Little Monk Seal

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!

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.

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.

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!

Many thanks go out to Michelle and Olivia for the classes offered at LMS. I've been attending classes for a few months and I'm so thankful for their patience and understanding in helping me achieve my fitness goals. They are so encouraging and will take time to individually explain how to get the most out of my workout. No judging as we are all at different levels but plenty of encouraging. Recommend the classes to everyone. Thanks again!

I have known Michelle for a long time and had two children in her class over the years, she is a wonderful teacher and caregiver. She made letting my little ones transition into school so much easier for me knowing that they were in her care. She does a great job of helping young children learn far more than I thought they were capable of! Having her in my children's lives was a great gift to us!

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.

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.

Little Monk Seal Montessori School has exceeded my expectations! Thank you Ms. Michelle and Ms. Katie for being so exceptional! I highly recommend LMSM!

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.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Michelle while volunteering with the monk seal response team and through her yoga classes. Michelle is such a kind, generous and welcoming individual. Her passion for education and positive spirit is infectious! I am certain that any child that attends The Little Monk Seal Preschool will have an exceptional experience!

My husband and I really adore these two teachers! Ms. Katie and Ms. Mi-shelf (Michelle) as my then 3yr old would call her were just wonderful teachers to our children. Katie has been a part of all three of my children's educations and Michelle has helped with two of our three. I can't say enough about the love and care these ladies exude. We are beyond blessed to have met them and we are lucky to call these two friends!

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!

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!

Michelle is a wonderful, well trained, caring, fun and silly, all around good person and teacher. Anyone would be blessed to have such great girls as Michelle and Katie guide, lead, and teach their children in an atmosphere created for success! Way to go girls! Keep up the good work!

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 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.

Safe, clean, colorful, environment with experienced, kind mentors filled with aloha.
Expect beautiful, well-stocked & inviting Montessori supplies as well as a curriculum rich with deep respect for local, natural treasures.
A delightful introduction to education for all our keiki.
Mahalo nui loa Little Monk Seal Preschool

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!

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!

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!

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.