Seagull Schools The Early Education Center

Sammie KT _{on Google}

Mar 8th, 2024

This is not a pre-school built around values that align with supporting their community of families. We were in Manukai 1 with Ms. Sharmaine and it was not a positive experience. I wouldn't recommend Seagull to anyone, especially not this specific class or teacher.
I should've noticed the first red flag when I came to drop my son off for his orientation day, which was from 9am-12pm. I arrived at 8:45am to walk around the campus a bit, say hi to the kids and teachers and simply observe. Ms. Sharmaine greeted us with a sigh and a glance at the clock. She begrudgingly took him in on his first day while telling me that being 15 minutes early was not okay, and I should arrive at 9am for the next 3 days, no earlier, no later, and walking around the campus together until 9am was not ok either. My mother was with me that day and commented on how odd that was.
Second red flag was when I began to notice that most of the parents dropping off their kids were fathers. It eventually started to make sense bc after a few weeks I started to notice why mothers, such as myself, may not feel comfortable dropping their children off. For starters, parents are not encouraged to come in to the classroom when dropping off kids.Teachers, at least the teachers I have experience with, Ms. Sharmaine, Ms Stephanie, and Ms Jaelyn were not friendly. The teachers will make a visible attempt to shame you if you walk in with your child and help them put their bag and water bottle away. When I was first unaware of the rule and would help my son into the class in the morning, it took me a while to realize that that was why I was treated so poorly. I would walk in and the teachers would get silent, they'd look at one another disapprovingly, and I was shocked to see that one rolled her eyes at me, it all felt very childish and unprofessional. Eventually I was finally told that parents are supposed to leave their kids at the glass door and walk away. From that day forward, I also became one of the mothers who passed the morning drop-off task to the father.
I'd like to note that the few times I was in the class helping my son get settled in, I was able to overhear teachers speaking to students, and it was not friendly. They consistently spoke in a rushed and rude manner, not at all how I'd expect preschool staff to engage with toddlers that age. When I reached out to the interim "director" about my concerns, I was dismissed and guided to speak to Ms Sharmaine directly (who was on vacation at the time).
Seagulls policies are equivalent to a public middle school. If you are walking into the class with your toddler at 9am you are late. Have that happen a few times and they will scold you and send you home regardless of the day being paid for by you. Maybe they will be lenient if you're a govt service member. I noticed that a day I was called out for being late (arriving at 9:01am) by the time I got down to my car, a parent in the same class with Ms Sharmaine, a father in a military uniform, was barely getting out of his car with his daughter to walk her up to the class. The teachers have their preferences on parents and they become clear overtime.
Seagull also has many outdated Covid policies that they have yet to update. It seems like they aren't updating them out of convenience. For an example, they have a Sandbox near the Manukai 1 class. It has been boarded up since covid. A staff member told us that they only have 2 years left at this location so they'd rather not put in the effort to clear it up for the kids.
If there is a fellow mother reading this review while considering Seagull, I'd recommend saving yourself time and stress and passing on this school.
When considering a school, esp when it's for a toddler-aged child, a community of supportive teachers and staff is extremely important. It helps to instill a sense of peace when leaving your children in their hands day after day. This school did not foster that sense of peace with me. I'm a fellow mother who spent two months with my 3yo in their system.

Jennifer c. _{on Yelp}

Apr 7th, 2019

**NOT RECOMMENDED**My son went here for 2 years.  His 3yo class was good, no major problems.  His 4yo class however was a different story.  The teacher, fresh from the mainland, was quick to label.  My son mentioned death.  She told me I needed to have him evaluated by a psychologist.  She didn't once ask if there was anything going on at home.  He let go of the walking rope.  She sent him to the director's office.  The director is a piece of work as well.  She told me, in front of my son, that there was something in his brain that wasn't connecting to the rest of his body.  He was sent to the director's office numerous times for being rough.  My son looked like he was 6-7 when he was 4.  He is tall for his age and was a head taller than most of his classmates.  He was playing normally!  My son started calling himself a "bad boy" and this was not a phrase we use.  Where did come from?  Well, I heard a little call my son that.  The teacher was standing right there and didn't correct the behavior.  I could go on.  Miss M. had no business being the head teacher.  It was only a couple of months left until graduation so we didn't want to pull him out.  However, as soon as graduation was done, he never went back.  My mom flew over from a neighbor island and stayed with us for the summer, taking time off of work, so he wouldn't need to go back.  My son now goes to therapy because he still refers to himself as a bad boy and they tell us he is a joy and a sweet kid, always willing to help out.

Syvannah W. _{on Yelp}

Jun 30th, 2018

My daughter went here for one year, July 2017- July 2018. When she first started she could recognize her alphabets and just learned her colors. She had no writing or reading knowledge and had no clue what math was. By the time she graduated she was writing all her alphabets, her name, the date, short words, and did simple math problems like addition and subtraction. Our daughter got to go on field trips, walk around state buildings, the state capitol, police station, libraries, and art museums. Every Monday was walking day. Every Friday was cooking day. And in the summer the had water days! Skye loved them all! I also love how they encouraged her to try new things like fruits and vegetables. They even supplied all her meals and snacks! Made it easier for us because we never had to pack food. Yes, it may be expensive but this place is worth it! The staff is so awesome, caring, and friendly! They teach the kids great manners and how to be helpful in everyday life. I'm so grateful for all the teachers and staff of The Early Education Center! They've turned my clueless child into a borderline genius. She's learnt so much over just 12 months and we're so sad she has to go but eager for her to start Kindergarten and put all in new knowledge to  use. We couldn't thank them enough for everything they've taught and done for our daughter.