St. Mark Lutheran School

Posted: September 24, 2024

Let me first say that my K-5 experience was excellent with my first child there. My second child who's 2 years younger didn't have any of the same teachers the older had. The turn over of teachers there happen often and frequently. Things had changed.

Middle school(6,7&8) is where things started coming into question. My oldest had a horrible experience. Lots of things were said and done, by teachers and people in places of importance, that could crush a child's spirit and confidence.
Many conversations took place about the children's academics and the importance of the curriculum. These problems were brought to the attention of the admin and staff. Unfortunately our concern's fell on deaf ears. It was a waste of more than 100 thousand dollars for a supposed good education for the kids.

The final straw for me was when a member of the church admin called me, 4 days before the school year ended attempting to discuss the indiscretions. I was asked not to post my opinion on social media and was harassed to the point I was in tears. The church admin demanded my promise not to post anything negative about them.

I had already spoken to the school admin and had agreed to let the children enjoy their last days of school. They grew up with these other children and I hated moving them because of that.

However It didn't end there, that same day. I was verbally attacked that afternoon and my children practically held hostage, until a member of the staff finished ranting at me. I asked them to move up in the pick up line, as I didn't want this confrontation to continue. But that staff member couldn't let it go. Luckily Hawaii is a one party state and I was advised that if I feel in danger to press video on my phone to record the incident. Yes, the video is legal and I felt ambushed and scared. My children were scared because they couldn't understand why they were not allowed to go to their mother and told to sit back down until the school allowed them to go.

This is an opinion and in no way slander. I’m sharing my children’s experience and how I saw things.

I hope you look into any school for a rigorous program, great communication and a nurturing environment.

Hope this review helps. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Posted: September 24, 2024

Posted: September 24, 2024

Posted: September 24, 2024

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Posted: December 17, 2021

Posted: December 17, 2021

Posted: December 17, 2021

Posted: December 17, 2021

My youngest child just finished her last day here. We are moving, otherwise we wouldn't have transferred schools.

Let's start with the staff. They are all very nice and cheery. My child really enjoyed all her teachers. Mrs. Alyssa and Miss Erin were so good to her and really helped her learn a lot. I'm grateful for the assistant teachers too because I know they helped make school fun for her.

The office staff is very helpful and communicated well. It was nice to get reminders and heads-ups. The administration was awesome too. Dr. Gaudi seems to run the school well and make sure his staff and students are well.

For us, we are not very religious, but are spiritual. We knew that our child would be exposed to a faith based curriculum and learn about all those things. Personally I was concerned because I want my child to create their own beliefs without much influence. She did pick up things here and there but overall learned great morals and values. In short, although a faith based school, I do not feel that my child was pressured. I appreciate the balance.

Posted: December 17, 2021

Posted: December 17, 2021

Posted: December 17, 2021

Posted: December 17, 2021

Posted: February 15, 2018

We chose St Mark for our oldest daughter when she was in kindergarten. We had heard good things about the school. I especially liked the small size (less intimidating for a 5 year old), it’s not too far from home and that they teach Christian values. We have been very happy with all of her teachers thus far (communication, fun and challenging curriculum). I appreciate being able to email or text teachers and get a timely response. I’ve seen teachers email at all hours which, I think, is above and beyond. They are thinking about my child at 10 at night or 5 in the morning! It’s important to me that my children enjoy school and they do. It makes learning more effective and eliminates most of the morning battles. We now have 3 of our children there.

Posted: February 15, 2018

Posted: February 15, 2018

Posted: February 15, 2018

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Posted: February 15, 2018

Posted: February 13, 2018

A GREAT SMALL SCHOOL WITH A BIG HEART
I was a firm believer in supporting public education. My wife and I didn't agree and we ultimately sent our youngest to St. Mark. We knew he was a bit of a rascal, but never expected for him to be sent to the principal's office 3 times in the first 4 weeks of KINDERGARTEN! We assumed that they would certainly just kick him out and we knew that our district school had a very low tolerance for dealing with kids like this. Independently his teacher and the principal wanted to talk with us. Both gave us the same message....."We are committed to working with you and your son. All will be well".
Whew! What a great surprise and 7 years later he is grown into a fine young man.

Posted: February 13, 2018

Posted: February 13, 2018

Posted: February 13, 2018

Posted: February 13, 2018

Posted: February 13, 2018

Posted: February 13, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

After visiting a few schools on the Windward Side 10 years ago for my son, we weren't even considering St. Mark. BUT, after disappointing visits, we reluctantly visited SML. The SECOND we walked in the door of a classroom, it felt so good and my husband and I looked at each other and KNEW this was the place for our son. It was BUSY and HAPPY and a SAFE PLACE to talk about JESUS CHRIST.

My daughter now attends St. Mark and she has loved school every single day. With an academic background in Education and Early Childhood, I can be very picky and my expectations are not small. In regards to learning, it has been an extension of home. All of her teachers are spot on with creating a learning environment that is fluid and natural. They have done a great job finding the balance between enjoyable learning and challenging. I appreciate that my daughter has the opportunity to push herself and be pushed academically at her appropriate pace. Learning comes in so many forms and her teachers at SMLS have enthusiastically incorporated a wide and EFFECTIVE variety of learning strategies. They have nailed it when it comes to integrating across different academic subjects into a single theme or lesson. You'll see cross collaboration of the arts and literacy or math and more. They also ENCOURAGE physical fitness...which is sadly rare these days. We often hear teachers "preach" hands-on learning, but I don't often see it presented as purposeful and related to a real life. I feel like my daughter's teachers "get it" and have made learning effective, full of purpose and engaging.

It's a small school with very supportive teachers and staff. We feel great knowing that my daughter's school shares our family values. It's a wonderful environment where you'll make lots of great friends with other families as there are many opportunities to participate in school events/functions. I am so grateful every day that my daughter loves school and learning so much as I know that this experience will impact her attitude towards learning and growth for the rest of her life.

Posted: June 11, 2017

BEST DECISION WE EVER MADE was sending our daughter to St. Mark Lutheran School. She had been attending another private school in Kaneohe since preschool and the thought of switching schools made us nervous. Not knowing what to expect can be scary. Our only regret was that we didn't do it earlier. For the past four years, our daughter has thrived at St. Mark. The teachers are EXCELLENT and truly care about the students. They take the time to really get to know your child and help your child to grow and succeed. The teachers even host fun outside events such as scavenger hunts at the mall, water play at the school and ice skating. The principal, Dr. Gaudi, is very approachable, well respected and always visible. He doesn't just sit behind a desk. He is involved in the life of the school and knows the kids by name. Most importantly, the curriculum is rich and challenging and prepared our daughter for high school. In fact, she was awarded a scholarship at a very prestigious private high school in Honolulu. We were VERY happy with St. Mark Lutheran school and strongly recommend the school to all.

Posted: June 2, 2014

Chose St Mark because it had an excellent reputation but they care more about covering their butts and supporting their teachers instead of the students and hearing parents complaints! My child was bullied but the head of school would not listen. The person he pushed us off created more problems and was very hostile. We had a few really good teachers but the focus needs to be on the student.

Posted: July 25, 2012

Excellent school! Challenging and rich curriculum, great teachers who teach outside the box and make learning enjoyable. They treat the children with love and respect. The warmth of the school and kindness of principal, staff and teachers is what we love . The faith building bible classes and chapel are the best. We are so blessed to have our kids@ St. Mark!