Little Monk Seal

There's not too many people that I would trust with my son, especially not being familiar with Maui. We're from the mainland. However, Michelle was a welcome surprise. Her caring attitude, patience, and general positive attitude made our son, a son who was extremely shy, become the happiest I've ever seen him in a long time.

It was a stressful move to Maui, b/c my husband and I were concerned how our son would fit in. It's really hard to tear your children away from the familiarity of there family and friends. However, Michelle helped Brice, grow out of his shell rather quickly. He soon became an outgoing, adventure seeking, and overall great student. We, now, wouldn't be able to pull him away from Maui if we wanted.

If you have any hesitation, because this is a new school, *don't*. Michelle's long teaching history on the island, will make her and her new school, the best Montessori on the island in no time. There's no question about that:)

Thank You Michelle!

I have had the privilege of having my child in one of Michelle's classes in the past and she is unparalleled in her commitment to education and creating a welcoming classroom environment. My child loved going to school when he was in Michelle's class and that has not always been the case with him. I wish she could have taught him K-12! Her passion for education and learning is amazing! I was impressed that she had the desire to continue her education and obtain a masters in education, that kind of commitment and competency is hard to find in the preschool-kindergarten workforce! I would recommend her to anyone.

I have had only the most remarkable experiences in my interaction with Michelle. I am so impressed by the leadership at LMSM, and her vision for Maui's keiki. She is truly committed to the development and education of youth, and her school is a beautiful facility, equipped with all of the tools for success. I would highly recommend that anyone interested in providing the best available learning program for their child meet with Michelle to see who she is and what she does.

My children have had Michelle Lazuka as a preschool teacher as well as a yoga camp counselor. She was not only professional but was able to create programs based on all educational and social levels. Having three children, they all truly loved Michelle as a teacher and respected her. The wealth of knowledge they received in their early years truly provided a great foundation for their elementary years. We are grateful to have had her in our lives.

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!

Little Monk Seal Montessori is one of the few schools that offers an authentic Montessori curriculum. I love that the directors and teachers are passionate about teaching not only academics, but teaching peace, mindfulness, self-esteem, and a sense of community! That is something I find a lot of schools lack. Aside from the fantastic, passionate teachers/directors, the school itself is absolutely beautiful! You can tell how much love and passion the teachers have for the school and the children by just looking at the classroom environment.

I have seen the Little Monk Seal Preschool in Kihei, HI start as a dream project to develop into a Montessori learning environment that is enriched for children. Not only are the children learning via the Montessori model but the focus on sustainability will give the children even more enhanced values. As a mother of a child who attended Montessori school, she was prepared for higher learning while still keeping her creativity. I so appreciate what Katie and Michelle are providing for the children and for our Maui environment. It is an enriched learning environment and a loving, supportive community.
Rosemary Z. BSW, MA

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.

She is an excellent teacher and she works hard to make sure each child is reaching their full potential.

So my daughter is 3 1/2 she attend the summer dance camp. She loved it so much!

So I would like to say thank u ladies for being apart of her first time attended any kind of school n really any kind of baby-sitting beside mom n dad. I was on the fence about putting her into any preschool Cuz it's really expensive. I stay with her during the day n i do so much work with her. I always heard from others mom "but they need the social part " and I feel like she got that. We were always around different aged children. But after her just being at this school for 3 days she came back talking, walking I mean I feel she was a total different little girl. She needs school n I'm so glad her dad put her into to this. These girls were so nice n she would talk about it for weeks after. I loved the setting, vibe, it was clean. I saw a ad about them opening this school so I was very excited. So thank u ladies for doing this for our keiki's. N I hope it last for ever for u if her other preschool doest work we will c u for sure. Aloha shay, kiana, Howard.

I am a mommy of two young children & I work in the field of early childhood education. When I first met Michelle & Katie several years ago, I was impressed by their peaceful manner, their passion for working with young children, & their excitement of bringing more Montessori Education into Maui.

Their love for what they do, their appreciation of Maui's natural beauty, & their mission: Saving Our Planet One Keiki at a Time is quite evident once you step into their preschool, Little Monk Seal Montessori or if you visit their website. Their goal is to help your child learn how to be independent, learn how to be a responsible steward of the planet, & reach their full potential.

You will be A M A Z E D at what Little Monk Seal Montessori has to offer. Amazed at how Katie & Michelle created an extraordinary classroom.
Amazed at how your child will thrive learning through the Montessori way. Amazed at how much you will appreciate being in the Little Monk Seal Montessori classroom.

I am A M A Z E D.