There was a case I observed in Honolulu for a long time. A private school's GreatSchools review rating was high at 4.5 out of 5, but this school did not have enough academic data to receive an official GreatSchools rating score. It was an easy mistake to confuse the review rating with the rating score.

The two are different in nature. The GreatSchools rating score is calculated based on test scores, college readiness, academic growth, and equity data, resulting in a value between 1 and 10. In contrast, the review rating is an aggregate of reviews left by parents, students, and teachers on a scale of 5. Public schools, where there is sufficient state-level academic data, display both ratings, but private schools or small schools with insufficient data may only show the review rating. A high review rating does not necessarily indicate high academic achievement.

In the actual market, there are clear disparities even within the Honolulu public school district. Kalani High School has a GreatSchools score of 10, Moanalua High School has 9, and President Theodore Roosevelt High School has 8. Among middle schools, Kaimuki Middle School received a score of 10 (according to GreatSchools). This is enough to gauge the district's level based on the rating score alone. However, reading the reviews alongside the scores can provide insights into aspects not captured by numbers, such as commuting distance, after-school programs, and communication with teachers.

Therefore, rating scores and reviews should be viewed as complementary resources. The rating score provides a broad understanding of academic levels, while reviews offer insights into the experiences of current students and parents. Adding the student-to-teacher ratio and recent score trends over the last 3 to 5 years can broaden the scope of judgment. Additionally, due to Hawaii's unique island characteristics, school district boundaries may differ from those on the mainland, so if you have a specific house in mind, it's advisable to check the actual assigned school for that address on the Hawaii Department of Education website.

Among the cases I reviewed, there were families who initially excluded private schools based solely on public school rating scores, only to change their minds after looking up reviews later. Conversely, there were cases where families only looked at reviews and did not check the rating scores, only to be surprised by lower-than-expected test score data. It's important to always consider that favorable information may be accompanied by less favorable information. Given the variety of options between public and private schools in Honolulu, it's closer to reality to look at multiple data points rather than relying on just one indicator. Additionally, considering Hawaii's unique cost structure, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance, can clarify budget planning.

Hawaii has a relatively low property tax rate compared to other states, but the high housing prices and cost of living mean that the overall burden is not light. For families contemplating whether to start with renting or buying, it's essential to calculate this burden alongside school scores for a stable path to homeownership. If moving from another state, it's necessary to reassess the price and tax structure of the Honolulu market rather than carrying over the standards from the previous residence.

In summary:

• Distinguish between rating scores and review ratings
• Sufficient academic data availability (private and small schools may not have ratings)
• Recent score trends over the last 3 to 5 years
• Student-to-teacher ratio
• Actual assigned school based on address (check with the education department)

Making judgments based on only one side, whether numbers or reviews, can lead to a misleading impression. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to verify with the Hawaii Department of Education and real estate professionals before making any actual contracts.