Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

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About the School

Star of the Sea Early Learinng Center opened its door in 1980 in East Honolulu.
In 2016, it's name was changed to Mary, Star of the Sea Early Learning Center in honor of Mary, Star of the Sea.
In 1989, the school became the first Catholic Montessori preschool accredited by NAEYC and is also accredited by the American Montessori Association, National Council for Private School Accreditation, and National Catholic Educational Association.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked HI School
School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
Enrollment: 210 students
Yearly Tuition: $9,000
Acceptance rate: 50%
Average class size: 20 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for:

School Facts

School Type

Early Childhood / Day Care

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
American Montessori Society (AMS)
National Council for Private School Accreditation

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center
Nursery	40
Pre-K	140
Kind	30

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Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1980

Summer School Offered

Yes

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

210 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

57%

State avg.: 72%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

7 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

30:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

12%

Average Class Size

20 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

School Uniform

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$9,000

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Tuition cost is for regular school program from August to May, 7:00 AM-2:45 PM. Day Care, Summer School and Holiday Break Care are offered as additional cost to the regular school tuition.

% on Financial Aid

15%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$2,000

Acceptance Rate

50%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Lisa Foster

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

2 sports

Sports

DanceGymnastics

School Notes

Mary, Star of the Sea Early Learning Center offers a year-round program. Parents may choose between a regular school day (7 AM-2:45 PM) and an extended day program (2:45 PM to 5:45 PM. Enrichment and extra-curricular programs at an additional cost are also available to students. The school provides, breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack and participates in the USDA food program. There are no additional meal costs since meals are included in the tuition. The program provides hands-on, interactive learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate for the age and experience of the learner. The teaching and learning activities include learning centers, indivdiual and small group instructions that provide the student with an individually, personalized learning plan.
The purpose of Mary, Star of the Sea Early Learning Center is to educate the whole child, spiritually, intellectually, personally, socially and physically. The curriculum is designed to be sufficiently flexible and varied so as to provide the necessary experiences to support the development of the whole child as a global learner in the 21st century. The school exists to supplement the work of the parent in Catholic Christian education, to foster in children a love of God and neighbor. To attain these goals, the school has the following objectives:
To reach the greatest possible spiritual development, the environment for the young child will be prepared so that it provides an unfolding integrated approach to discovering God's love. Through these experiences the child may understand more fully the beliefs of the Catholic Church, develop a personal prayer life and participate in liturgy.
Through these early experiences, the Center seeks to help the child form a healthy spiritual base on which to form values consistent with our Catholic beliefs.
The physical growth of the child is fostered through activity programs that are developmentally appropriate for the young child and allow for the development of fitness and understanding of health as a sense of "well being."

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center cost?

Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center's tuition is approximately $9,000 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center?

The acceptance rate of Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center is 50%, which is lower than the national average of 78%. Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Hawaii with low acceptance rates.

What sports does Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center offer?

Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center offers 2 interscholastic sports: Dance and Gymnastics.

What is Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center's ranking?

Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for: Lowest average acceptance rates.

When is the application deadline for Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center?

The application deadline for Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Honolulu, HI is $19,590 for elementary schools and $22,064 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Honolulu, HI is 75% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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Mary, Star Of The Sea Early Learning Center

About the School

School Rankings

School Facts

Distribution of Students By Grade

Student Body

Academics & Faculty

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Sports

School Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

School Reviews

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