AppleTree worth attending?

[Anonymous]

Appletree LP is a wonderful school. My youngest is there this year and we are both happy every day -- teachers are really good, 3 teachers/aides to a class of <20 children, the building is cheerful, the families are nice. Principal Thomas greets us almost every morning. Can't imagine a better program for this age level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I turned down AT CH because of the basement. It just seemed really dark and after the daycare she was in with the big windows and bright light, it wasn't for us. Also, she didn't need a "transition" program as she's been in a pre-kindergarden at her daycare. However, if you haven't been in a daycare like setting, this might be the perfect type school for you.

Huh? What does this mean? I am certain that Appletree would prepare your kid for kindergarten better than her daycare. You would be blown away by what your kid would learn there. Appletree has the best program in the city.

[Anonymous]

Current LP mom here...without a doubt we (mom, dad, kid) all LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! Its an awesome place and we've met some lovely families there! The teachers are professional, bright and engaged, the principal is approachable and proactive, the office staff is organized and helpful and the neighborhood (minus the few sour neighbors) is lovely!

[Anonymous]

How's the amidon campus? It's affiliated with the elementary school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Current LP mom here...without a doubt we (mom, dad, kid) all LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! Its an awesome place and we've met some lovely families there! The teachers are professional, bright and engaged, the principal is approachable and proactive, the office staff is organized and helpful and the neighborhood (minus the few sour neighbors) is lovely!

Will you be back for PK?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The lottery is over with. I think most locations have a wait list. Ive heard good things about the campus in southeast. I thought it had a different name though. I believe it is the one in savannah terrace. despite the location, i heard the teachers and office staff were really good. I also heard the director there was wonderful and supportive. my child is only 1 now but i hope to send him there. i would only send him to locations i have heard good things about. hopefully leadership will remain the same there. at least until my child gets in.

Agreed! My child attends LP and I have friends whose children attend one of the schools in Southeast. The principals (and staff) at both places are phenomenal. Supportive, receptive, and nurturing. Overall excellence at both schools! Can not speak to any of the other Appletrees.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has a child at the Parkland Campus. She is extremely pleased with Appletree. She speaks very highly of her daughter's teacher and the Principal there. She has said to me many times that she wishes they continued to kindergarten. However, I do believe there is a difference among campuses. From what I heard there has been problems at the campus by rfk stadium and the one in the church this year. There has been some turnover with Principals which seems to be an indication to me of internal problems. I would only send my child to the Southeast campus or the one in Lincoln park. CH is too far for me. Since I've heard great things about Parkland and the teacher and Principal, I would try that location.

Yes, I absolutely agree! Apparently there have made some unfortunate changes in the leadership. From what I understand they hired a Chief of Schools this year who makes poor decisions and will probably be the demise of a wonderful organization. We will have to wait and see.

[Anonymous]

Lots of staff turnover lately is hurting what was a quality program at Appletree. It's a shame the leadership at the top level is so poor, because there are some great teachers and principals that work for Appletree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of staff turnover lately is hurting what was a quality program at Appletree. It's a shame the leadership at the top level is so poor, because there are some great teachers and principals that work for Appletree.

But turnover is expected given who they recruit as teachers. They seem to mostly recruit really promising teachers but don't require certain credentials up front, then in exchange for their hard work, Appletree gives them ridiculously good training and after they've served a certain amount of time (I don't know if there's a dictated amount of time or how it works) they often move on because they're now credentialed.

That's my understanding (and I'm an Appletree parent who still ADORES the program, even though one of our two excellent teachers are leaving this year). But honestly, both the year before when we checked it out, and this year that we've been there, I don't know anyone who doesn't love their teachers, even if their teachers are 1st year lead teachers. And the kids are doing fantastically!

[Anonymous]

If you don't retain talented teachers, it's a problem. Period. Appletree gets away with it because it's a two year program and let's face it, turnaround in the 3-5 year old set is much, much easier than in the middle school or high school years.

Appletree is a good program, but the well-paid top level leadership is a mess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lots of staff turnover lately is hurting what was a quality program at Appletree. It's a shame the leadership at the top level is so poor, because there are some great teachers and principals that work for Appletree.

But turnover is expected given who they recruit as teachers. They seem to mostly recruit really promising teachers but don't require certain credentials up front, then in exchange for their hard work, Appletree gives them ridiculously good training and after they've served a certain amount of time (I don't know if there's a dictated amount of time or how it works) they often move on because they're now credentialed.

That's my understanding (and I'm an Appletree parent who still ADORES the program, even though one of our two excellent teachers are leaving this year). But honestly, both the year before when we checked it out, and this year that we've been there, I don't know anyone who doesn't love their teachers, even if their teachers are 1st year lead teachers. And the kids are doing fantastically!

As appealing as this school sounds, I would personally be concerned about the high turnover in staff, particularly in the principal. This sounds like bad news... No sustainability and poor executive leadership.

[Anonymous]

If you don't retain talented teachers, it's a problem. Period. Appletree gets away with it because it's a two year program and let's face it, turnaround in the 3-5 year old set is much, much easier than in the middle school or high school years.

Appletree is a good program, but the well-paid top level leadership is a mess.

I'm going to guess that you know very little about teacher retention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How's the amidon campus? It's affiliated with the elementary school?

I think it's on-site at the elementary school but not affiliated with the management of the school? I think that means it would have the most outside play space as they just redid the playgrounds and made one for little kids though I don't know whether the little school garden out front is something that just the ES school kids do or what.