I was looking for a preschool that wasn't a daycare. All the preschools I found are just that,…read moredaycare with education. I don't need my child to eat snacks, play at recess, or nap on my dime. Being a stay at home mom, I can take care of this stuff. What I need is a professional preschool teacher who knows how to hold my child's attention enough to teach her something. I can teach my daughter too, but after a few minutes she goofs off and just doesn't take me too seriously. I found the perfect solution! At Planet Preschool, Tamara Jenkins, who's been a preschool teacher for 15 years. You might better know her as the "Kindergarten Coach." As of almost a year, she decided to open up her own preschool in her own home. She transformed her lower floor of her Kapolei home into a full fledged preschool. Her methods are to learn through play. Children will do art, play, sing with a specific curriculum in mind, so kids don't realize their learning because they're essentially playing. Genius idea! Mrs. Jenkins believes each child is different and thus learns at a different pace so she guides her teaching specific to each child's pace. If one child already knows her ABC's, then there's no need to waste a ton of time on it, so she'll move on to reading for that particular child. Her goal is to prepare your child for kindergarten but won't stop there. If your child wants to read or beyond, Mrs. Jenkins will take your child as far as your child wants to go. Currently she's got about 5 students in each class, so there's plenty of one on one time for each child. Each class will have a maximum of 10 students. You have a choice of either Tues and Thurs classes, Mon, Wed, and Fri classes, or daily classes. All classes start at 9am or 12:30pm. She's thinking about starting an afternoon class. I believe she's also starting a Kinderjam, a mommy and me class that incorporates "fun, exciting, and high-energy Music and Movement program that emphasizes the kinesthetic and tactile learning of pre-academic skills and concepts while promoting positive parent engagement." I was so desperate to find a preschool program that's not a daycare and not a parent participation preschool that was affordable. I feel so fortunate that I've finally found it! School tuition is about to increase a bit unless you enroll by May. Still affordable, but every bit of savings count. Because she's holding classes at her own home, that's why she can afford to offer classes such a low tuition rate. She's licensed so there's no need to worry. She doesn't have the fancy computers or traditional workbooks of typical preschool, but she makes it work. Check it out!

I was looking for a good preschool that didn't cost and arm and a leg. This is it the teachers are…read moregreat and my son has already learned so much. He is always eager and excited to go to school every time. Ms. Tamara and her helper Ms. Dorene are so friendly and fun. This school is very organized, she has activity screens and all kinds of educational things for children to use. I highly recommend this place for your child. Great fun learning environment!

My kids loved going to Ewa Plains Preschool, while we were on O'ahu. The kids that go there learn…read morehow to read by the age of 2. Every year they do a christmas play and learn about Jesus Christ. The children also learn about sustainable living. Miss Jessica and her staff are amazing! The children love going to school there.

I have no words to describe what this school has meant for our little ohana. Our child attended…read morefor two years and was provided with exceptional care and compassion, patience, and everything you could ask for in a preschool. Every teacher there felt like they were born to be a pre-school teacher! We feel incredibly grateful to have found Ewa Plains Enrichment in Ewa Beach for our son. From the very beginning, it felt personal. We were not just enrolling in a school but becoming part of a warm, loving community that felt like family. Miss Jessica and the entire team of teachers are everything you would hope for in a preschool. They are warm, kind, intelligent, and fully engaged with the children. Their sincerity and care were evident every single day. It was almost tangible how much they truly loved each child, including ours. The mission of Ewa Plains Enrichment feels centered in love. Every lesson, classroom moment, and interaction reflects that. Our son not only learned how to read here, but something lit up inside him. It was as if a light switched on, and now he reads his own bedtime stories with joy and confidence. This milestone was nurtured by the school's incredible literacy program and the encouragement of his teachers. The school's focus on literacy is truly outstanding. The dedication and joy the teachers bring to reading is something our family will never forget. We also deeply appreciated the school's commitment to Hawaiian culture. Field trips to the lo'i, the pumpkin patch, and the library helped connect learning to the land and the community. Through songs, stories, and hands-on experiences, the children developed a strong sense of place and respect. As a Buddhist family, we always felt completely welcomed and respected at this Christian school. The values of kindness, compassion, gratitude, and responsibility were shared in a loving and inclusive way that felt deeply aligned with our home life. Our son also had the opportunity to share his own heritage during Culture Week and to learn about the cultures of his classmates. Seeing his identity honored and celebrated was incredibly meaningful and helped him feel proud and connected. The school created beautiful memories throughout the year, from Christmas and Easter performances to a heartfelt Mother's Day celebration. Preschool graduation was one of the best graduation events I have ever attended. It was thoughtful, joyful, and full of love. You could see how much the staff cared about each and every child. During a year when our family needed to take extended international trips, the school was flexible, understanding, and supportive. They even prepared homework packets for our son to bring with him, so he could stay connected and continue learning while we traveled. That level of care and thoughtfulness meant so much to us. Ewa Plains Enrichment has been around for many years, and that experience shows in the most beautiful ways. The staff have worked with so many different types of children and family situations, and their understanding, flexibility, and wisdom come through in how they support each student. You can tell they have truly seen it all and are prepared to meet each child where they are, with love and confidence. Ewa Plains Enrichment consistently goes above and beyond what is expected. They are always thinking about the children and their future. This is not just a school. It is a place where children are truly seen, nurtured, and loved. We will be forever grateful to this school, which is a true gift to the community and island!

