre-​kindergarten. Great staff and teachers. Ideal location in Kapolei and adjacent to Kapolei Library. Tuition I’d say is about middle compared to the other private schools on Oahu.

I have three children in the school and have never regretted the decision to enroll them at IPA. An outstanding school and perhaps the best education on the Island. IB program is a higher standard for education, and IPA is ahead of the curve in offering the IB diploma.

My son attended Campbell high school last year as a sophomore. He was ranked number ¹⁄₇₅₀. He hated every second of it. The moment I walked throughout the doors of IPA I knew my child would be going there. Yes it is a bit pricey, but so are the other private schools in town. The fact that he actually enjoys going to school and is challenged is all that we needed. My other two kids always ask if they can go to school there also. All of the staff there are so friendly and always have time to chat with you. I would recommend this school to anyone.

My daughter is in first grade and this is our first year at IPA. I grew up in Hawaii, attended Punahou when I lived on Oahu, and graduated from a DOE school in Maui. Initially my daughter was in a DOE school and while her teacher was great, my daughter would often complain of being bored and it seemed like the kids were bombarded with an endless stream of worksheets.
We toured IPA and the first thing I noticed was that the faculty seemed to know every single child’s name, and that the kids were very friendly, coming up and giving hugs, and extremely polite. Initially I wanted my daughter to go to Punahou like I had done, but the tuition cost and commute were too much. IPA seemed like the best choice for school without having to drive across the island every day.
A couple months later and I am absolutely thrilled with the school. One of the best things about the school is a heavy emphasis on parental involvement and a real sense of community and belonging. At first I was intimidated since all the parents were older than me (I said I felt like one of the girls on «Teen Mom») but they have all been very welcoming. My daughter has gone from dreading school to asking me when the weekend is over so she can go back!
The kids spend a lot of time during the day in «special» classes like art, music, science, computers, foreign language, and PE. Before when I would ask my daughter what she did that day, every day her answer would be «nothing.» Now I get a full detailed report on the car ride home which makes me very happy!
The staff is great. Every morning I see the headmaster, principle, and a slew of volunteers helping the kids and parents get through the pickup/​dropoff line, which is surprisingly efficient. They make a point to greet parents in the morning and they also address the kids by name which makes me, as a parent, feel good about leaving my child in their care.
The tuition is steep and it is a financial hardship for our family. Currently we are getting by on one income and it’s really hard to make it work, although we did receive some financial aid which we were very thankful for.
Despite the cost, I have never regretted sending my child to IPA, not even for a second. To see how incredibly happy she is there, to watch how her reading has exponentially improved, and for her to be so excited about learning is everything a parent of a young child could ask for.
Some of the downsides are that they lack certain facilities (a gym and a cafeteria) but they are a newer school so I understand that there is still a lot to be done. Because of the ongoing efforts to raise funds sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming as a parent (especially one on a budget like ours) but once again, I understand what they’re trying to accomplish.
Is it Punahou? No. But I can see IPA being on par with them in the future. Rome wasn’t built in a day and I’m excited to see the things that IPA does in the future as we grow with this wonderful school.

We feel very lucky to have a school like IPA on the leeward side of the island! My daughter has attended since junior kindergarten and she loves this school. I am very impressed with every teacher she has had so far, they are caring, encouraging engaged and really want to make the best learning environment for your child. We can’t wait to have our 2^nd child go to IPA next year.
There is a new wave of leadership, the school has gone through some changes but all for the better. We look forward to even greater experiences in the years to come.

First of all, this is not Punahou, Iolani or Kamehemeha, and it isn’t fair to compare IPA to schools with huge budgets and very long histories. IPA is a small independent school in what is supposed to be the second city, and it does have an urban feel to it. It’s never going to have a sprawling campus and a huge field, but what it does, it does very well. Small classes, caring teachers and a mission that incorporates intellectual as well as character development is what keeps our family loyal to IPA, despite a wealth of other options.

