My name is James Toyooka and have been the principal at Nu'uanu School since September 18, 2006.  I graduated from Kaimuki High School and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where I received a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration.  I am an elementary certified teacher who taught at Alvah Scott Elementary School in Aiea, from 1994 - 98 before becoming the temporary acting vice principal there in 1999.  I then entered the Educational Office program, which lasted two years.  Since then I have been a Vice Principal at Moanalua Middle School, Kaimuki High School and then Principal of Queen Lili'uokalani School.

Since coming here, I have learned and still learning a lot of the school’s background and culture.  I am still adapting to changes as every year we have new students and parents come in changing the dynamics of the school.  As a principal I must change too if I expect the school to continue to be successful.  

I enjoy being here. Getting to know the staff, faculty, students, parents and the DOE expectations for everybody makes my job interesting and never dull.  Most of my time and energy are spent learning about the students and school’s culture.  My goal is to learn all that I can so that I will be in the position to make the proper decisions for all stakeholders.  It is only through collaboration and open dialogue that we can expect to help our school become even more successful.  The dedication, competence, and flexibility that I have witnessed and been a part of reassures me that Nu’uanu School is filled with competent, caring teachers, staff, parents, and enthusiastic students.. Nu’uanu is a special school.  Our vision, "At Nu’uanu School, We are Learners for Life," guides our efforts and the implementation of a standards based system.  As professionals we learn and work together to facilitate our students academic success.  We have high academic standards and work to instill in all our students that if they keep trying, Ho`omau, show grit that they too will be successful.

As a school we are unable to do it alone. The adage about “needing the whole village to raise a child” is so true.  The support of school administration, faculty, parents, community and state agencies is systemic and based on a clearly articulated vision for our children.  There is a strong sense of "Ohana".  Our parents team with us in the education of our children.  Students receive support at home to prepare them for school.  Our parent / teacher organization, ‘Aikane o Nu’uanu, provides much needed assistance in the areas of volunteers and financial support.  The School Community Council provides input and facilitates school decision making. Together we share a sense of school ownership and pride.

Nu`uanu was recognized for its sustained academic excellence and was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 1985, 2006, and 2013.  In 2017 we were also accredited by the WASC for six years and given their highest acclaim.  These recognition is shared with the parents, students, Aikane O Nu`uanu , faculty and staff of Nu’uanu Elementary. The dedication and hard work of the faculty, students, and parents and the ability to work together is the foundation of these recognition.

Thank you,
James Toyooka
Principal