The name, Mo'O, is short for Montessori of O'ahu. Mo'o also means "lizard" in Hawaiian, and has…read moresignificance beyond what goes on Yelp. This school is everything I want for my daughter, who is now four and will attend Mo'O until she completes the elementary program, so the next eight years. There's no playground or jungle gym -- the children climb real trees and explore Manoa Valley as a group. There's no homework -- the children have internalized their knowledge and joyfully practice it while they're away from school. There are no massive tubs of cheese puffs, animal crackers and pretzel rods, those preschool snack staples that are all just different forms of enriched flour and preservatives -- snacks are prepared fresh to order by the children, having been supplied weekly by one child's family on a rotating schedule. (A typical snack table has cut fruit or vegetables, some nuts or cheese, and maybe some hummus or other dip and crackers.) The rooms are beautifully prepared with materials of excellent quality; the guides are brilliant, compassionate, and intuitive. As is the hallmark of Montessori, the children do the rest. Uniquely, this Oahu Montessori school fully follows, authentically and carefully, the Montessori method, for children 2.5 through 12. Montessori has no trademark, so anyone can call themselves a Montessori. If your Montessori school doesn't have an uninterrupted, three(-ish)-hour work period during which children choose their work, it's not Montessori. If your Montessori school doesn't have mixed-age classrooms, it's not Montessori. But Mo'O is. I can't say enough good things about this school and the little community that thrives within it. I am so grateful it exists and can't wait to watch it grow.

This is an awesome school! Teachers(they call themselves "guides") are amazing and the kids there…read moreare just wonderful. My oldest got teased at the school she was attending K-2nd grade simply because she was not a fast reader. As result, she quit reading... she refused to read and said "I can't read because I am dumb and color of my hair says I have no brain" . She asked me to dye her blond hair dark so her friends would not pick on her. Talking to the teacher did not help so my husband and I decided to change school... but to where?! Then we found Mo'O school when we were walking around at Manoa shopping center. We looked inside of the school and kids and teachers looked so happy in the classroom. My daughter didn't have any Montessori background but they welcomed her in two years ago and she has been a happy child ever since. I just love the fact that all the children at the school are so caring, helpful and independent. Her friends helped her to start reading again and she loves reading now. She used to watch TV and addicted to iPad but now, her and her little brother never watch TV (I think non of the students there do), not interested in iPad at all. They are either outside making stuff from whatever they find out there, climbing trees or inside drawing, reading, doing board games or sewing something. They help with laundry, dishes and cleaning too! Thanks to Mo'O school, I have two active, happy, motivated and healthy children:-)

Our 5 yr old daughter learned more in a half year at Chaminade University Montessori Lab School…read morethan she has in her previous 4.5 years of life! OK, I may be exaggerating a bit, but I really wanted to sing the praises of the incredible staff at CUMLS. My daughter comes home and asks when she can go to school next. She's constantly amazing us with her vocabulary. She actually taught me the definition of an archipelligo. Maybe she can teach me how to spell it too? What's truly important too is that this year's current crew of teachers are so loving to our kids. I can feel how much they care for the kids as if they are all Ohana. They grow herbs in their garden and my daughter brings home kalo chips, hummus, and other wonderful things that were from the things grown on campus. Extra Kudos to Kristie Sakai who provided a safe space for our keiki and gave us the flexibility to stay distanced during Covid and welcoming us when we were ready to go back to in-person learning. The logistics and coordination are not taken for granted. I'm especially emotional about this fine school since this is our daughter's last day and she'll be moving on to a different school. Our many, many thanks to Ms. Claire, Ms. Megan, Ms. Veronica, and Ms. Kristie for their love and care of our most valued treasures. We will miss CUMLS!

Our third son just finished his last year of preschool at Chaminade University Montessori Lab…read moreSchool and our fourth son is going to be starting this upcoming school year for 2019. All four of our sons will have attended preschool here - which shows clearly how much we have appreciated everything about the school, including the teachers, the program, the campus, the fun night events where parents are invited to visit the school and see students' projects, the security, the shaded and safe playground, convenient school hours, ample parking, and the beautiful view from the classroom and school grounds. The classroom is well organized, clean, and full of amazing educational materials. As other reviewers have noted, the curriculum is Montessori, so no complaints there. We think methods used to teach learning and skills to the young children really works and it's easy to see the progress each month. Some of the other specific things I really liked about the curriculum and how this school instructs the children, is the teaching of practical skills and shared responsibilities like cleaning up and preparing food together, or taking care of the younger children in the classroom. During this past year, our third son looked after a couple of younger children and in turn, was befriend by an older boy that took him under his wing. He couldn't wait to go to school each day! Other things my wife and I appreciated about the school, included all the educational field trips to a variety of places around the island, including historical sites, organic farms, and holiday events. While the teachers and the head staff have changed since we enrolled our oldest son five years ago, the ratio of teachers to students has always been high. We have also liked all the teachers and thought they were caring and attentive and did a great job of communicating about our sons and their progress, including providing us with photos of them learning and doing projects at school. At the end of each year, the students work hard to put on a graduation show that includes music and singing, and a potluck lunch. It's always been a little sad to leave at the end of the school year, which means I highly recommend Chaminade University Montessori Lab School!

