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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Still on the fence about my decision and would love some additional feedback on Apple Tree.  Did any parents out there find the Apple Tree curriculum to be too rigorous or rigid for their child?  I know there's been speculation from other non-AT parents, but I would love to hear from those who have actually been through the program.  I have a very active little boy, and I worry about the day being too structured and demanding for him.

Also wondering if anyone else was turned off by the physical space at Apple Tree CH?  I just found the building kind of off-putting and strange.  It struck me as odd that the school was operating right next to a few random apartments where people are living.  I saw a wreath on a door during our tour and was like, "What the heck?"

One last thing.  The weekly homework folder.  Would love some feedback on this from Apple Tree parents.   Seems like a bit much for a 3-year-old to have weekly homework.  Any feedback is much appreciated!  Thank you![/quote]

1) The school is in its own space with locked doors to the space and a rigorous sign in policy.  Random people do not live in the school.  In any event, the space is not ideal but it was fine.  The classrooms are bright, well decorated and well supplied which partially offsets the lack of windows.

2) my very active little boy did great in the program.  I've always found with my son that he does better with a schedule to his day and expectations about how to behave - he gets wilder and more out of control when he is just left to his own devices and not guided at all.  His teachers were very kind and caring in helping him with his first school experience.  It also helped that he loved what they were learning - it's easier to sit still in circle time and focus on the various centers when they are all focused on dinosaurs (etc.). I think it can be a good fit for active kids but you need to assess whether it would be for your child based on what you know about him.

3) The weekly homework is a single assignment tied to the weeks theme.  Generally it is along the lines of "this week we read the book A Snowy Day (describes plot of book for parents).  Draw a picture of what adventures you would like to have on a snowy day."  My impression was that the homework was part of the school readiness component of the cirriculum - to get kids and parents used to the idea of homework before starting "real" school.  There was also a packet for spring break and winter break and those were longer with more letter and number tracing and counting as well as coloring and drawing.  My son liked to do his weekly homework and it took 5 minutes.[/quote]

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