Pali Preschool has been a wonderful experience for our son and us as parents…read more Initially, Pali wasn't even on our radar, we were considering a different preschool. A friend encouraged us to apply after all three of her children attended Pali, and we're so glad we listened. It still surprises me that Pali isn't more widely known. I don't even know where to begin. The hours are much more reasonable than other schools we looked at, with flexible drop-off and pick-up options that made a big difference for our family. The campus is well-maintained, with a relatively new playground. They have fun field trips and school events! Ms. Sara (director) and Ms. Carol K. (admin staff) are friendly, helpful, and most importantly, responsive. And every single teacher our son has had has been amazing. Starting with Ms. Ashley and Ms. Mele, his first teachers in the 2-year-old program (fyi his class was the pilot class), they were seriously incredible. They created such a safe, warm, and fun environment that our son never struggled with drop-offs. At that stage, communication with parents is everything, and they always kept us informed with messages and quality photos. They were also incredibly patient and kind every step of the way! Next were Ms. Jenn and Ms. Jamila in the 3-year-old program. They did a fantastic job helping our son grow more independent. They were always approachable, answered our questions thoughtfully, and offered helpful suggestions for his development. Finally, our son had Ms. Sandy and Ms. Kacey for his last year of preschool. Before he was assigned to their class, I had heard a lot of hype, and I'll admit, I'm usually skeptical of that kind of thing. But in this case, the hype is absolutely real. Their dedication to the kids is incredible. Ms. Sandy, the lead teacher, is exceptional, especially in how she follows through. When we had a concern, she didn't just respond once; she checked in consistently until the issue was fully resolved. We worked together on a potty-related challenge, and her partnership meant a lot to us. Ms. Kacey is especially great at helping kids work through emotional challenges. When our son had a few moments, she took the time to talk him through it and also kept us informed on how she handled it. With Ms. Sandy and Ms. Kacey, our son would come home excited to share what he learned. The concepts they teach can be surprisingly complex, yet they make them engaging and understandable through hands-on projects and experiments. The staff truly makes the school. If you're a parent looking for a preschool, I highly recommend checking out Pali. After three years, we couldn't be more satisfied with our experience.

I chose to send both of my boys to Pali Preschool and don't regret it at all…read more One has attended since 2020 and is about to enter Kindergarten. During his time at Pali, he has had some amazing teachers that have literally been role models to my husband and I and have even taught us tools and ways to nuture our kids both in and out of school. I honestly wish I could hang out in Ms Sandy/Ms Kacey's class all day and learn myself because they truly teach the kids not just academically, but they teach them tools and mentality to continue using as they move on. We were constantly wowed during the school year of what our son came home and told us he learned at school-- it extends beyond just your basic ABCs and 123s. During COVID, they were really diligent about protocols and keeping classes separated to manage exposures-- in comparison to other schools where our mutual friends sent their children, we definitely noticed a lower level of disruption. My younger child started at Pali for the 2023-24 SY and went from crying every day at drop off with another local daycare to barely saying by to me before running off to play with his equally amazing teachers, Ms Ashley & Ms Mele. They worked together with us to get him potty trained only a month after the school year started at about 2.5 years old. They also perform miracles like getting him to nap on his own with minimal interaction needed, cleaning and going potty without whining, and eating snacks and lunches without roaming around (all struggles we have at home...). Generally speaking, the administration are very engaged from a parent perspective, and you see them also being hands on and helping in classrooms when needed. The hours are very convenient for us and the additional before-/after- school care options are reasonable and great for working parents as well. Curriculum is well rounded and they focus on not just education but exposure and experiences to field trips and activities that keep things interesting and educational for the kids.