This is not really a review about the operation of the school itself, but rather of my experience…read moreas a potential teacher there. I was positively impressed even though my interview happened to occur during one of the few crisis near panics that the city of Honolulu has undergone. The staff seemed to take everything in stride and kept calm so that the student body was not as panicked as was the general public in the urban environment in which this school sits.

MCS has become a second family to us and our two children. It is truly a special place where kids…read morelearn independence, confidence, skills and knowledge, all while having fun and feeling a part of the community. As parents we feel very supported by the teachers and administration. All of the teachers and staff know us and our kids. We have touchpoints with them every drop-off and pick-up and they always make themselves available if we have concerns. There is a full time counselor that is a valuable resource. If we have a concern -- even if it's a behavioral issue at home, the counselor will help support us and even do observations of the child in the classroom if it is something we want. Montessori method has also proven to be an amazing, timeless way to engage and teach children in an intuitive way. Reading some of the other reviews, it is disappointing to hear that a couple people had negative experiences. I believe these to be very specific, isolated cases, as all the other parents we know absolutely love the school and administration. We would highly recommend MCS!

I have now been contacted by Ms Roxie directly to take down the review. I stand by what was said, I…read morethink she is a bad teacher. We left the school directly due to her treatment of my child. And yes, the biting incident included my child and I am paraphrasing but she told me that it was a breakthrough moment b/c she was able to comfort my child. And likewise that the incident was purposeful as it was over a new lock and key unit that created scarcity for the children, as I offered to provide the financial means to purchase another set so children would not fight over objects. Yes I am recalling this from over two years ago, but I am stating my experience and how she caused me trauma and she is now threatening to sue me now because I am stating my opinion. *You bullied my child I spoke out and now you are bullying me!

Calvary provides both a true Montessori experience and caregivers (guides and assistants) who truly…read morelove and care about your child. We are a Montessori family, so always looked closely for adherance to Montessori principles. But four years and three Montessori schools later, Calvary is our recommendation because the staff really cared about the well being of our daughter. Honolulu provides a number of accredited Montessori schools that each have strengths and weaknesses, but at the end of the day my first recommendation for the 2-6 age group would be Calvary because their staff care first and foremost about the well-being of every child all the time. Calvary has a solid Montessori curriculum with well qualified staff including excellent assistants who have extensive Montessori backgrounds. (The qualifications of aides and assistants at the other Montessori schools in Honolulu can't compare with Calvary where most of the aides have decades of Montessori experience and some have full Montessori training). Your child will spend as much time interacting with these assistants as with the teacher so their qualifications matter. The director is professional and honest, able to seperate parents and administrative duties from the children. When we chose to change schools (for individual reasons), it was not held against my child, and the transition was accomplished seamlessly with my daughter welcomed to stop by and visit any time. In addition to providing a wonderful environment, and well-qualified staff, the Calvary community is amazing. The school suffered serious damage last spring from flooding, but the staff and community refused to be daunted. They pulled together to ensure the school could finish the year and the children had somewhere to go. The director and staff did all they could to provide continuity through the rebuilding this fall. They now have beautiful new classroom spaces they are slowly opening for the spring semester. It is a great time to consider Calvary before they again have a waitlist for admission.

We've had an amazing experience here - my son was in the CDC's 24-kiddo class and it was way too…read morechaotic with a 1-to-12 ratio for him to actually learn anything. In comparison the ratio at MCPH has been 1 adult to every four or five students. I love the way the teachers at MCPH treat each of the students with kindness, calmness, and love - you'd never see them barking at the kiddos, only gently redirecting. He has only been there a few months (with a COVID-interruption to boot) and he has learned so much. I see the improvement at home in organization, demeanor, and academic skills. When I pick him up, he wants to stay longer! I've found that communication is really strong - they respond promptly via email to any concerns, and they have two parent nights where you can go in a experience what a day in MCPH is like for your kiddos. They also provide regular progress reports on what skills your kid has learned, what materials they've been exposed to, etc. and post photos on the school's website if you've granted permission.

