Saint Mark Lutheran School

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.

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.

We enrolled our daughter at Saint Mark because of glowing reviews of the staff. Our expectations were heightened, and literally have been vastly exceeded. Our daughter has thrived in the environment provided both in and out of the classroom. The help and guidance to bring about our child's best efforts has allowed her to succeed and be more than ready for her next steps in life. Perhaps larger than what they have offered our daughter, our family has become a part of and thrives at Saint Mark.

We transferred our daughter here after a semester at a public school and my husband and I could NOT be happier. All the staff is wonderful, the older students are amazing, and the environment is great. Our daughter has advanced more in the few months that she has been at St. Mark than she did at her old school. We regularly say that St. Mark is completely worth the price - we''d pay much more for the education she's getting.

I am a parent of a third grader at St Mark. What I see at St Mark is a community of children and adults who treat one another with respect and really care about one another. There is a partnership between faculty and parents with open communication. Their standards are high with faculty that are able to recognize each childs strengths and weaknesses. I owuld reccomend this school to any family who is looking for a safe enviroment for their child to grow intellectually, socially and spiritually.

Moving from the mainland we had a lot of decisions to make and things to learn about island life. Our daughter attending St Mark was the best decision so far. The faculty and staff has not only embraced our daughter but our entire family and made us feel welcome. We have learned so much and enjoy every moment of it. The content and quality of the curriculum is outstanding! Our daughter is learning, understanding and applying what she has learned. She is excited to attend school every day. They say it takes a village to raise a child and this school exemplifies that saying.

All three of my children attend here and they all love it! The teachers are the best because they love the children and they stay up to date with current research on best teaching practices. My children are pushed hard academically and are succeeding with work above their grade level. My oldest is in band and he does very well with his very talented and devoted band teacher. The classes blend instructional time with field trips that put the learning into practice. It has a competitive athletic program that teaches sportsmanship and teamwork. One of my favorite parts is attending chapels with the kids. They sing loud and praise God and really get invigorated for the day. The principal, pastor, and DCE all stand out front each morning and greet all the children by name and welcome them to school. This school is a blessing to our community and I am proud to be part of it.

Our family really loves this school. Our son is in his third year here. SMLS combines excellent academics with a really personal, caring environment. The students get individual attention, rise to challenges and are polite, motivated learners. The teachers are innovative, supportive and really know each child. This is a gem of a school and a private school bargain!

Jr. High Teachers collaborate to make an enriching learning opportunity for the students!

I enrolled my grandson into this school and the only regret I have is that I did not do so sooner. The teachers, faculty, and principal intimately know each child & make certain that they grow into young adults who not only love God, but walk as Christians. I would highly recommend this school!!