This is the best school I could have asked for. My daughter started here at 2.5 years old. First…read moreyear was the Caterpillar class with Ms Kara who was an amazing and kind teacher. My daughter absolutely loved her and so did I. At 2 years old she made a volcano out of clay, painted it and did the vinegar baking soda experiment. They continued to do science experiments, practice their fine motor skills, learn counting , alphabets, shapes and practice writing. I was flabbergasted at how much of an impressive education she was getting at 2 years old. 2nd year was Cocoon class with Ms Shawn who we also ADORE. So happy and positive and encouraging and kind. In addition to everything she was already learning they learn Hawaiian words and culture. This is a Christian school and the pastor comes to read to the Keiki. They also have Amazing Athletes that comes to the school for an additional and affordable price and teach the kids physical eduacation (soccer, basketball, etc). They learn how to fold and put away their own blankets for nap, they do so much wonderful artwork, learn about culture, just so much to say. One week they learn about sea animals the next week- presidents. It's insane. This year my daughter is in her final year, butterfly class with Mr Mark who is also the director, super easy going and cool and who my daughter also loves. And Ms Verona floats between class and she is also amazing. Basically the entire staff is great. Super small class size. Less than 10 per class. Also the tuition is INSANELY affordable. Most other places I was looking at prior to enrolling were almost double the monthly tuition . I am so grateful and blessed to have found this little gem. I believe my daughter is going to be so advanced when she goes to kindergarten. I'm a very happy Mom.

I have nothing but great things to say about this school. My daughter attended Little Friends for 2…read moreyears and they really helped to prepare her for Kindergarten. The staff Mr. Mark and and Ms. Shawn are really like family. The school is located behind a church and is hard to find from the main road which I found as a huge plus for security reasons.

My oldest attended Good Shepherd for 2 years…read more The teachers, teacher assistants, director and office manager all participated in my child's growth. They are responsive, professional and caring. Through all the challenges we faced, the staff helped us get passed them. In the first year, the curriculum was just right. He learned the expected ABCs, counting, and proper writing skills, but he also learned many social skills and small things like how to sneeze into his elbow, wash hands properly, speak when asked, etc. They had regular field trips, provided a wide variety of activities like sand play, water play, and free time. During his second year, the curriculum become much more academic and focused on counting, sight words, and math. They also did STEM projects, which I hope they do more of in the future. My son also had regular progress reports which were detailed and informative. Summer fun is also available which had more play elements but they still focused on learning as well. Because my son was a regular student there, they were able to continue emphasis on the areas where he was weakest. For example, my son had to strengthen his writing skills so they focused a lot of time on proper pencil grip and fine motor skills. They also had Amazing Athletes, Soccer Shots, and Ballet as extracurricular/optional activities although I'm not sure if Soccer Shots is still an option. I'm missing a lot of specifics, but the bottom line is that, today, my son is more confident, kind and curious about the world around him. I'm glad he attended Good Shepherd.

This is the Best Preschool to send your keiki to. Our 2 sons, in 2005 & 2012, attended Good…read moreShepherd Preschool and they have benefited from this program and have done excellent academically after leaving GSP. It's an affordable school, with an awesome staff. Ms. Carolyn Gima was a terrific teacher, I'm not sure if she's still there though. You will not regret enrolling your child or children here!

I heard many good things about this school and so when minor issues/concerns came up here and…read morethere, I just let it slide because I figured that's how all preschools are. My daughter was always tired and not very happy when coming home from school, but I thought that too was normal. But when I had a safety concern and the director did not take it seriously, and was more than a month unresponsive, I decided to switch my daughter to a different preschool after being at Queen Emma for 2 years. When I switched my daughter to a new school, she came home SO much happier! I didn't realize what a difference a good school can make! Unfortunately, Queen Emma wasn't the right fit for my daughter. I think the teachers there do a great great job! And there are many teachers that my daughter loved! However, I think the classes are so big and the teachers are overworked...and so my daughter thrived much better in a different and more family/small school environment.

Great preschool. My daughter has been there for the last two years. Teachers are happy and there is…read morevery little turnover. The kids are very happy. Strong emphasis on social emotional development. Ms Susan is the director and hands on always subbing in herself if a teacher is sick etc so she really gets to know the kids. Lots of available instruction on parenting skills from potty training workshops (before admission--as kids must be potty trained to start) to play based learning workshops. Also lots of extra curricular activities available during school hours like music, piano, soccer, hula and tumble bus. We love Queen Emma Preschool.

Sending my 3 year old to this pre-school was a great idea. My kid was able to socialize and get a…read morejump start with her ABC's and learn new things. She loves going to school! This preschool takes children aged 2 and over currently but will soon be taking younger children. They also have two prices for children who are potty trained or those who need to be. They do offer a weekly TumbleBus activity and swimming during the summer, May Day and Christmas activities, and recently went on a school trip to the pumpkin patch.