Montessori Center of Pearl Harbor, and the amazing teachers there, are directly responsible for…read moreturning my little girl into a compassionate, creative, motivated child. In a world where so many schools are regimented and focused on numbers, rather than the child, MCPH is the exception to the rule. They give children the opportunity to learn through play and offer activities that inspire the child to want to learn more and to be excited about learning. The kids get plenty of sunshine with a fenced outdoor play area and a large covered lanai where they can eat lunch, paint, or engage in various Montessori outside learning activities. This in no way means the kids aren't learning or preparing for kindergarten; my daughter loves math now (no idea where that came from - not her parents) and is more prepared for school than many students in "traditional" pre-schools. MCPH just recognizes that children learn and grow by engaging in student led learning and hands on activities, rather than being forced to sit at a table and do worksheets all day. (Although tables and worksheets are available if that's your kid's thing). Even with all the above (which is fabulous) the best part about the school is the staff - they truly love all the students like their own and go out of their way to help parents. My daughter is creative, unique, and often challenging -- and they embrace her weird, love her for who she is, and set reasonable boundaries. They are honest and upfront with parents and work as a team to help each child be their best. (My daughter's teacher gave new parents her cell number, so we could text her with any concerns or questions.) Expectation management for those coming from the mainland: The school is small. It has two classes and the director is one of the teachers. There is no reception or front desk. They are non-profit and operate on a limited budget where any extra money goes back into the school/to benefit the kids. So, if you're looking for shine you won't get it here (or anywhere in Hawaii, if we're honest). What you will get is an incredibly safe and clean environment located on post (always a comfort if there is a lockdown or issue). What you will get is a staff that knows and cares about your entire family and will do everything in their power to encourage your child's learning and social/emotional development. I can't imagine sending my daughter anywhere else - and, since she cries when she is sick and can't go to school, I think she agrees.

This school is the BEST! My granddaughter was at this school for two years and LOVED every day…read more The teachers were great, the principal amazing and the staff very caring and efficient. A very safe and nurturing environment. God loving structure was the best.

Let me just start by saying that you get what you pay for literally. My other half and I decided to…read moresend our child here for preschool. Communication between the school and ourselves were seamless. It was so easy to get the information that we needed in order for our little one to be set. My other half went on their tour and was just mind blown at how well behaved these preschoolers were. This is not your typical traditional school. The campus is nestled in Pearl city on E Komo Mai Drive. I am so beyond excited for him to start school with this legacy who has had the best reputation over numerous years. Everyone here, including the head of the school is nothing but professional and respectful.

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

I'm so sad that the time has finally come to leave a review for Strode Montessori....because it…read moremeans both my children have aged out. We have been sending our kids to Strode since 2014 (the infant care centers in downtown) and we were so upset when our daughter aged out......but then they opened the preschool!!! It was perfect. We have been there since they opened their doors in 2016 and have watched them evolve. From the beginning, Ms Kelsey was there, and Pamela Strode, with quality care and love for our kids. Their resources have been expanding as time goes on and the units and events have gotten even more engaging and interesting. Now that my older child is on the verge of finishing 1st grade, I can see that Strode's evolution is in line with preparing them to be successful in kindergarten, with events that are very similar to those in elementary school. All the teachers are wonderful and caring, the facility is clean and the rules effectively keep the kids safe. If they did elementary school, we'd stay on for that, just like another reviewer said. They sent us off with wonderful memories and memorabilia. Both our kids got into one of the top private schools on the island, with our younger child waitlisted with the other two (we got our preference, though!). The Montessori philosophy and multi-age learning has been highly valuable. Pick up and drop off is secure and simple. If I could give Strode Montessori 10 stars out of 5, I would.

Went to a preview of this school, it's absolutely amazing! I had limited knowledge of Montessori…read moreschooling but it definitely seems to be focused on fostering curiosity and independence at a young age when the kids are in the critical development age. Kelsey is the director and she is absolutely amazing at her job and is passionate about the kids. The facility is sparkling clean and spacious and I saw an outdoor area they are going to build. The facility is secure and the staff seems to be top notch and are genuinely excited to be teaching kids, something you might be missing in many other schools out there. I can't wait till my daughter starts the next year!

My granddaughter attends Strode Montessori Preschool in downtown Honolulu. She moved to Strode…read moreseveral months ago and the family loves the curriculum and engagement of the teachers. My granddaughter has shown significant advancement since moving. The school sponsors a number of stimulating field trips and special programs. For example, they took the 3 year olds to the State Library where they learned about the facility and read books. Last week, the kids visited the Bishop museum. Last week, I attended Kapuna Day (grandparent's day) at the school. We learned about the importance of Kapuna and felt honored. The kids performed and then we did projects and had the opportunity to talk to faculty. The teachers are engaging and knowledgeable. Strode follows the principles of Montessori but adds a foundation of Hawaiian culture and language. My granddaughter has even learned her colors in Hawaiian. We see her using her Hawaiian language skills at home. Our granddaughter is happy with her class, teachers and new friends. We have seen marked improvement of her skills. Our family is happy with Strode and would recommend highly.

My experience with this amazing school was outstanding! The facilities are so clean and organized,…read morethe teachers are all so kind and welcoming.this was my son's first school and I couldn't have chosen anything better. My son is my second child so I have experienced a few bad schools with my daughter and sending my son here was a breath of fresh air. We were always treated like family, the work with you with potty training, different ways to talk to them so the understand and respond in a better manner, teaches them to be more of a self learner, I mean I can go on and on about how amazing they are but please take my word for it, so worth it, love this school! Thank you for such an amazing experience