Appletree Preschool Program Overview
The preschool day at the Appletree School begins at 9am with circle time activities such as the Pledge of Allegiance, calendar discussions, weather observations, stories, show and tell, or other thematic topics. Our preschool curriculum revolves around specific monthly themes that the children may be experiencing outside of school, to widen their perspective of the world. By focusing on each child as an individual, our teachers give each child time to master skills at their own pace. With small class sizes in each age group classroom, we can tailor learning to each student’s strengths and target areas for personal growth.
With cozy classrooms and ample outdoor adventure space, our campus offers each child opportunities to explore and experience learning with all five senses. Appletree provides a language-rich environment for all students with older students in preschool and the Academy sharing in the joy of learning through specially planned events and informal interactions.
Appletree takes a unique approach for preschool fours, based on the Dutch model. Students rotate among classrooms to work with different fours team teachers, each teaching in their field of expertise to all four-year-old program students. This core instruction led by teachers trained and experienced in their specializations helps preschool fours, known as Birds, prepare for a strong start in kindergarten and beyond.
All students in the twos, threes and fours receive snacks and daily lunch which is included with included with their tuition. Students eat lunch in their classroom.
Appletree emphasizes outdoor time and students love playing outside all through the seasons. Students attending for the full day will participate in outdoor time three times daily. Parents are encouraged to send their students to school in comfortable clothing and sneakers, or other proper footwear, for the day’s weather forecast. Appletree students will play outside in light rain and snow gear is needed for lucky days when we find snowflakes falling. Appletree will adjust recess plans in case of extreme cold or heat.
The Three-Year-Old Program-Bunnies
Bunnies is a developmental style program enabling children to learn by doing with activity centers set up by the teachers. In these classrooms, children enjoy the freedom to explore different goal-focused learning center activities with purposeful play. Each activity helps the child understand age-appropriate concepts. Learning by doing distinguishes this joyful and talkative stage of child development at Appletree.
Through established routines to build confidence and learning centers to promote exploration, students enjoy different curricular themes every two weeks, covering math, science, language arts, and social studies. Teachers foster cognitive. social and motor skill development by guiding students through a range of large, small group, and individual activities including art and manipulation of educational materials.
A key aspect of preschool life is helping children understand how to become part of a larger group. Our Bunnies program emphasizes cornerstone social skills of sharing, taking turns, responsibility, respect for others, along with the joy of playing together. Classes emphasize social skills, character development, and making good choices. Each afternoon, parents receive a report about their child’s day.
Specialty classes enjoyed in this age group include:
- Physical Education is offered twice weekly for Three-Year-old Program students. These classes include planned group and individual skill-building activities to foster muscle development and coordination.
- Music delights students with twice-weekly classes. Students sing, dance, and laugh while learning traditional songs and new favorites.
- Spanish taught twice a week builds on classroom concepts through songs and fun activities.
- Technology instruction includes iPads to reinforce curricular concepts.
Bunnies Sample Schedule
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Teacher greets and welcomes children for free choice activities,
Outdoor recess
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Morning snack
Circle time
Academic centers
Specialty classes
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Nap/rest
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Clean up, play and reading time
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Afternoon snack
Outdoor recess
Open play and free choice of centers
Optional afternoon activities (added sign-up and fee)
Pick up
Schedule Options
While all twos, threes and fours classrooms are five-day programs you may choose from full service or academic day to meet your family’s needs:
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Full-Service Hours
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Academic Day Hours
