Apple Montessori Elementary SchoolDeveloping the foundation for a lifetime of school success

For grades 1-6

“Montessori is an education for life,preparing not just for school, but for life.”

~ Maria Montessori

Dear Parents,

The elementary school years are a developmentally rich and exciting stage in your child’s life. Apple Montessori Elementary is dedicated to providing unparalleled education during these crucial

formative years.

Using Montessori principles, we educate the whole child so that every student is prepared to succeed, not only in school, but in all areas of life. Children are natural explorers and learners,

and our method is designed to work with those tendencies, celebrating your child’s individuality and supporting their personal process of discovery. We inspire a lifelong love of learning, helping

children reach their fullest potential.

At the end of our Montessori elementary program, your 12-year-old will have developed the independence, out-of-the-box thinking, and empathy that will prepare him or her for the important

transitions to the social and intellectual challenges of high school, college, and adult life.

We look forward to embarking on this educational journey with your child!

Sincerely yours, The Bailey Family of Apple Montessori Schools

Regional and International Montessori Memberships and Partnerships

From Our Family to YoursApple Montessori was founded

by Rex and Jane Bailey in

1972. Our established and

rich history is the result of the

initial vision and determination

of Jane Bailey, a Montessori

teacher who emigrated

from Scotland, and who

knew the importance of an

early childhood education.

Unhappy with the traditional

approach to learning and

motivated by her own young

children, she opened one of

the first Montessori schools in

Northern New Jersey.

Rex Bailey, also at the forefront of education as a two term public School Board President, joined the mission and commitment to providing parents with a quality education for their children. Together they paved the road for what we are today. Yet, even they could not have imagined the levels of accomplishment that could be reached.

We currently have fifteen preschools including infant and toddler classes and our elementary school in Wayne, NJ for grades 1-6. With the proven success of many of our students, we are setting new standards in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.

All four Bailey daughters have followed in their parents’ footsteps. Pamela Howarth, Lynn Morris Piccolo, Joanne Mooney and Vanessa Krippner have perpetuated the mission.

Also joining their ranks is a son-in law. We are currently laying the foundation for the third generation as thirteen grandchildren have benefitted from this extraordinary education. After graduating our elementary school, the eldest grandchildren and their peers have moved on to other independent schools, namely Blair Academy, Newark Academy, Morristown Beard, Kent Place, Montclair Kimberly Academy, Dwight Englewood, and The Academy of St. Elizabeth, to name only a few.

We remain just as passionate about our commitment to your child today as we have for our over 25,000 preschool graduates since 1972. We’re proud to offer an early education program that truly celebrates what makes each child unique.

The Bailey Family of Apple Montessori Schools

Nurturing the whole child is the core of all we do. Our mission is to educate, enrich and inspire children to reach their fullest potential as kind, independent, curious and happy individuals. We make the most of the critical early learning years by inspiring a lifelong love of learning in a safe and caring environment. By fostering parent partnerships, facilitating ongoing professional development for our staff, and creating socially responsible global citizens and leaders, children continue to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Our Mission

Our Four CornerstonesApple Montessori Elementary School is a school where teachers and families work together to endow children with a passion for learning, a strong academic foundation. We empower them with life skills to use in the future and gift them with the recognition of their task to better the world tomorrow, today.

We believe:Learning should be hands-on and exciting; integrated with passion and creativity!

We believe:Children need a strong and diverse academic foundation, which will enable children to contribute to tomorrow’s global world!

We believe:Children must leave us with the tools and values needed today and tomorrow including independence, leadership, responsibility, commitment, teamwork and time-management!

We believe:Children are tomorrow’s future and need opportunities today to show compassion and citizenship to their school community, local community, and global community!

We believe:Parents are an integral part of a child’s academic foundation and together with the teachers and students we form an unbreakable partnership for the betterment of the student!

Passion for LearningWe nurture passionate learners. We make learning meaningful, personal, and exciting.

Strong Academic FoundationWe focus on hands-on learning in core subjects like language, math, history, and science. Our immersive approach cements this foundational knowledge for future growth.

Life Skills for TomorrowAll of our lessons develop perennial life skills that will be useful no matter what the future holds, such as leadership, initiative, self-discipline, and communication.

Cosmic TaskEach child has a unique purpose, and we encourage them to find and pursue their unique path. We don’t demand conformity because we recognize that each one has a special gift to give the world.

1.

2.

3.

