A small and homey Montessori preschool for children
Located in a garden setting in Montclair, Applegarden provides a warm, nurturing and highly education environment for young children. We facilitate respectful social interaction, self-motivated learnng, and the development of concentration in children. We offer morning, afternoon and full time sessions with a ratio of 3 teachers to 22 children. Special Spanish, music and art instruction enrich the extensive Montessori curriculum. Highly professional teaching staff.
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Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Applegarden Montessori School was founded in 1983.
What is your primary product or service?
We provide high quality preschool care and education to children 2.5 through 5.5 years-of-age. We also have a parent-participation toddler program which meets periodically to orient children and families to Montessori practice.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I was a high school English teacher and became interested in why children sometimes lose motivation to learn. Montessori appeared to me to offer the answer: children need to cultivate their innate ability to select the materials they want to engage with in learning from an early age. A teacher who can facilitate this is rewarded with engaged and eager learners. I love the respect, creativity, self-discipline and concentration that is facilitated in a Montessori environment. When I later earned a Ph.D. in psychology, I discovered that many contemporary discoveries in neuropsychology corroborate Montessori's profound insights into child development.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We are a particularly small and home-like school I once had a large school (55 children, The Montessori Children's House of Lafayette), but I like the intimacy and friendliness of a smaller environment for young children.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
I am very happy with the size and quality of our current school.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are located on Thornhill Drive just 2 blocks from the Warren Freeway (Highway 113) in Montclair at 5667 Thornhill Drive.
What type of payments do you accept?
Checks and automatic bank payments.
Which areas do you service?
Montlclair, Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
We are a nonprofit educational organization run by a 3-member Board of Directors in consultation with our ecellent staff of teachers adn a parent representative to our board.
What are your hours of operation?
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Special hours for toddler programs.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
We like to hear that children love to come to school. We are proud that our children are happy.. Children are always most happy when they are engaged in healthy learning and self-development, and that is what happens here.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Maria Montessori: "The child's mind comes into the world as a flaming ball of imagination.."
Contact The Applegarden Montessori School:
