Little Monk Seal has a rating of 4.9 stars from 39 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Little Monk Seal ranks 7th among Kids sites.
They hide behind no surprise visits policy, but behind iron door and highly blocked screens, they hide and intimidate kids for submission. My kid still talks about and experiences PTS from "yelling teacher Ms Joy and angry teacher Katie".
Highly advisable for parents to do routine surprise checks and talk thoroughly with own kids about as much details as possible. Also, insist that they install live cameras for kids mental health sake!
Teacher Katie and Teacher Joy were excellent teachers for our two daughter (4 and 6 yo). We moved out to Maui from California and they helped us feel right at home. Our daughters excelled in reading and math during their time at Little Monk Seal. Katie continually pushes the kids to breakthrough and reach their next level of milestones in a fun and supporting way. I wish we were able to have more time with the teachers at Little Monk Seal.
Little Monk Seal provides a truly nurturing and supportive environment for children to explore and thrive. My daughter has been a student at Little Monk Seal since the day she turned 3 and to see her blossom from her school experiences has been truly a joy. The teachers, families, and keiki are all amazing and we feel so grateful to be apart of the Little Monk Seal Ohana.
Our family loves Little Monk Seal Montessori (LMS). We sent our daughter to LMS for the full 3 years (pre-K, Kindergarten). The learning program and environment at LMS adapts as your child grows, first she would learn new lessons and skills from the teachers and older kids, then as a kindergartner, she would teach the younger kids which allowed her to understand the lessons from a different perspective (it's always harder to teach!). Additionally, the teachers are great about finding the right level of difficultly for each student, if they are more advanced in some areas or need more practice in others, they will adapt the lesson so that each student feels challenged and successful. Outside of lessons and skills, the environment at LMS feels safe and comfortable, my daughter loves going to school every day, she runs from the car to the front door of school, excited to start the day. I recommend LMS to all my friends with young kids.
Our son has attended LMSM for pre-school and we have also enrolled him for their Kindergarten program. LMSM was his first introduction to any type of school environment and we could not be more pleased with everything the school has to offer. We like the Montessouri style of learning as well as the set up of the classroom and the large play room. However, we were really drawn there because of the teachers. Each one is knowledgeable, compassionate, and expresses a true interest with your child. As a parent, that was the most important thing to me. I've spent a little time this year as a volunteer in the classroom and it amazes me every time! It's incredible to see this dynamic group of 3-6 year olds in action. Wether it's focusing on doing their works in the classroom or their more fun and creative projects that they bring home.
Miss Joy and Miss Katie we love you! The school also coordinates to bring in really fun after school activities for the kidos (aerial silk yoga, dance, etc.) We have enjoyed some cute performances as well. Additionally, LMSM offers weekly summer camps that run all summer. We have met some really lovely families that attend LMSM and the school itself is a true gem!
Despite a year filled with challenges associated with COVID, LMS stayed committed and focused on providing an educational environment that helped our daughter thrive. Understanding the unique educational requirements of small children (3-5) and their diverse abilities, the classroom at LMS is specifically designed to engage each child at their learning level. If you are looking for a dynamic and caring learning environment for your child, I definitely recommend LMS!
My son began Little Monk Seal Montessori at 2 years and 10 months. He went to LMSM for three school years. From day one, my son loved the school and so did I! It is an enriching environment and the teachers are amazing. Miss Katie is the type of preschool teacher you dream your kids will have: highly skilled, caring, nurturing, warm hearted, supportive, yet firm when required. My son learned so many important life skills in addition to the basics: math, reading, art, etc... There are also fun afterschool programs for the kids to attend. LMSM is a blessing for the Maui community. I am so incredibly grateful my son attended the school.
Both Michelle and Katie are simply beautiful people and you can tell that they love their jobs! They always welcome the kids with huge smiles.