4.

PhilosophyThe philosophy upon which Apple Montessori Schools are based embraces the most fundamental teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori. Our classrooms are rich with Montessori materials and support activities to promote intellectual as well as social and emotional growth. We instill, through example and action, a love of learning, a strong work ethic, creativity, respect, and compassion for others.

Multi-aged classrooms encourage peer-to-peer teaching and learning. Children are actively engaged in their own learning process at their own pace. A child can move through new challenging materials quickly, or move on to another experience without the boredom of waiting for others to catch up. These activities can be repeated until mastery is achieved. This can be done without the frustration of being pushed ahead before one is ready. A child’s own feelings of accomplishment act as a reinforcement to success, setting the stage for a lifetime of school success.

A research proven approachScientific research confirms that Montessori children have

an advantage not only academically, but socially and

emotionally as well.

Children who attended Montessori schools at the

preschool and elementary levels earned higher scores

in high school on standardized math and science tests.

Another study found that the essays of 12-year-old

Montessori students were more creative and used more

complex sentence structures than those produced by

the non-Montessori group.

The research also shows Montessori students to have greater social and behavioral skills. Most Montessori schools

report that their students are typically accepted into the high schools and colleges of their choice. And many

successful grads cite their years at Montessori when reflecting on important influences in their life.

Source: American Montessori Society

How will your child benefit?

• Academic, social, emotional, physical & ethical growth

• Inspiring a lifelong love of learning

• An individualized plan of study tailored to your child’s skill level and pace

• A focus on cultivating your child’s innate potential

• Child-centered learning that supports independent discovery and self-motivation

• A strong primary academic foundation

• An atmosphere of respect and support to nurture confidence and competence

• An abundance of top-of-the-line educational materials

• Hands-on learning to make problem solving engaging and meaningful

• Collaborative work to encourage social skills, responsibility, and cooperation

• Character education to prepare students for global citizenship

The Apple Montessori Experience Means:

Our team: We are extremely proud of our teachers’ accomplishments and their desire to invest in our children’s future. Teachers participate in continuing education courses throughout the year from various educational organizations including the American Montessori Society, the New Jersey Montessori Association Corporation, as well as other local universities and teaching institutes. Teachers initiate and develop new action research projects, and in turn become educators for each other. Additionally, the support staff continues their training both through our online and in person professional development classes which are held multiple times throughout the year.

CurriculumAt Apple Montessori Elementary, your child is given an opportunity to learn at his or her own pace. Children will learn on their own terms - they will thrive and dream and explore... as all children should. The result: happy, confident, and independent children who love to learn.

Language Arts and ReadingWe immerse our students in quality, age-appropriate works of literature, exposing them to more complex content than many other elementary programs. In addition to teaching the mechanics of language—grammar, spelling, punctuation—our language program aims to develop creative writing, research, and public speaking skills.

Our Montessori approach replaces the traditional teaching of history as a timeline of warfare with the story of human accomplishment. The students are empowered by learning about progress in the arts, government, invention, and science. Hands-on materials allow students to develop a clear knowledge and awareness of land forms, topography, and maps.

We use specialized learning materials that clearly illustrate abstract concepts and allow our students to learn geometry, arithmetic, and algebra effectively and at their own pace. Our goal is to enable children to become comfortable manipulating numbers and concepts so they can develop mastery in mathematics.

Our elementary science curriculum covers botany, zoology, earth science, chemistry, and the history of the universe. In each of these subjects, we begin by presenting real, concrete examples that serve as anchors for learning broader scientific concepts, theories, and facts.

History and Geography Math Science

CurriculumForeign LanguageOur weekly Spanish class builds our students’ vocabularies through dialogue and learning about the Spanish-speaking parts of the world. We make bilingual education come alive with writing assignments, pen-pal programs, and classroom materials.

Music & DramaOur curriculum combines the study of music theory and structure with the opportunity to learn to play a variety of instruments. The drama program uses the techniques of theater to enhance the students’ confidence, self-control, and public speaking abilities.

AthleticsOur weekly athletics class emphasizes physical fitness and good sportsmanship over competitiveness. Our program focuses on improving movement, rhythm, spatial awareness, and balance through cooperative games, sports, and physical fitness activities.

Fine ArtsWe nurture an appreciation for the arts through weekly classes that impart knowledge of influential artists, the elements of art, and various artistic techniques. We further reinforce art appreciation and creativity with visits to the local art museum and the use of artistic materials throughout the rest of our curriculum.

