Our Mission

Central Union Church Preschool and KindergartenCentral Union Church Preschool and Kindergarten is a Christian based early childhood program that promotes spiritual, cognitive, socio-emotional and physical growth in a nurturing environment and provides a solid foundation for early learning.  Its program of educating the whole child promotes a life-long enthusiasm for learning and provides a smooth transition from home to school.

It promotes the value of early childhood education throughout the community and provides for the on-going growth of its faculty and parent community.

Get Started By Calling Us At (808) 946-4025 Or Applying Online.

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Meet our CUPS Admin/Office Team

VERONIQUE BRAITHWAITE
VERONIQUE BRAITHWAITEPreschool Director
Veronique Braithwaite brings 23 years of serving in the field of Education. Serving as Preschool Director since 2020, her experience as an educator includes working with children from preschool through elementary age levels at various independent schools on O’ahu. Part of her professional experience includes being a classroom teacher here at CUPS.
ELIZABETH CHRISTENSEN
ELIZABETH CHRISTENSENAfter School Care Supervisor
Elizabeth Christensen has been with Central Union Church Preschool for 41 years. She leads the After School Care (ASC) and extracurricular programs.

Originally from Panama, and fluent in Spanish, she shares her diverse cultural background and experience with the faculty, staff and families.

SHELLY TAIRA
SHELLY TAIRAAssistant Director
Shelly Taira comes from an extensive background in education. She came to Central Union Church Preschool in February 2023 and serves as the Assistant Director of the Preschool.
SANDRA BALDWIN
SANDRA BALDWINOffice and Admissions Manager
AMY INOUYE
AMY INOUYEAccountant
ALANA ALISSA YOSHIKO ANDERSON
ALANA ALISSA YOSHIKO ANDERSONAdvancement & Communications Manager
Alana Anderson has spent the last 21 years managing fundraising and events in the non-profit sector, not only in Hawaii but across the East Coast, where she spent 15 years in New York City, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. Her passion includes organizing events for all causes and raising money for charitable organizations. She attended Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, just outside of Boston and earned a Master’s Degree in Asian Studies at the University of Hawaii. Alana also spent some time in Japan teaching English as a JET Program Instructor and longs to go back to Japan and to one day visit Korea.
KAT PEREZ
KAT PEREZPreschool Chef

Historical Timeline

1928

Opens with the first class of 14 children.

1941

While other schools close after Pearl Harbor attack, the school obtains special permission to remain open.

WWII

School undertakes wartime community support projects—Victory Gardens.

1948

Atherton Chapel is constructed.

1950

Central Union Church Preschool was established. Innovations include after-school groups for working mothers and accreditation from the first licensing entities. Preschool moves into the new educational building.

1968

The Curriculum Evaluation Committee is created.

1970

Develops a core of qualified and caring staff and volunteers that focus on broader experiences via field trips to places such as Honolulu Symphony and the Humane Society.

1980

Becomes one of the largest church-affiliated preschools in the state and receives national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

1990

Establishes the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Scholarship Fund and begins fundraising for scholarships with events that benefit the Doris Rewick Tuition Assistance Fund. Becomes the host for the first Oahu Early Childhood Director’s Meeting. Participates in the first World Forum on Early Care and Education.

2000-present

Opens an additional 4-year-old classroom and Toddler Program. Creates a Professional Development Program to encourage faculty to pursue college-level degrees in Early Childhood Education. Receives national accreditation (NAEYC) for 5 years.