A private school which uses the traditions of Buddhist teachings in its curriculum. The curriculum…read moreis not as rigorous as what we're used to in California, and the disciplinary methods are a little unconventional but every child is different and this might work for your child(ren). Student/teacher ratio is pretty low which allows more attention towards the students. They have a wonderful program which allows kids to have breakfast with their parents before classes in the morning. Breakfasts are really cheap -- your basic local breakfast stuff: eggs, bacon/spam/Portuguese sausage, rice, cereal etc -- but it allows you to spend time with your kids before you rush off to work. Some of the teachers are inexperienced as they do hire new graduates to join their staff. My only gripe with this place is that they did not challenge the kids enough. My child was there for only half a year but there wasn't much homework and the curriculum was really more towards playing than learning. After we moved back to California, my child had a hard time keeping up at the new school where the curriculum was so much more rigid and intense. Strangely, Hongwanji is a private school and my child is now attending a public school. I had expected more from a private school!

I went to school here many many years ago. So I can't comment on the current curriculum or anything…read morerecent. But what I learned here was social interaction, community, religion, sports, and music. Because of Hongwanji and the YBA, I was a JPO, cub scout, boy scout, basketball player, and volleyball player. I learned how to serve lunch, clean up, and be a part of a team. I learned how to swim and 'jump rope for heart.' I learned how to budget my allowance by buying either the fried noodles or the Star Wars cards. I was a part of the 40K relay team and we were awarded the youngest team. I marched in a competition. I went to Disneyland. I got in to a lot of trouble but it was the teachers who cared about everyone that kept me from being an outright delinquent. Thank you Mr. Date, Mrs. Kimura, Shannon's Mom, and Mrs. Endo. They also stimulated my love of reading. And last but not least, the Hongwanji cookbooks are my most used especially when I'm ono for some comfort food. I learned how to cook because of these Hongwanji cookbook. Back then it really was a village raising each and every child.

Our daughter started at KA at 10 weeks old, very shortly after KA first opened, and (a blink…read morelater!) is now soon to graduate and head to preschool. KA has been spectacular through and through. The school is loving, nurturing, supportive, clean and full of fun activities. My daughter has thrived, with so many great friends and teachers, and so many fun things each day. She loves the play nook, book corner and circle time. Meals are all coordinated from a neighboring restaurant, so the kids eat well and with a healthy variety. They have a "book library" you can borrow from. AND They have parent-accessible cameras so you can check in on your kiddo through the day! We feel so lucky to have been a part of the KA 'Ohana and are so thankful. When I was dropping off my baby so I could head to work, I always knew that she would be loved, well fed, clean and cared for. After over 2.5yrs, they have done and been so much more. In addition to the amazing teachers, the management at KA are incredible. They are hands-on, friendly and accommodating, and truly care about the daycare and the children. When a child is hurt or sick or having a tough day, they will often be found on the laps of Ronna (the owner) or Keesha (the manager), so they can get some extra attention to help ease whatever the issue. We cannot recommend KA enough for your little one! Ps. Tell Keesha I say hi!!

We loved Kiddie Academy and sent both of our children there. The teachers and management are…read morecaring, professional, and helpful. They were all amazing and we especially loved Ms Kimmie and Ms Caitlyn, as well as Ms Keesha and the owner Ronna. My son was quite young when he began and I like that they kept the tiniest babies in their own room which (I think) helped reduce the number of times he got sick! We also had some behavioral challenges and greatly appreciated the level of communication, empathy, and willingness to try various approaches and solutions.