ARA does a great job of preparing and developing talented young students for college and the…read moreperforming arts. The classroom ratio is ideal and the academy feels like an extended family. What you may miss from a large school/student body is made up for in program quality and personal interactions. Enough cannot be said about the student performances, staff and swim team. With time I only hope the developing campus presents a more polished and 'clean' appearance to reflect all of the great things happening inside the classrooms and studios.

We love this school! We now have three children attending ARA in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. Our…read moreyoungest started four years ago and what a difference a great school makes! We were attracted to this school for these reasons: *100% of the high school graduates received scholarships to colleges. Mostly for academics and swim. *Smaller classroom sizes - to give each child the attention they may need *Longer school hours - we're both working parents and don't need to deal with the stress of after school care * No homework- this is what the longer school days are for and because quality family time is so important after a long day at school/work *Performing arts - starts from kindergarten to work on their confidence, self esteem and public speaking skills *Dedicated and passionate teachers and staff- positive teachers makes for positive early imprinting *Amazing swim program and it just goes on and on! All three of our children are thriving academically and socially. They are all very active on the competitive swim team, hula, ballet, martial arts and voice lessons, all offered at school! I grew up attending a school with about 25-30 students in a classroom so I know what it's like, and I didn't like it. The smaller class sizes is the perfect fit for what we're looking for. A more customizable education tailored for each child's potential. Seeing how much talent has been produced from this small school makes me hold ARA up on a pedestal. We want to give our kids the best opportunity and ARA offers all we can ask for. If you are considering this school for your child, I recommend giving them a call. We're so happy we did!

I wish I have put my son in seagull schools sooner. My son attended from Feb 2024-July 2024. He…read morepreviously went to Kamaaina kids Kalaeloa (not recommended). The teachers, the program, the staff are so accommodating. My son has improved so much by being here. I appreciate his teachers Ms. Rynel and Ms. Rowena. Wishing many blessings upon them. Seagull Kapolei is highly recommended.

Don't get me wrong , it's a great school with great teachers, but there's one thing about this…read moreschool that I really can't wrap my mind around and I don't understand how they can be so careless about this on particular thing. I enrolled my son for one month in this school for spring with a pro rate conducted by Ms. Nora. The amount of money that was taken out was not what we had spoken about combined with all these late fees which I wasn't supposed to have, because the money was not supposed to be taken out. Now it's been 4 months and I'm still waiting on an update. They're so quick to take money, but why does it take approximately 4 months to get an update on the money that wasn't supposed to be taken out. All I gotta say is , seagull academy . DO BETTER! and I'm still waiting for my money that doesn't belong to you.

We went here our first year ....went to another school this year and now I'm trying to get back in…read more It's that good of a school! Not only do they teach the kids ABC's and 123's but they teach them foreign language and Hawaiian. You cannot put a price tag on the future potential of being bi-lingual or tri-lingual! They also reinforce potty training and good nutrition. The major aha moment...my child asks to go back every-time we drive by. That says something meaningful coming from a toddler!

This USED to be a great school! Back in 2022 under Director Syreeta. My kids were only 2 and 3 y/o…read moreat the time and we were so happy we got to enroll both our boys at the same time. From entering the school to taking our boys to their class it was all smiles and good morning always filled with aloha. We knew our kids were not only being taken care of but loved. Every single staff would know/call our boys by their name. The director was always approachable, addressed us by our names and was always present in my kid's life until last December 2025 when while on our vacation we heard she was no longer there. To our surprise the entire front staff was gone. Keypads were installed, no colorful office , no aloha, no smiles ... felt like going to a business building ? Cold, quiet ... sad. Luckily my oldest left last year but my young is still a student there. Needless to say from January 2026 it's been terrible. Director Monica haven't emailed us back since January , horrible communication, changes in tuition and overcharges ... I wish I could've pulled my kid back in January ... so if you haven't : DO NOT ENROLL YOUR CHILD AT COLE ACADEMY!!! I heard seagull in Ko'olina is accepting new students 12 months and older ! Find a place that your child will be treated with love and you as a parent with aloha and respect. I'm writing as a parent but let me tell the stories I heard from teachers make it even worse . Loyal and caring teachers that left because they can't deal with management anymore. Feel free to reach out if you need more info!