TechnologyWe use computers as integral tools for research and problem solving. We teach basic computer skills along with coding to provide children with the tools to communicate effectively in a technological world.

Apple Montessori Elementary School

Tucked away on five acres amid the bounding hills of Wayne, New Jersey, our elementary school extends the benefits of Apple Montessori from first through sixth grades. The 27,000 square foot state- of-the-art campus houses a 5,000 square foot gymnasium with a performing arts stage, two full kitchens, a soccer field, two swimming pools, a sports court and four age-appropriate playgrounds. The Elementary program is available only to our Apple Montessori continuing graduates. While the school is within commutable distance of many of our preschools, some locations offer shuttle bus service.

“From Kindergarten through now, 6th grade, we’ve had the peace of mind knowing that our daughter

was in a loving, nurturing, supportive environment.  Apple Montessori focuses on “The whole child”

and that has been so evident as we’ve watched our child blossom and excel while having a wonderful

time.  We consider ourselves lucky as well as feeling grateful to have been a part of the AMS family all

these years.”

- Andrew F., ParentParent PartnershipsAs partners in your child’s education, we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive set of support tools and programs for parents. All parents are encouraged to participate in school events, activities and the parent association as we build community and support each other in the important task of helping children be their best selves.

• Observations and Conferences offer an inside look at your child’s growth and development.

• Online parent communication: Online software programs allow you to communicate with the teacher, access your child’s progress reports and view the monthly calendar.

• Parent Association: The parent association was developed to support the educational experience at Apple Montessori. Through volunteering and other activities, parents are able to connect with the school and their child’s education while building community.

• Family Events: Student performances and community events occur throughout the year. These events bring children and parents together for fun and educational experiences.

• Parent seminars occur throughout the year and help parents gain strategies necessary to manage the challenges facing both parents and children today.

• Surveillance systems: Our schools are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance cameras in our classrooms, entrances/exits and surrounding areas

• Safety-certified: Our schools and staff have been certified by Secure Education Consultants

• Fingerprint technology pick up/drop off: Ensures only authorized parents or guardians gain access to their child

• Swipe card/security code entry: Ensures only authorized parents or guardians gain access to the school

• Playground safety: Equipped with perimeter fencing; specialized turf or padding; and landline, cell and/or two way radio

• Safety drills: Fire and lock down drills are practiced regularly

• Staff training: Safety Procedures and Drills are reviewed at weekly team meetings; all staff are CPR, First Aide, and AED trained and certified

• Staff screening: All staff members are fingerprinted with background checks completed

• Visitor access: Picture ID’s and name tags are mandatory upon entrance into the facility

Safety & SecurityYour child is precious and keeping him or her safe is our top priority. We work diligently to enforce and review the security procedures outlined by the New Jersey School Safety and Security Best Practices Guidelines, taking every step necessary to protect the safety and well-being of every child in our care.

Summer CampApple Montessori Summer Camp has been loved by children of all ages for over forty five years. Our school features unique swimming pools specifically designed for young children staffed by Red Cross certified lifeguards. Campers enjoy athletics, arts and crafts, nature and science, music, drama/public speaking, dance, technology, cooking, field trips, in-house events like Carnival Day and much more. Plus, our FasTracKids and SuperKids programs help children beat the summer learning slump. Our year-round staff fosters your child's sense of security and routine.

Character Education Our program at Apple is designed to educate the whole child. Having a strong character along with a quality education is the key to success in the lives of our children. Our students are encouraged to develop their character while cultivating ethical and responsible behavior. We accomplish this each day in our classrooms as we introduce children to a set of shared values and ideals. Our character education program is based on a three aspects of character development: development of personal virtues, strong interpersonal skills and service learning to develop global citizenship.

Personal virtues: Personal virtues and skills are developed throughout the curriculum each and every day. Students are shown lessons in greeting a person, waiting their turn, offering help and other grace and courtesy lessons. Children are also encourage to finish their tasks, and be mindful of others. Discussions, literature and role playing are all intertwined in the curriculum to model and practice personal virtues.

Interpersonal Skills: Students learn interpersonal skills each and every day. The mixed age classrooms allow students to learn social skills from older children. Additionally, students take part in role-playing and skits to learn how to deal with situations when conflict arises. Teachers use everyday student interaction as “teachable moments” or tools to model and review interpersonal skills.

