Seagull schools flies into Ko `Olina

Seagull Schools celebrated the blessing and grand opening for its Stone Family Early Education Center in Ko ‘Olina on April 3rd. This is the seventh Seagull Schools campus and will offer individualized, early childhood instruction for 180 children, ages 2-5 years old.

Senator Mike Gabbard said, “It’s great that Seagull Schools chose Ko ‘Olina for its newest location. With Disney coming in soon, this is definitely the place to be. Jeff Stone and the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation deserve a lot of praise for helping to provide additional early learning opportunities for West Oahu.”

The story of how Stone Family Early Education Center came to be is truly touching. In 1998, developer Jeff Stone lost his newborn son, Conner Jeffrey Stone, and also purchased the Ko ‘Olina Resort & Marina. The loss of his son left Mr. Stone with a lasting impression and sparked a strong passion to provide for the most fragile and eager members of society, our keiki. As one door closed for the Stone Ohana, another opened when Mr. Stone was introduced to Seagull Schools’ founder, Chuck Larson.

Seagull Schools began in 1971 as a private, non-profit corporation located in the Christ Church facility in Kailua, where it has continued to offer a rich educational experience for children of all socio-economic backgrounds. They have been a model collaborator with businesses and other nonprofits and are nationally recognized as pioneers in the development of intergenerational programs where children and seniors come together for their mutual benefit.

The Education Center rests on a $2 million acre of land donated by Mr. Stone. The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation provided a $1.3 million grant; and several businesses, such as Kalaeloa Partners and Tesoro Petroleum, also chipped in with generous contributions.