My daughter loves going to school thank you Stepping Stones!! She would give them 5 stars herself,…read morenow that she can count forwards and backwards. My daughter started just before turning 3 so she is in daycare. The teachers are loving and amazing. They have a routine for the kids which is good because my daughter has grown so much & understanding. Routine is so good for her, she knows what to do and what to expect. I feel like the teachers genuinely love and care for our children. They treat us like we are family. All the teachers, even other classes know my daughter and our family. Yes it's a family affair!!! We love to drop her off together! && yes ... they potty train! That's a super plus!!! Admin staff is great too. They took care of ME the first few days! I didn't think my daughter was ready. The teachers carried her away & said "bye mom" && within two days my daughter was like "bye mom." I said my daughter won't sleep during 12:00 to 2:30 pm nap time. Well within a week she was taking long naps. I am amazed at what they do!!! The communication is great with Stepping Stones. There's an app where they share pictures of the day of activities they do, when sleep etc. They remind us when the school is on vacation. They also really value their teachers too, which is a good! There are a lot of safety and health protocols in place that I really appreciate too. They wash hands before going into different areas, if she goes home sick she doesn't go in the next day. (Not part of the review just a heads up: her immune system is getting stronger. She would get sick super often in the first few months so our family is a monthly telehealth family!!!) Location is OK. There is a parking structure that I get stuck in often, which isn't Stepping Stones fault but if I put the ticket in enough times, it eventually lets me out! They provide parking so if I have to go into the lot I can get out free. Also, the machine is broken occasionally. The good thing is there's two entrances. So it's not that bad. If I could I would give them six stars.

Our time is coming to an end at Stepping Stones Academy due to relocation however we absolutely…read moreloved our time here. Ms. Kiran and Ms. Bedika was so kind and sweet to us from the very start and our sons teachers in the Explorers class was nothing but delightful and caring for our son! He's already grown and learned so much since starting. Drop off and pick up is very convenient and we LOVE the updates of photos and videos throughout the day! We look forward to opening the notifications to see what he's up to, it definitely keeps us at ease. All the staff at SSA is so loving and kind, we are so sad to go! Mahalo SSA

It's hard to simply describe how much we loved Strode Montessori. Our daughter attended from 5…read moremonths - 18 months old in the infant class, 18 months - 3-years old in the toddler class, then the preschool until she was 5. We interviewed 4 other daycare facilities and Strode was the only one where we left with no doubts or concerns whatsoever, and we knew it was the best choice. We are so lucky we got a spot! Pam, the owner, has always been very responsive and became a trusted advisor as we navigated parenthood. We relied on her for advice and guidance almost as often as we did our pediatrician. The infant room ratio was 1 teacher to 3 infants, but all of the teachers are backups and very involved as needed. You could tell our primary teacher loved our daughter, and our daughter loved her. It was like a family member was taking care of her - the love and care was evident, and the teachers were not simply babysitters. Pam let me store frozen breastmilk there. She had much more freezer space than I had at home. If you have limited freezer space, I know you understand what a welcome offer this is. The toddler room ratio is also low, about 1 teacher to 5 toddlers. Preschool is a little higher. Lunch and snacks are provided. In all three rooms, our daughter thrived. They teach practical lessons, encouraging independence and self-confidence. This is not simply a daycare - they teach and nurture. Our daughter would come home and tell us about the continents, the difference between a moth and a butterfly, how much she loves her teachers, and more. I know this sounds crazy but if you are pregnant and are considering Strode, take a tour and get on the waitlist NOW. You won't regret it.

Strode Montessori was my child's first school/daycare, and it was an amazing experience! They are…read moretechnologically sound, using the bright wheel app to send updates to parents throughout the day with pictures to notes to reassure you of your child's safety and happiness. I appreciated the opportunity to freely communicate with the teachers and administrators at any time throughout the week. The teachers are sweet and kind, and the classroom is pleasant and aesthetic with educational wooden toys in the Montessori style. They also have a lovely outdoor play area that is semi-shaded. Parking is validated at a nearby lot and coded entry required for drop-off and pick-up. Lunch was included in tuition at the time when we attended! Would have loved to stay with them, but the commute was just a bit far for us! If there is a spot open and it is a convenient location, don't hesitate to jump on the opportunity!

Summer School Music Program was outstanding. The teachers understand well that those little bodies…read moreneed to move to learn. Children learn better after exercising and this school has it down! Exemplary. I'm hoping they have a morning curriculum where the whole school exercises before class!

We attended a Christmas program for the elementary school students on Friday evening. The school…read morewas festive, the students and attendees were brimming with excitement for the program to begin. 2 lines formed before entry, one on each side of the chapel doors. Lots of seats and standing room was available inside for the program. The lighting was good, sound could've been better but overall, a good experience. My only con for this is the parking. Extremely limited parking is available on the campus and surrounding streets. We parked in the cemetary where there is little to no lighting. And pro tip, only the entrance nearer the school is open to exit after the program ends.