Seriously not only the best preschool on Maui, but I would even venture to say one of the best on the Mainland, too. Katie and Michelle LOVE what they do and it shows. They are so caring with the keiki and really put their hearts and souls into helping them learn on their level! My son is reading at only 4, loves to go to school, and always has a smile on his face when he comes home. The school is beautiful, clean, and set up in a way that the kids really learn so, so much. My husband and I were a little nervous about finding a quality school on the island and now we shout this school's praises from the rooftop. Seriously, if you are thinking about sending your little one to preschool or kindergarten, you must check Little Monk Seal Montessori out.
My two little girls started going to Little Monk seal this year. I cannot say enough wonderful things. They both absolutely love it! It went from my oldest being sad most mornings at preschool prior to Monk Seal to practically jumping out of the car into school now. The first few days were the 'best day ever' according to both my girls. Also I can see their interests in education expanding. Cannot wait to see how much they are able to achieve with such wonderfully motivated, strong and intelligent women in Katie and Michelle guiding them! Thanks for taking such wonderful care of our girls!
The school itself looks appealing as far as what I would assume this age group would like. You can feel the enthusiasm from Michelle and Katie coming through the delightful decor. The rooms come as close as they can to making you feel as if you are outside- even the educational tools they use look interesting.
I have known Michelle for a about a year and her passion for taking care of our keiki certainly comes through as her top priority. She seems very focused and determined to make the school a success and not for her sake but rather for the kids. We are lucky to have this opportunity on Maui!
I am writing this review mostly to share my knowledge of Katie Farley, one of the directors at Little Monk Seal. Katie tutored my second grade daughter this past school year. Within weeks of beginning her tutoring sessions with Ms. Farley my daughter's whole attitude toward school completely transformed. She was finally excited about learning! Not only were Katie's hands on, creative Montessori methods amazingly affective but her encouraging, calmly persistent and patient demeaner was just what my daughter needed.
After visiting Little Monk Seal, seeing the spacious, bright, beautiful facility and meeting Michelle I know that anyone who chooses LMS will not be disappointed!
Michelle Lazuka is a highly educated, experienced, and compassionate person who loves working with young children.
The teachers at Little Monk Seal are invested and there to stay. I am happy to see that they follow the the Montessori method of teaching to the highest degree. They remain in the children's lives and care about being life long educators. Michelle holds a Masters Degree in Education and both teachers have their Montessori credentials along with a long history of work with children. This was important to us when we were looking for the right school, which we are pleased to have said that we found it here!
She is an excellent teacher and she works hard to make sure each child is reaching their full potential.
I had a chance to participate in Little Monk Seal's Keiki Day a few weeks ago. The school is in a convenient spot located very close to Kihei Charter School. I was surprised just how much detail and thought went into creating the school's environment. There are basically 2 different rooms. There is a more formal classroom setting as well as a really fun and kid friendly activity room. The "works" are set up all over the main classroom and I couldn't help but be drawn to them myself. I saw the kids have a natural curiosity towards all the cool learning materials and gravitate towards their favorites. The activity room is bright and colorful with a selection of fun, active things to do. I loved the cartoony track on the floor and the tree mural painted on the wall. On Keiki Day there was a lady from Maui Tumblers there and she had set up a bunch of cool gymnastics items that the kids were having a ball with. This school seems like a welcome addition to an island in need of more top notch education opportunities.
I have known Michelle for over 15 years. Not only is she an amazing person she is so caring and compassionate for kids. I have seen her go from being a nanny to getting her masters, while all along keeping her focus towards child education and what's best for the children she is taking care of. Her passion for child development and growth is contagious. If I lived in Hawaii, there is no doubt I would send my son to Little Monk Seal Montessori to learn from Michelle.
Our son had Miss Katie & Miss Michelle for teachers for two years and they are absolutely wonderful! These teachers have big beautiful hearts and are so great with our keiki! We are so excited for our daughter to start up in the fall at Little Monk Seal Montessori!
Michelle is wonderful with children. Any child is in good hands with her!