Apple Montessori is an established school for over 33 years, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and Kindergarteners ages 6 weeks - 12 years (6 weeks - 6th grade). Presently, they have 11 locations including Kinnelon, Wayne, Edgewater, Oakland, West Milford, Mahwah, Denville, Randolph, Montville and Morris Plains, NJ. They are family owned and operated since 1971 by the Bailey Family. They are the oldest and largest school in Northern New Jersey. Montessori is the largest preschool, early childhood development organization in the world. However, all Montessori schools are individually owned and operated and are therefore different. Montessori is a method and philosophy of teaching developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, who was the first female medical doctor in Europe at the turn of the century. There are several things that make Montessori different from traditional schools. First, they have special games and materials that have been made and designed specifically for young children. Each game teaches a particular skill through active hands-on involvement. A child learns the easiest and fastest from birth to six years of age than in any other time of life. The second characteristic that makes Montessori different from traditional preschool is that they allow each child to develop at his or her own pace. The child may go as quickly or as slowly as they may need to without any pressure. The child is not pushed to move ahead before he/she is ready. This is how they develop strong confidence and self-esteem. The child also learns that learning is fun! Apple Montessori is different from other Montessori schools because they have a unique reading program which yields great success with their four and five years old students. Their primary reputation comes from the ability to develop academic skills and motivate young children to love learning. In addition, Apple Montessori School has brought computers into all of their classrooms. They also have a unique classroom management style. This becomes evident when you first enter a classroom and it is noticeably calm and organized. New to the Apple Montessori curriculum is character education for kids. A special guest comes in 3-times per year to offer "advice" on topics such as morals, values, how to be kinda and polite, etc. Parenting seminars on a variety of topics are also sponsored throughout the year. Apple Montessori School is open year round. During the months of July and August, they have a summer camp program serving students ages 2 through 12. Several of their locations have a swimming pool and teach daily swimming lessons. The pool has been uniquely designed with safety in mind for young children. The shallow end allows all ages to stand in the water and develop a sense of security. In addition, the campers participate in activities such as Arts & Crafts; Nature & Science; Cooking; Music; Dance; Computers; and Organized Sports. The older campers also participate in weekly field trips. The camp program can be a half or full day schedule. Each location has half day session in the morning (8:30-11:30am) or afternoon (12:30-3:30pm) as well as a full day session (8:30am-3:30pm). Before and after school programs are also available. They are open from 7am - 6pm. Call the Apple Montessori School nearest you to arrange a visit or to observe a class. Visit their school and find out how many consecutive years 90% of their students have scored in the top 10% nationally and how they are having the most fun in their lives!