The
School: Apple School is a non-profit, non-discriminatory educational organization whose purpose is
to provide quality preschool education and a quality Before/After School Program in an environment of warm support for each
child. Established in 1982, Apple School has obtained Private School status and is not affiliated with any religious organization
or corporate franchise. Our objectives are to expose children to the widest possible variety of experiences in
order to arouse their curiosity, challenge their physical and cognitive abilities, and encourage self-expression. We
will encourage independence in the care of self and the mastery of everyday tasks. We plan to utilize the wealth of
talent and expertise available in this unique community to bring a myriad of enrichment activities and experiences into the
classroom to complement our daily schedule. Schedule: Apple School is open all year, Monday through Friday, and offers preschool classes, half day
or full day programs with 3 or 5 day options. The school is open from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM to children
ages 2 through grade five. Bus transportation is provided for children attending Rockbridge, Mill Creek, or Ridgeway
Elementary Schools. The school meets all state licensing requirements, serves nutritious breakfasts, lunches
and snacks, and has provisions for those children who nap. The school does not take a Christmas or Spring “break”,
and remains in session except for major holidays. The school will make every attempt to remain open during inclement
weather. We will not automatically close when “snow days” are announced for the public schools. However,
during the severest winter weather, please listen to school closing announcements on KOMU TV or KOMU TV’s website at
www.komu.com
Staff:
The
school employs degreed teachers for their instructional programs and exceeds student-teacher ratios mandated by the state
of MO. These ratios are often significantly reduced when special resource teachers are present such as our staff Music
Teacher.
Admittance Policy:
It is our policy to admit and care for all children without regard to race, religion, or national origin.
First consideration will be given to siblings of children attending or who have attended Apple School.
Registration:
A nonrefundable fee of $25.00 per child is required to confirm a child’s enrollment
or to be placed on our waiting list. A one week deposit is required for all students except siblings. This deposit is
applied to the last week of the child’s attendance.
Tuition:
Several options
for payment are available. Parents may pay weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. When paying weekly or bi-weekly, payment
is due in advance each Monday. Monthly tuition is calculated by dividing the annual tuition by 12 to determine 12 equal
payments. If paying monthly, tuition is due by the 5th of each month. Parents are financially responsible
for any holidays, or absences which may fall on the child’s attendance schedule. Sibling discounts are extended to families
enrolling more than one child: 10% discount for the second and third child. One week’s vacation credit is
offered to families whose child has been enrolled for at least six months. Observation: Apple School has an “Open Door” policy with regard to observations of classroom
activities. However, for the protection of the children, all visitors must check in with the Director of Head Teacher
before observing. We recommend visiting during the morning hours to observe the widest range of activities.
Security:
Apple School’s
playgrounds are fenced. The main door to the building is locked. Access is obtained through the use of a security keypad
system. Each family is assigned their own security code to use to unlock the main door. Visitors must ring the
doorbell and the Director or a staff member will assist them. Persons other than parents will not be allowed to pick
up any child without the parents’ prior consent and must provide a picture ID to the Director.
The Program:
A balanced program is planned to promote the child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and
physical growth. The curriculum emphasizes: large and fine motor development, independent activity periods which
stimulate social interaction, imaginative growth, and dramatic expression; music and music appreciation; art, using a wide
variety of mediums, puppetry; and finger-play and story periods.
Because the preschooler is at an optimum age for learning, spatial relationships, mathematical concepts, and language development
are presented on a stimulating level. The very spacious classrooms are equipped with developmentally appropriate materials
to stimulate the child’s interest and invite exploration and experimentation through “hands on” activities.
Block Area for creative block play; Home Living Area for dramatic and role play; Science Area – use of magnets, magnifying
glasses, scales, varying seasonal science activities and experiments; Manipulative Area – objects and games aimed at
the development of fine motor skills: lacing, stringing beads, Lego blocks, etc.); Art Area – free access to art materials
and special art projects using a variety of media. Emphasis is on process-oriented art activities with the goal of developing
the child’s creative expression. Apple School is fortunate
to have two acres of playgrounds which include: a large grassy area for ball games and summer water play; a large swing area;
a playground with climbing equipment, slides, large play trucks, cars, etc.; a paved lot with basketball hoops and a shed
full of tricycles, wagons, balls, etc., Large sand areas,
and many picnic tables under shade trees for frequent picnics in the nice weather. We have many full-sized trees which afford
many shady areas in which to play. With such large physical spaces, we find there are fewer discipline problems as the
children have less crowding with so many choices of areas in which to play. We feel children can learn as much from
the outdoor environment as the indoor classroom. A daily activity
report is posted by the teachers, listing activities and special events which took place in the classroom that day.
We offer field trips to children age five and above: community parks, farms, grocery stores, fire station, University museums,
etc. Apple School offers a Before/After School Program for children Kindergarten through 5th
grade. A variety of planned and free choice activities is available daily. Full day program is available for public
school Christmas and Spring Break vacations, public school holidays, “snow days” and conference days. Transportation
is provided to Rockbridge, Mill Creek and Ridgeway elementary schools. There are no additional fees for transportation.
Full Summer Program offered to Kindergartners through 5th graders: indoor and outdoor activities, swimming lessons,
field trips, nature lore, cooking experiences, arts and crafts. Specific topics of interest to this age group studied
and explored each summer.
Music Teacher:
Apple School employs a degreed Music Teacher to conduct music classes daily.. She provides
a wide variety of musical experiences to all classrooms. There are no additional fees for this activity.
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Our primary goal for each child is the development
of a strong, positive self-concept, which will allow the child to enjoy an ever-expanding competence in dealing fairly, confidently,
and enthusiastically with himself, others, and the world around him.
A POSITIVE ADULT IDENTITY
DEPENDS ON POSITIVE CHILDHOOD LIFE EXPERIENCES
We, at Apple School, plan to provide positive experiences for each child in a climate of warmth and
acceptance.
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