Maemae Elementary School

319 Wyllie Street

School District

Hawaii Department Of Education
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Hawaii Department Of Education

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 02, 2023

We moved to this school from Webling Elm. The staff here is top notch, every single one of them. My kids love going to school going here. And when I need to interact with the staff, I never have an issue. The ladies at the front office are all over it. I have interacted with the VP and she is really invested in the children. I have seen her advocate for the kids with her own staff of teachers in a private meeting. I had an issue the special service coordinator and principle helped me out the same day. The teachers have high expectations, but they want the kids to succeed. I heard was a good school, but I have been beyond amazed at how special every person is. Nurse Karen who is super caring, but also knows a nervous stomach over a sick child. And one of the school counselor’s, Ms. Fujimoto, who is outside helping the parents who sometimes have difficulties with morning drop off. I really can’t say enough good things!!!
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2020

My oldest child went to private school for early elementary and joined Maemae in 5th grade. I was horrified to learn he was behind the educational requirements. I thought my paying for school with very small class sizes would guarantee his ability to succeed in public school, but the smaller class size didn't equate to academic rigor. If I could go back, I would have started him at Maemae from kindergarten. My second child started directly at Maemae from K and I'm pleased at his academic progress, even with his learning disability. The atmosphere of the school due to its teachers, leaders, admin, and other support staff are very welcoming and friendly! During 2020, Maemae was very quick to adapt to the new COVID environment from late March 2020 (not just giving up on the school year as other schools appeared to do). They communicate on COVID changes. This 2020-2021 school year has some hiccups, but overall it's getting noticeably smoother as everyone quickly adapts to passing out materials, resources, and online teaching methods. They really seem to do what's needed to educate our kids!!
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2017

I have 2 children who go to this school. They love their school. The school spirit and vibrant culture is to be admired. The principal and admin here are the best in the state. Just walking around campus, you can feel the aloha they have on campus. There is also a great feeling of security for the children because the VP and Principal walk around campus. They even greet the students in the morning by opening up car doors. Everyone that I have ever encountered at this school are efficient, helpful and knowledgeable. The teachers are genuine and committed to help all children no matter what their level. They have many programs and innovative advances in technology that help them stay on top of educating our Keiki. The students are inspired to work hard and learn everyday because they see good examples by the hard working adults who surround them. I could write a book about how great and supportive this school is. If your child is so lucky to attend this school, you will be impressed year after year. It just gets better and better as your child gets older. It's no wonder why everyone wants their child to go here. If you want your child to have opportunity and thrive in school, then send them to Ma'ema'e.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2014

This school needs an overhaul. The current admin thinks they know whats going on in the school but they dont. Teachers are not required to document any occurences. A child can be bullied for years and the staff doesnt know or proof. The curtent counselor isnt really a counselor. He is clueless. Office staff is rude so i assume they are rude to the kids. No documentarion goes into individual childs folder in the office. Parents be warned. If you want to sue the school, now is a good time. Admin cant defend themselves.
Submitted by other on May 15, 2013

**CAVEAT - I do not have any children that go here, and I went to Maemae 40 years ago. I read all the reviews here, and it seems that the school has changed a lot in terms of philosophy and education structure. I was placed by into an independent advanced math study program by the teachers. I was also put into an independent English study program for the exact opposite reason. I think the teachers were very aggressive in having me not fall behind in certain areas, and having me excel in my best areas. Regarding fundraising, my mom was the one that used to make 300 bottles of kimchee from scratch as a fundraiser and donation on Family Night for the school. Although she worked fulltime at two jobs, my mom still did many fundraising activities for the school without complaint. I don't exactly know what the PTSA activities are like now, and if they are pushing it too much. If there is too much emphasis now on test scores and fundraising, then I can agree with some of the negative reviews. I did visit the office last year, and I felt it wasn't run as well as before. Is the curriculum is different now? Back then, pottery, art, music, dancing, geography, geology were standard.
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2012

Good school. Happy with teaching staff, safety, cleanliness. If you are in the district, you have lucked out not having to pay tuition for a school with such quality teachers.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2011

My daughter has since left Maemae and is now in her second year of middle school. She entered kindergarten at 4 since she was late born and had a hard time at the start. Through her great teachers, she caught up and is an honor roll student in middle school. She had a great experience in this school and I totally commend Maemae for prepping her to be independent thinker.
Submitted by other on March 02, 2011

I honestly LOVED this school. Though there will be bullies the academics were excellent. The teacher are VERY kind and nice. I even met my best friends in this school! I recommend highly recommend this school
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2011

I don't know what school these other parents are talking about because my sons' experience at Maemae Elementary has been horrible at best. The office staff are lost, unfriendly, and unorganized, this includes the principal, counselor and admin ladys. The teaching staff are unresponsive, unorganized and uncaring. I have two children enrolled here for the 2010-2011 school year, and I am completely disappointed in both teachers (2nd grade and 5th grade). These other parents take about how much the school involves community and parents, I have yet to see any of this beside one fundriser with kaula pig and one movie night. I am seriously considering moving again to get my children out of this terrible school. I will say that their Aplus program is run by the Nuuanu YMCA and they are GREAT, organized, attentive, and responsive.