Montessori Center of Pearl Harbor

We've had an amazing experience here - my son was in the CDC's 24-kiddo class and it was way too chaotic 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.

We pulled our son from this preschool after only 4 months. Communication was very poor. We would only find out that our 3 year old was having an issue when he would repeat things to us at home. We had such high hopes & were very disappointed. Multiple incidents led us to report the school to their Montessori accreditor, but they were powerless to take any action. Needless to say, we would not recommend this school.

My daughter started attending MCPH right after she turned 3 and only a few weeks after we arrived from the mainland. I feel so blessed to have such a warm, nurturing and consistent environment for her to truly thrive. The other options in the area, for us, focused too much on worksheets and desk time. At MCPH, she learns through playing, interacting with those older and younger students, and has truly blossomed over the past year. She used to be so quiet and shy. Now, she jumps right up when it's her time to be line leader.I cannot say enough fantastic things about this school. I would recommend it to others with no hesitation. We are just thrilled with the education and care that our daughter is getting!

Let me preface this by saying that my child has never attended so I can't comment on the facility or curriculum. The reason I gave it such a low score was for the customer service I received when I registered my kid for school next year. Last week I sent an email requesting more information and possibly a tour, which I've had no problem doing with other local preschools. When I never got a reply I decided to check it out in person. Upon arriving, I was asked if I'd contacted them first. I said yes, but that it wasn't replied to. She asked another employee if they'd gotten any emails from me and the answer was no. Perhaps it got lost, or their webpage was malfunctioning. I stated that I was interested in enrolling my child for next year and asked about their programs and touring the facility. They said they did not do tours, gave minimal information about programs, and were quick to tell me that other children had priority. At this point, no one had actually introduced themselves or even bothered to look at us when we were asking questions. I understand that it is a busy place, but this was not the treatment we received at other schools. The plus side is that it looks clean and it is in a safe area, but that is really all that I can tell. The rudeness and indifference that we encountered confirmed that this was not the school for us. I am usually quite pleased with the services and amenities offered through JBPHH, however, I cannot recommend the Montessori school. Perhaps it is a nice place if you can get past the frosty front desk.

I was a former student at the Montessori Center of Pearl Harbor. It gave me the educational foundations that I needed to succeed in the later stages at school. I am currently in high school, and I still remember all of the help Montessori has been to me in my career as a student. This school has taught me how to read, write, use the basic functions on a computers, and perform basic arithmetic effectively, and pushes you to learn in a fun, hands-on method. Not only does it give one an educational foundation, but also a social foundation by teaching you what is right and wrong to helping one another and sharing. I hope that all people looking for an exceptional preschool choose the Montessori Center of Pearl Harbor.

I am the parent of a 3 1/2 year old boy who attends the Montessori Center of Pearl Harbor. We are active duty military (Air Force) and my son is the youngest of three children. The school is located on the Pacific Fleet Command base (Makalapa) so you must have access to the base to attend. This is the best preschool that my children have ever attended. While the cost might seem high at first, it is actually very reasonable by Hawaii standards (same cost for us at the Hickam AFB child development center). My son is in a class of 8 students with two teachers--an unbelievable ratio. His main teacher, Miss Sandy, has been teaching Montessori for over 30 years, and Miss Liz (who teaches the older class of 4-5 year olds) has the same amount of experience. The third teacher is a young teacher who adds the perfect touch of creativity and modern techniques. The school practices the traditional Montessori principles with all of the old school materials and offers instruction in math, science, language arts, reading, sensory and home life. There is a lovely covered outdoor play area with water tables, art stations, etc., as well as plenty of playground equipment. My son loves this school and his classmates and teachers and looks forward to school everyday. I give this school the highest recommendation.

Montessori Center of Pearl Harbor, and the amazing teachers there, are directly responsible for turning 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.

Our child thrives at MCPH. We love the school, the responsive/respectful director, and the empathetic staff. The community of parents and students are top notch.The outdoor space and lani are perfect for children to enjoy the beautiful weather.

My daughter is attending her 2nd year at MCPH and now my son has started and we couldn't be happier! When we first started looking at area preschools, were amazed to find a Montessori school that was nearby and affordable. Very organized, as is expected with this program. Friendly, kind, and patient teachers that the children adore! Great outdoor space too. They also offer a summer program where the kids learn all about Hawaii. I love that this is a small school where my kids get lots of attention. And the security it offers being on base is great. It has also been great as a parent, many of us get together regularly at the park, and at parent meetings so that we can help out any way that we can. I highly recommend this school to anybody looking for a quality preschool for their child.