Two years ago, I sat in a parent orientation for new students at IPA. My oldest was about to enter Kindergarten. At the orientation, the students and parents of current students literally raved about the school being AWESOME! The students stated that they missed the school (and friends, of course) so much during the summer break that they couldn’t wait to return. The first thing I thought was, «Yeah, right! Who loves school that much?» and my second thought was, «How did they con them into saying all these nice things?». Well, two years later, I get it! My son literally misses the school and his teachers during the summer!
Last March, I began the enrollment process for my second child. Not knowing if we would be able to manage both kids in school financially, my husband and I began to stress out. We were not ready to leave the school so I took the opportunity to chat with the administration office one day. I explained our situation and expected to walk out completely embarrassed and feeling judged. But, on the contrary, I walked out with hope that my kids would return for the next school year. The administration staff was not only helpful in giving us options but also understanding and compassionate. The families at IPA come from all walks of life and clearly the staff understand that. Private schools can be a little intimidating. There is a stigma about them that only the elite can afford to attend them. At IPA, they teach the children, «whenever you can, help!» and that is exactly what they do! Going through the admission process (both times) at IPA was a wonderful experience!
On a last note, I have to say a few things about the wonderful teachers and faculty at the school. ALL of the staff at IPA give the children 110%! They really get to know each child on a first name basis. They take the time to chat with them and see how they are doing. Aside from the regular curriculum, IPA teaches character building. Yes, they may not have a cafeteria or gym (yet!) but their priorities are to make the children of tomorrow not only well balanced academically but also good citizens of the world we live in. A high moral standard is very important to our family. The school is still young in comparison to the more established ones in town, but the opportunities (especially with the IB program) all children have there is endless!

Good luck dealing with admissions. I think they made need to drop their egos a bit and realize that this isn’t Punahou… at least not yet. Might not be a bad idea to have some kind an idea what your enrollment looks like either. Great facilities too, if you like the idea of paying $ 14k a year to have your child play in a parking lot.

My son has been attending IPA since its founding. We can’t be happier with our experience with the administration, teachers and parents. The school is very student focused and academic excellence is celebrated by all. The faculty is outstanding and truly cares about each student in their academic and personal growth. The school has an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program and the IB diploma although rigorous statistically gives your child a 6% to 10% increased acceptance rate to Ivy league schools. Parents of students that have moved to the mainland from IPA have reported that their children’s academic performance tested 1−½ grades higher than their peers. I really feel that the school should fit the child and if you are looking for a school that celebrates academic excellence and want your child to develop a global aspect of the world IPA is worth the investment.

We have two children in the high school at IPA and we couldn’t be happier. They are excelling both in academics as well as in their extra-​curricular activities. The classes are rigorous and engaging and we feel the kids will be ready for whatever lies ahead of them.
The teachers are caring but also expect high standards for the kids. Because each grade level runs about 60 kids the teachers can get to know each one of them well and we, as parents, are also comfortable getting to know them. Just tonight, I sent an email with a question to my daughters math teacher. She called me within 20 minutes to talk answer any questions I had. This is not a rare occurrence either. I really appreciate that kind of dedication. The students are constantly collaborating and learning from each other with group projects and presentations. What a great way to learn.
My youngest just got in as well and we are excited for her to start. The admissions process was painless and the admissions staff really made her feel comfortable throughout.
One of the best things about IPA is how caring the student body is. I was just telling someone that if I show up at school with a box, I always get kids running up to me, trying to help me carry it and opening doors for me. It is common that if someone drops something, others will be right there to help pick it up. They are constantly doing community fundraisers as well as national fundraisers. That is just the kind of community I want my kids to be a part of.
My husband and I are very pleased with IPA. Yes, they are a growing campus and that means they don’t have a cafeteria, gym or theater. (These are all in the plan for expansion soon.) But, what they do have is a wonderful academic program with great teachers and staff. They also have incredible heart and high moral code. And that matters a great deal to us.

We have had the most awful summer school experience here!!!
We originally signed up for reading, math and art via online application for my 3^rd grader. This was not remedial but just enrichment.
I received an email that my payment via paypal did not go through. After calling the school 4 times and getting transferred multiple times each time I called. I finally got through to someone that confirmed payment received and all was ok.
Started school on the first day and the teacher that was supposed to be there teaching reading and writing was someone else. After 5 days of playing on the playground and playing hangman in class and writing and reading NOTHING I confronted the teacher Who said he was filling in for someone else and was not prepared to teach. He apologized and said he would try to make it more challenging. The following week some reading and writing occured but never got a grade, progress report or any finished work that came home. Talked to the secretary and complained. SHe said she would notify the head of summer school who would call me. I never heard a word.
The second 2week session –we get a call on the first day that class will not be held this session and will be held the next session (we we’re already signed up for another class so could not do math next session) they offered to let us go to summer fun for 2weeks and. They offered to refund tuition. Two weeks later we have still not received a refund.
We are starting 3^rd session art-​what could they screw up about art? I’m waiting to see. My expectations have plummeted. I was checking this school out as a possibility for the academic year. No way –the public schools do a way better job than this.
It is very disappointing. I could have put my child in summer fun for all the enrichment that has gone on here or chosen a different summer school where some enrichment would have occurred. A colossal waste of money! Very disappointed!!! Do not send your kids here unless you like wasting your hard earned money !