Major Sheldon Wheeler Elementary School

Posted: October 25, 2021

Our children have been here for two years now, and we have had very mixed experiences. The teachers are wonderful. Both our kids have had absolutely amazing teachers who truly care about helping students learn and excel.

However, the administration is a disaster. The enrollment process is ridiculous, and we received conflicting information every time we spoke to someone in the main office. There was no clear pathway to get them enrolled, which resulted in a 6 week wait before our kids could start their school year after our PCS. The conflicting information has continued the entire time we have been here, making it incredibly difficult to navigate our children’s’ education. Any time we have called the office, the person we need to speak to is always somehow out. Even though they promise to relay our message, and it never happens. We never receive calls back as promised, and the school secretaries always act as if it is an incredible burden to assist us. In this respect, I would give the school zero stars if I could.

They lost my son’s entire medical record, with all of his PII, and offered no explanation other than a shoulder shrug. They then explained that we would need to replace the information immediately so he could continue attending.

The only thing we dislike about our assignment is Wheeler Elementary, and for that reason alone, I would be willing to cut our tour here short. We’ve dealt with five different school systems throughout our childrens’ education, and it is truly unfortunate how abysmal the school administration is at this school.

Posted: October 25, 2021

Posted: October 25, 2021

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Posted: May 13, 2020

I wish I knew before the things that happen and how they don't handle bullying or concerns.please talk to your kids and don't let them be bully by their teacher or peers.

Posted: May 13, 2020

Posted: May 13, 2020

My child hated school his attitude changed drastically, had many conversations with principal, counselor and nothing was resolve. At one point they even said that her behavior could be because she had a lot in her plate as she was part of the school board too.

Posted: May 13, 2020

Here teachers who aren't from HI will get treated bad. They isolate other teachers.

Posted: January 27, 2019

No they do not. They don’t try to help much. Maybe throw a packet at them, but other than that, no they don’t.

Posted: January 27, 2019

Posted: January 27, 2019

I’m torn. My oldest boys thrived here, but when it came to my survival needs son, it was hell and back. So many teachers gave up on my son, except one. You just have to watch what you say around a lot of these teachers though because they’ll twist and turn your words constantly. I wouldn’t recommend this school for students with special needs or disabilities. They’re not very understanding at all and will suspend your child or call the cops constantly due to their disability. It’s sad, and the way they talk behind your back and make it seem like your child is the worst on the planet is just wrong. We had to get an advocate involved due to their negligence.

Posted: January 27, 2019

Posted: January 27, 2019

Only some are. There are a few bad apples amongst this school and it’s a shame how they treat the students with special needs.

Posted: January 27, 2019

Posted: January 27, 2019

Posted: July 28, 2018

We spent five years at this school and loved it. Before moving to Hawaii I was concerned for my children's education and weighed the options of private and homeschooling but after seeing how they thrived I was so pleased I chose to send them here. The teachers were amazing (with the exception of one). They challenged our kids while considering their limits and truly cared for them. The teachers gave multiple ways of open contact and sent graded work home throughout the year. The parent teacher conferences were effective and teachers were willing to meet at any time. After the vice principal took the principal position the leadership showed much improvement. The special services lacked in some ways but were always open and available to communicate. My fair skinned children did have to be in the sun at assembly, the school has no auditorium as most don't in Hawaii, but we were always given notice of assembly and I could properly sunscreen them so this wasn't an issue. Both of my children have excelled at this school and had no issues transitioning back to school on the mainland. I highly recommend Wheeler Elementary.

Posted: July 28, 2018

The homework load can be a bit much depending on grade but it wasn't just busy work it actually used critical thinking skills and added life skills in some grades.

Posted: July 28, 2018

With the exception of one third grade teacher we have had wonderful, engaging, knowledgeable teachers for our children.

Posted: July 28, 2018

Posted: July 28, 2018

With the assistant principal stepping into the principal role he is working hard to prove himself and I have seen a great improvement in leadership since then.

Posted: July 28, 2018

Posted: July 28, 2018

My child was bullied and the other child was allowed back to class but upon his next discretion he was removed for in school suspension. I would have preferred it been the first time but I understand the decision.

Posted: January 25, 2017

This is our 9th year at this school. Teachers and staff have been wonderful. They are always open to input and supportive in helping our kids reach their full potential.

Posted: April 27, 2016

Posted: April 27, 2016

Posted: April 27, 2016

Posted: April 27, 2016

This school has some pretty amazing staff. The vice principle is a great man with so much patience and understanding. They work hard to help you and your student!

Posted: October 3, 2013

My daughter is a Kindergartner at Wheeler. We are a military family and they are excellent at supporting that. My daughter's teacher MRs. Williams is everything I would come to expect out of a K teacher. She sends home a daily planner, putting special notes and upcoming events in the class and school. She is very supportive of my daughter, and encouraging to her students. She also works to build a good relationship with the parents. She corrects school work very fast, and is good at letting you know what your child may need to work on. They will have had two field trips before October to help them learn out of the class. The school has Quarterly assemblies where they recognize the students who have gone above and beyond. Also, to teach the kids the importance of group responsibility and teamwork, they have started a Grade class to class attendance competition, all complete with a trophy! They also promote parent involvement with the kids and with the school. The office staff are helpful and friendly. I drive my daughter to and from school everyday, so I cannot say about the bus situation. I don't think that I would ever do it if I could avoid it. That is my only real criticism.

Posted: February 15, 2013

The teachers vary in their effectiveness. My daughter had a fantastic teacher for k, but then I assisted in other rooms that the teacher did a lot of comparing and putting down students. There was a lot of hw for kindergarten but varied for other grades. The #1 complaint were when parents received report cards there was very little prior communication and many parents were in shock! Even if they did speak directly to the teacher each week. Furthermore, there is a lot of bullying (of course will vary). There is strong emphasis on Hawaiian culture but very little on American revolution/American history. The outdoor celebrations involved the students sitting in direct sun for a VERY long time (beware fair skinned kids!) Agree the office staff can be very rude and prejudiced. The principal Lee was not seen often, except at ceremonies. Several students, and my own, were behind when returning to the "mainland" schools in writing abilities and math. If you want to see how the monitor/embrace the children sit in the cafeteria for lunch. Disgusting practices, unruly/lack of discipline. The only students I have ever seen more unruly were the Wheeler Middle School kids -Parent from K-4

Posted: August 12, 2012

office staff is rude,hateful,mean,uncaring,self-centered snobish acting, the teachers are good so that is important and codous for that

Posted: March 29, 2012

i put a geographic exception request for my child to attend Wheeler and i believe that was the best decision i made in my childs acedemic life. my child is in kindergarten. i chose this school because i wanted my child to have a strong foundation and a good start in her schooling. i am very pleased with my childs teacher and don't think i could have asked for a better teacher for her. i highly recommend this school and definately have no regrets in sending her to wheeler elementary.

Posted: December 15, 2011

We have been very pleased with Wheeler Elementary. My son's teachers are top notch and the entire staff seems to have the "Aloha" spirit. Despite what I heard about public schools in HI, my son is learning as much or more than mainland schools. We are so happy we chose Wheeler!

Posted: July 13, 2011

I love this school. Their speech department is excellent. My daughter was in kindergarten this past year and had a great experience. Wonderful, caring teachers and I am very impressed by the education she received. Very happy that we will be here for 3 more years.

Posted: November 7, 2010

My child will be attending the school systems in HI when we PCS there in Dec, my question is, why aren't any of these schools ran by DoD? This school and it's ratings seem wonderful, Is it easy to get into? What will I need to do? Thank You in advance! Just a Mom in seach of a great education for her child..