This is an appreciation post for MISS DANIELLE of the Explorers class. My son has been struggling…read morewith potty training and communication amongst other personal struggles and she has been such an incredible teacher and support through it all. I am single and first time mother of a boy and there are so many instances where I feel helpless and at a lost for giving my child the best care and while reassuring my son of what he should know, she always makes it a point to check in with me to support me. She is the perfect bridge between school and home. We sat down for a meeting to discuss what I wanted out of my son's education and as soon as we did, there was a shift at school and my son was capable of a number of things he had been struggling with prior. If there's any reason at all to choose this school, it is for her. Miss Danielle is the reason I stay.

When it was time for me to return to work at 8 weeks, we struggled to find a daycare for my sons…read moreage that had an opening. By some miracle, stepping stones had an opening! Everyone was so friendly and knew my child's name and he loved them back. He smiled and got excited to spend his day with them and even saying goodbye, which to me was a good sign. This place was ALWAYS clean, never had any funky odors, and even the other parents where so friendly in passing. Toys, high chairs, counters, etc were always clean - I'm honestly not sure how they do it! Entry is gated with an access code and parking is located a short walk away. Teachers plan fun art activities with the children that get sent home for you to keep. Teachers update you throughout the day with diaper changes, feedings, and my favorite - photos - to see how their day is going, through Pro Care app. The ONLY reason we are no longer here, is because we couldn't afford it. We don't qualify for any kind of assistance and the cost was starting to add up for us. To the entire team at Stepping Stones Waipahu - we greatly appreciate the care you took of our miracle baby!

The curriculum is amazing and so is the staff. They're loving, caring and work so well with the…read morekeiki! If you want to give your child a head start, check them out!!!

From the owner: Preschool Kindergarten Prep Schoolread more

Beware! Alphabetland Preschool prides themselves as a family-owned and operated business YET lack…read morethe sense of compassion and professionalism. The owner's son, Kyle is unable to empathize with families like myself because we are just $$ to him. Make sure you thoroughly read the application before signing because apparently, they (Administration) will use it against you should you have an issue with them. This review solely based on my experience with them. I, along with my siblings & now my children have attended & graduated Alphabetland Preschool (Waipahu Location). It was my child's first day back to school since last year, and after dropping her off to her class, I went into the office to make payment for the month. Although I was aware of the late fee for late payment and with the 10th being over the weekend, I asked the office staff (which then asked Mr. Kyle ARIZALA for permission to do so). Please keep in mind that my family's co-pay for tuition is $11.00 and this was my first time asking for leniency. Kyle was very stern on being unable to possibly waiving the $50 fee- making a strict example of how if I was an exception then he would have to make an exception for everyone else. I felt I was being treated very poorly by a member of administration- He didn't want to hear me out or perhaps even bothered to provide other options to this issue. Kyle insisted, I should have figured it out. I wrote an email addressing my concerns and in return was given a hand-delivered letter by my child's teacher the following day in response to my email. I've spoken and asked the teachers and aides about him, and I have not heard ONE positive attribute in regards to Kyle. So FYI, any issue presented to management is considered "confrontational" and deemed grounds for dismissal. What a joke! Someone enroll Kyle in a Public Relations class so he can learn how to efficiently deal with people.

I love this school! My girls are still attending here but I want to talk about the teachers that…read morethey had last year. My daughter learned so much from Ms. Nelsy (4 year olds teacher) while only being in her class for 5 months. She entered late because I originally had her in the HCAP (free preschool) but was approved for POD and was able to choose this school for her. At first, she didn't know how to write her name, count to 50, recognize letters, but then I was so proud to get her end of the year report card because she was able to do all of that. My daughter does tell me she misses Ms. Nelsy but now she is in the big girl class with Ms. Ancheta and I'm sure she's going to learn so much more! I think they're teaching them how to read which is amazing because she will be ahead when she enters Kindergarten the next school year. My other daughter had Ms. Charmaine (2 years old class) and I'm telling you that she's definitely a teacher you would want for your 2 year old because she has so much PATIENCE. My daughter was crying all day the first couple days. Sometimes she would even throw a tantrum to come home with me, it was so sad BUT I had to drop her off everyday so that she would get used to it and she did. Couple months in, she was just walking right into class like a big girl. Ms. Charmaine also helped me with potty training. My daughter was already trained with us at home but I was afraid she would have accidents at school so she would go in diapers but finally I asked Ms. Charmaine if she could help me and if it would be okay if my daughter wore underwears instead of diapers to school. She had a few accidents the first couple days and then after that, she was finally potty trained at school too. So thankful for Ms. Charmaine. My daughter's teacher now is Ms. Ashley (3 Year Olds Teacher) and she does mention that she will cry when Ms. Charmaine picks up the 2 year olds in the mornings and she's left behind but after that she's fine. She is having so much fun in Ms. Ashley's class and she actually says her name too "Mommy I go Ashley's class" it's so cute. I can't wait to see how much she will learn.