About us
An International System
Maui Adventist Pre-elementary School (MAPS) is a private, Christian preschool located in Kahului, Hawaii.
But rather than existing as a stand-alone preschool, MAPS is part of an international education system – the largest Protestant Christian school system in the world. Adventist Education is made up of nearly 8,000 schools worldwide, with over 800 schools and 76,000 students in the United States and Canada.
This vast network of schools is in existence due to our school system’s long record of success. In addition, MAPS is a preparatory school for Maui Adventist School, Maui’s Adventist Elementary school.
Wisdom and Development of Character
Curiosity, Creativity, and Caring
Excitement, Energy, and Exploration
Loving Introduction to the Jesus
history
Maui Adventist School, our Adventist elementary school on the island, was founded in 1935. In 2011, a number of parents and educational leaders began working on a dream to expand Adventist education on Maui to include a high-quality preschool. Over the next 2 years, a team of dedicated supporters built that dream into a reality. In August of 2013, MAPS opened its doors for the first time.
School opened with six kids and has continued to grow annually. By December of 2013, MAPS had 11 students, by the end of the 2016-17 school year, Maui Adventist Pre-elementary School was filled to capacity at 27.
This growth can be attributed to many factors, but we know that the dedicated teachers, high-quality curriculum, and caring environment have opened the door for God’s blessings to pour out on our school.
Now, we look to the future. Our school is blessed to be operated by a school board in the same way many private elementary and high schools are managed. This dedicated group of leaders, working hand in hand with our teachers and director, are now focused on finding ways to continue to enrich and expand the future of MAPS.
If you are looking for a school ohana, we would love to share our future with you!
what we do
Children need to be given the opportunity to love school, to love learning. Too often, learning becomes associated with words such as “hard” or “boring”.
At Maui Adventist Pre-Elementary School, we work hard to create an environment in which children naturally love learning. The most important factor in that environment is the attitude and approach of the teacher.
Our staff pours themselves into creating that energetic, positive learning environment.
At MAPS, we create a fun learning environment through various tools. Real experiences, such as trips to Kula Country Farms and visits from the fire department, excite kids about learning. Creativity is central, with teachers using art, dramatic play, and outdoor activities to encourage imagination and social skills.
Academics are seamlessly integrated, with science discovery, math games, and technology skills development on computers and iPads. Reading is a top priority, led by our esteemed teacher, Ms. Diane.
We focus on keeping students engaged, as a love for learning helps them overcome challenges and succeed.
Meet the staff
Friendly Experts in Giving Your Children the Best Start
My name is Jennifer Tomita. I’m currently the Director of MAPS as well as the teacher for the Owl Class. After gaining two years of experience as a volunteer and aide, I’ve been teaching the 3-year-old class at MAPS for the past 3 years.
I enjoy coming to school and teaching the children. I use writing, music, art, and dramatic play to help my students learn the social skills they will need to succeed in school and beyond. My goal is to make sure each child learns everything they can and to have fun while doing so.
Preschool Director and Teacher, Owl Class
I have taught at Maui Adventist Pre-Elementary School for almost 2 years. As a certified elementary school teacher, I have a total of 9 years of experience in education. It has been a joy for me to work with the children here and to guide them in their learning! My goal is for each child to enjoy and to love their first year of school while they learn basic foundational skills.
The children learn ways to become a good friend and to practice sharing, waiting to take their turn, helping one another, and listening. The children engage in fun, active learning through songs, poems, games, and crafts as they learn and practice writing the letters and sounds of the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, and also how to write one’s own name! Each child is valued and supported in their journey of learning and always encouraged to do their best!
Teacher, Jungle Class
Aloha, my name is Diane Nelson. I am so happy to be here at MAPS. I had the blessing of being the founding teacher and former director of MAPS. I have always had a love for teaching: homeschooling my two children, then teaching grades 1-4 in our Adventist schools. This has brought me 41 years of experience, with 18 years in the Adventist system. Nothing brings me more pleasure than working with our keiki. We are here to support your child’s early school experience and encourage their learning and growth. My goal is to continue to teach and help all under my instruction to know that Jesus is their best friend. I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful team of teachers/mentors.
Teacher, Butterfly Class
What parents say
“My children have gone and some are still going to this amazing preschool program! We have been extremely blessed and fortunate to have been able to send our sons to not only a great preschool but one that incorporates and nurtures a Christian environment all with the loving hearts of their teachers.
We will always recommend and support our preschool because that’s what families do. One big ʻohana 
“
– Chelsey Cremer, Parent
“My son and I love this place. The staff are so awesome! We are so blessed we were able to get into their summer school program.”
– Esperanza Turrieta, Parent
“My son Daniel has gained a lot from attending Maui Adventist preschool. He’s way ahead in his reading, math, learning, and social skills than the rest of his class. Diane, Jennifer and the staff are very patient and kind. I recommend Maui Adventist preschool to everyone who has a little one.”
– Rodney Bio, Parent
“I talked to Ashton’s kindergarten teacher and she said Ashton is one of her top students. He had the highest score for testing. He knows all his letters, numbers, shapes and counts to 100. She said it shows that someone worked with getting him ready.
Thank you Ms. Diane Nelson and the Maui Adventist pre-elementary school staff for all your hard work!”
Michelle Senamontry, Parent