Service Learning/Global citizenship: Students take part in various service learning projects on a monthly basis. Our Upper School students take the lead in organizing and running service projects including food drives, backpack drives, talent shows and other projects to benefit others. Monthly, our students participate in Civics Day. Each elementary class takes charge of a particular month. Students research decide on an organization, raise money and correspond with the organization donating all funds to that particular cause. Students learn about the interconnection of all aspects of the world. They are encouraged to understand their role and impact on the world in all things they do.

“Establishing lasting peace us the work of education; All politics can do is keep us out of war.”

~Maria Montessori

Before/after school programs Our school day begins at 8:30 am and ends at 3:30 pm. Extended care is offered at the school in the mornings from 7:00am - 8:15am, and again in the afternoons from 3:45pm - 6:00pm. Children can enjoy chess club, athletics such as soccer, basketball, tennis and golf, dance/theater, mock trial, homework club, and more once the school day is over. In-house lunch program We offer an optional lunch program. An outside catering company delivers hot or cold lunch to our students on a daily basis. Options include organic, gluten free, vegetarian as well as International foods. Those who are interested may register in advance online. Substitute menus are offered for children with allergy or food restrictions.

Character EducationOur program at Apple is designed to educate the whole child. Having a strong character along with a quality education is the key to success in the lives of our children. Our students are encouraged to develop their character while cultivating ethical and responsible behavior. We accomplish this each day in our classrooms as we introduce children to a set of shared values and ideals. Our character education program is based on three aspects of character development: development of personal virtues, strong interpersonal skills and service learning to develop global citizenship.

Personal virtues:

Personal virtues and skills are developed throughout the curriculum each and every day. Students are shown lessons in greeting a person, waiting their turn, offering help and other grace and courtesy lessons. Children are also encouraged to finish their tasks, and to be mindful of others. Discussions, literature and role playing are all intertwined in the curriculum to model and practice personal virtues.

Interpersonal Skills:

Students learn interpersonal skills each and every day. The mixed age classrooms allow students to learn social skills from older children. Additionally, students take part in role-playing and skits to learn how to deal with situations when conflict arises. Teachers use everyday student interaction as “teachable moments” or tools to model and review interpersonal skills.

Service Learning/Global citizenship:

Students take part in various service learning projects on a monthly basis. Our Upper School students take the lead in organizing and running service projects including food drives, backpack drives, talent shows and other projects to benefit others. Monthly, our students participate in Civics Day. Each elementary class takes charge of a particular month. Students research, decide on an organization, raise money and correspond with the organization donating all funds to that particular cause. Students learn about the interconnection of all aspects of the world. They are encouraged to understand their role and impact on the world in all things they do.

“Establishing lasting peace is the work of education;

All politics can do is keep us out of war.”~Maria Montessori

Before/after school programs

Our school day begins at 8:30 am and ends at 3:30 pm. Extended care is offered at the school in the mornings from 7:00 am - 8:15 am, and again in the afternoons from 3:45 pm - 6:30 pm. Children can enjoy chess club, athletics such as soccer, basketball, tennis and golf, dance/theater, mock trial, homework club, and more once the school day is over.

In-house lunch program

We offer an optional lunch program. An outside catering company delivers hot or cold lunch choices to our students on a daily basis. Options include organic, gluten free, vegetarian as well as International foods. Those who are interested may register in advance online. Substitute menus are offered for children with allergy or food restrictions.

Edgewater8 Adelaide Pl.201-224-6603

Cliffside Park600 Gorge Rd. 201-840-1703

Edison2825 Woodbridge Ave.

1876 Route 27732-494-4111

Hoboken1055 Maxwell Ln.

201-963-4949 220 Sinatra Dr. 201-222-1464

Oakland192 Ramapo Valley Rd.

201-337-0183

Kinnelon10 Maple Lake Rd.

973-838-2122

Mahwah75 East Ramapo Ave.

201-512-1141

Metuchen12 Center St.732-205-1515

Morris Plains1339 Littleton Rd.

973-538-1276

Randolph470 Millbrook Ave.

973-328-7737

Towaco9 Waughaw Rd.973-331-8141

Wayne25 Nevins Rd.

1219 Ratzer Rd.973-696-9750

Apple Montessori Elementary is located in Wayne | www.applemontessorischools.com

Apple Montessori Elementary SchoolDeveloping the foundation for a lifetime of school success