Parker Preschool

Where Curiosity Begins

Parker School is excited to welcome 16 children ages 2-5 into the School’s new Preschool program which has a target opening date of August 2026. Parker Preschool is a play-based, inquiry-driven, nature-connected learning environment rooted in exploration, play, and the wonder of childhood.

Inspired by Parker School’s long-standing values—where every child is known, valued, and nurtured—our preschool is a place where keiki learn through hands-on discovery, nature-based play, and caring relationships with teachers and peers. Here, your child’s questions, ideas, and imagination help shape the learning experience.

Rooted in Play. Guided by Wonder. Grown with Aloha.

Play is the heart of our program. Daily experiences spark curiosity and confidence, helping prepare children for a smooth transition to kindergarten. Children will:

  • Investigate the natural world
  • Engage in creative expression
  • Build foundational academic readiness
  • Develop real-world thinking skills

Our approach is inspired by Reggio Emilia and embraces children as capable, curious, and eager to learn. Through hands-on exploration, thoughtful play, and engagement with nature, Parker Preschool encourages:

  • Independence
  • Collaboration and empathy
  • Resilience and problem-solving
  • Early literacy, mathematics, and science skills
  • Social-emotional development

Historical Home

Our Preschool’s home will be Hale Akina, a beloved historical residence just north of Parker School’s main campus and Kahilu Hall at 65-1234 Lindsey Road.

Hale Akina is currently being thoughtfully redesigned into an early childhood environment with quiet places, open-ended materials for discovery, and outdoor spaces that spark curiosity and imagination.

Like our approach to learning, this space will evolve with the keiki—materials and centers shifting as new questions arise and discoveries unfold—creating a dynamic, responsive environment full of possibility.

Who We Are

Families will find a supportive, collaborative partnership with our educators, who focus on positive guidance and developmentally appropriate expectations. Our program is led by:

  • Jackie Caputo, Early Childhood Education Director
  • A lead teacher and a teaching aide
  • A low 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio

Program Snapshot

Class Size: 16 children in a multi-age classroom of 2 to 5 year olds

Hours: 7:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (drop off by 8:30 a.m. and pick up by 4:45 p.m.)

Schedule: Year round program, with a 10 month option

Tuition: $18,500 year round or $15,500 for 10 month option

Learning Approach: Play-based, inquiry-driven, and nature-connected (inspired by Reggio Emilia)

Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 8:1

Snacks: Two snacks provided daily

Lunch: Brought from home, with optional meal plans available

Rest Time: Daily nap/rest period with soft music and books

Communication: Daily updates, parent conferences, and Seesaw app to keep families connected with their child’s experience

Location: Hale Akina, a historic home on Parker School’s campus at 65-1234 Lindsey Road, that is being thoughtfully reimagined for early learning.

Target Opening: August 2026

Ages, Readiness and Support

  • Children must be 2 years old by August 1, and not yet 5 years old by October 31
  • 2-year-olds are not required to be potty trained
  • Ages 3–5 must be fully potty trained by enrollment
  • We support potty learning with families as children grow and develop

In our multi-age classroom, younger children look up to older peers while older learners develop confidence and leadership—supported at every step by our small student-to-teacher ratio.

Kindergarten

Children who attend Parker Preschool and are eligible for kindergarten will not be required to reapply for admission to Parker School. As part of our commitment to knowing, valuing, and nurturing each child, we view Parker Preschool as a natural entry point into our Lower School program. Our team works closely with preschool families to support a smooth and thoughtful transition into kindergarten.

Tuition

Tuition for the 2026-27 year at Parker Preschool is $18,500 year round or $15,500 for the 10 month option. Parker School does not offer financial aid for preschool.

Contracts, Deposits, and Payment Plans

Once a student has been accepted to Parker School, an initial deposit of $750 and an executed tuition agreement must be completed by the student’s parent or guardian. This contract must be signed and submitted on or before the deadline date to ensure space is reserved for your child. This non-refundable deposit is then applied to the student’s tuition balance. Please be advised that these contracts are binding once signed and will be enforced.

Parker School offers the following payment plans for families of admitted students: payment in full, two-payment plan, or monthly payment plans. Families who pay in full before the start of the school year will receive a $250 tuition discount. Families opting for a monthly payment plan will be charged a $160 payment plan fee. Please contact the Business Office at (808) 885-6803 for more information about payment and billing options.

Admissions Timeline

Applications Open: February 6, 2026

Deadline to Apply: February 27, 2026

Decisions Delivered: March 31, 2026

Deadline to Enroll: April 7, 2026

Applications can be submitted online through the Parker School website via a FACTS account. There is a nonrefundable application fee of $75.

Program FAQs

Our play-based, inquiry-driven, and nature-connected program allows children to learn through hands-on experiences that connect exploration, play, and the natural world. Academics, creativity, and social development happen naturally as children investigate their environment, ask questions, and engage with meaningful, real-world experiences. This approach encourages curiosity, independence, collaboration, and resilience, helping children become confident and engaged learners.

Our preschool is focused on guiding children in a positive, and developmentally appropriate way. We use clear, simple rules, consistent expectations, and gentle redirection to encourage self-regulation, problem-solving, and social skills. Teachers model and reinforce community behaviors, helping children learn to interact respectfully with others. Families are kept informed to facilitate a collaborative approach to their child’s learning and development at home and school. Our aim is to create a supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and
encouraged to learn and grow.

Yes. Some priority may be given to children of Parker School employees and siblings of current Parker School students. However, being a sibling of an enrolled student or the child of an employee does not guarantee admission to Parker School. All students, regardless of their priority status, must meet the admission standards to be considered for admission.

We believe that strong, consistent communication between families and the program is essential to supporting each child. We are committed to maintaining regular communication with parents and guardians to keep families informed about their child’s daily experiences and progress, as well as timely updates regarding the program and other important information. Communication methods include daily verbal reports at drop-off and pick-up, parent teacher conferences, and updates shared through an app called Seesaw.

No. Children who attend Parker Preschool and are eligible for kindergarten will not be required to reapply for admission to Parker School. As part of our commitment to knowing, valuing, and nurturing each child, we view Parker Preschool as a natural entry point into our Lower School program. Our team works closely with preschool families to support a smooth and thoughtful transition into kindergarten.

Our program runs from 7:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with all children needing to be dropped off by 8:30 p.m. and picked up by 4:45 p.m.

Yes, children have a daily nap or rest period. Rest is an important part of the day, supporting children’s growth and giving their brain and bodies a chance to recharge. Children who do not nap may lay quietly and enjoy a book. Even if children don’t sleep, quiet downtime in a calm, consistent environment helps them feel settled, and ready to engage in the afternoon.

We will provide two snacks each day. Families will provide lunch, with optional meal plans available through our local food vendors.

Begin Your Journey With Us

We can’t wait to welcome your child—and your ‘ohana—into our Parker community.

Ready to learn more or apply?

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