Google reviewers rate Stepping Stones Academy 4.8 out of 5 based on 47 reviews, frequently praising the staff's attentiveness, secure facilities, and consistent daily updates via a mobile app. Parents highlight the school's supportive environment for child development and flexible scheduling, while noting the ease of the enrollment process. However, low-star feedback includes complaints about an aggressive towing company and allegations of racial bias in how children are treated.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
We watched our son grow and prosper under the care of an amazing team of educators and caregivers. We learned a lot from the teachers as they no how to take care of babies and toddlers better than we do. One of the biggest fears as a new parent is being apart from your child for large parts of day. Stepping Stones did wonders with our child, allayed our fears, merited our trust.
They hire a towing company that preys on people.
I cannot say enough good things about Stepping Stones Kaneohe. From the secure building access, to the welcoming faces at the front desk, to the friendly staff and the frequent updates on the app, I owe so much of my daughter’s social and cognitive growth to their incredible efforts. Thank you Stepping Stones! We will never forget you.
Over five years ago, we walked into Stepping Stones with our four-month-old daughter, Ella. I still remember how hard the trust was. Handing your tiny baby to someone else simply is. Now, somehow, that baby is leaving for kindergarten. The teachers and staff at Stepping Stones didn't just care for Ella. They knew her, challenged her, celebrated her, taught her, and most importantly, loved her. Looking back, what made Stepping Stones so special wasn't perfection. No school, teacher, parent, or child is perfect. It was the consideration. When there was a challenge, they listened. When our kids needed something different, they noticed. They met our children where they were while encouraging them to grow. There are so many people who have been part of our story that I could never adequately thank them all. When I asked Ella who she would miss, she didn't want to choose. She said all of her teachers. I think that says more about the culture here than anything I could write. Still, I can't close this chapter without recognizing a few by name. Ms. Sheryl has been our constant and a rock for our family. Genuine, dependable, caring, and always willing to go above and beyond. Ms. Kiran has been our understanding listening ear and compassionate, thoughtful problem solver. Ms. Bedika has brought organization, involvement and care, while Ms. Sarah has always brought positivity and support. Ms. Lei's structure, high standards, attention to detail and genuine care gave us tremendous peace of mind when our babies were truly babies. Ms. Christi, although no longer there, cared for both of our children and also went above and beyond in ways we'll never forget. Along with Ms. Lei, Ms. Cece and Ms. Jakayla were two of Aidan's first teachers and remain two of his favorites. Their warmth, energy and genuine excitement to see him mean so much. Ms. Ellie beautifully balanced play and learning for Ella and now Aidan, sparking curiosity while still letting them be kids. Ms. Julie helped build Ella's foundation for learning. Ms. Jodi has known her for years and continues to show up for her, even making graduation leis for the Jr. K kids this year. Mr. Terry fueled creativity through music, art, storytelling and imagination. When I asked Ella what she would miss, one of the first things she said was Mr. Terry telling stories at lunchtime. I love that that's one of the things she'll carry with her. And then there is Ms. V. It's hard to find words for what she has meant to us. She is a huge part of why we knew Ella needed to stay through Junior K at all costs, and there is no one I would rather have had prepare our girl for kindergarten. She balances structure and high expectations with genuine care and compassion. She knows her kids individually and makes learning personal, creative and fun. Ella says it best: "She does lessons that are fun!" After five years, what I'm most grateful for isn't a checklist of what Ella learned. It's who she is leaving as: confident, curious, loved, completely herself, and encouraged to become the best version of that person. As her last day approached, Ella talked about missing her friends, Mr. Terry's stories, Ms. V's lessons, and all of her teachers. Then she said something that perfectly sums up her five years here: "I wish I had five more days to go." For a little girl so excited and ready for kindergarten, I can't imagine a greater testament to the place she's leaving. And maybe our greatest testament is that we're not actually saying goodbye. After over five years of trusting these people with the most important people in our lives, we continue to choose them. To every teacher, administrator and staff member who has cared for our babies, named here or not, thank you for every bottle, nap, lesson, story, song, art project, correction, hug, hard conversation, celebration, and ordinary Tuesday we probably never even knew about. Thank you for seeing our children, loving them, and helping us raise our girl. We are so grateful we get to continue watching our boy learn and grow with you.
My son began attending daycare when he was one and a half years old. The facility was very clean, and the teachers were highly trained. All of the staff members were kind, and my son seemed very happy to attend the daycare.日本から移住してデイケアを探されている方にもお勧め出来ます．
We sent our son here and absolutely loved it! The staff is extremely professional and were able to pluck my opihi (clingy baby) from me with empathy and compassion which over time made my son not only love his teachers, but love school in general. I’m so happy with everything he has learned from book smarts to social skills.
Our daughter attended Stepping Stones Aiea for 2 years. I cant express how grateful we are and impressed at the level of education, care, that they gave us. They have become family to us. I highly recommend this school, they are the best!
Stepping Stones Aiea is an absolutely incredible and loving place for children to grow. The attention to detail, loving staff, communication and curriculum are exactly what we were after. Thank you!
Our family has had a wonderful experience with this daycare. The staff is incredibly friendly, caring, and attentive, and it’s obvious they truly enjoy their job. The facility is always clean and well-maintained, and the daily activities are both fun and educational. We also appreciate the regular communication from the staff via the app, who keep us updated on our child’s progress and daily experiences. It’s comforting to know our child is in a safe, loving, and positive environment while we’re at work. We highly recommend this daycare to any parent looking for a place where their child will be well cared for and encouraged to learn and grow. Thank you to the entire stepping stones team for everything you do!
We love Stepping Stones— both my sons attended the Waipahu location and spent their formative early years here. We definitely saw them grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. Some of our favorite things about SSA is that it worked with our schedules (they’re open 6:30am-6pm), they assist with potty training, they have an app with photos that keep us up-to-date with their daily doings, there’s indoor/outdoor play, and they’re engaged with a variety of activities that involve problem-solving, strength and coordination, language skills and play. I especially loved watching videos of my son dancing and singing along with his teachers and classmates. We will definitely miss Stepping Stones!