AppleTree worth attending?

[Anonymous]

I keep reading a lot about AppleTree but no one is specific about campus. Does Campus matter?

[Anonymous]

The teaching and syllabus is very standardized across campuses, so I'd say not much. However, Columbia Heights is apparently in a basement with no natural light. Lincoln Park is in a lovely building just off, er, Lincoln Park. There may be more middle class kids there, possibly, than some of the other campuses.

It's a wonderful school and they work very hard for the kids to really enjoy school and it shows.

[Anonymous]

I've walked by the CH campus and at least part of it is on the first floor, with windows. Is it true there are basement-level classrooms with no light?

[Anonymous]

It's my understanding that there is no natural light. There are CH parents on here - can anyone confirm this?

[Anonymous]

Yes, classrooms are in the basement. no natural light. Current CH parent here.

And that freaked me out and I did NOT like that. But I can honestly say, day after day, when I drop my kid off there, once I'm downstairs and in the classroom, I don't notice at all. There is so much good stuff happening in the classroom, and they do go out whenever weather permits (at least once daily, usually twice), so they do see sunlight at some point most days.

Not ideal, but given the high quality of the education, I take it and will take it again over another school where I'm not as sure of the quality but they have beautiful facilities.

[Anonymous]

LP has obnoxious neighbors so they can use the little outdoor space they have in the back. Soo, they walk to local playgrounds (normally LP, but currently Maury until the construction is finished) or at least go for a walk in the neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

"Can't" use the outdoor space

[Anonymous]

My daughter attended Apple Tree LP campus last year. I have to honestly aside from the location, it was a great introduction to prepare her for school. She was used to being home and cried nearly everyday for a 2 months as I was leaving (I cried too on some days), but the teachers were patient with her until she adapted to the routine. They went on a variety of field trips throughout DC and she really learned how to interact with other children. I also like the fact that they had 3 teachers in the classroom. I noticed that they focused more on talking and explaining concepts, and letting children explain things back to them, instead of a sit and listen type of atmosphere. Honestly, I wish they went to K and she could have stayed another year. If you are looking for a school focused on early childhood education I think it works. But if you want a school so that your child will not have to transfer later on then I would suggest you choose somewhere else. Also, at this location there is no parking so watch out for neighbors, and I think most campuses utilize public parks just like LP. Again, this is my opinion of the LP campus only. I cannot attest to the others.

[Anonymous]

Very,very happy at Appletree LP

[Anonymous]

My DC attended the CH Appletree and did not develop SAD. It was, in fact, a fabulous experience. People calm down and be happy to stop paying for day care. ATELC is a great choice regardless of campus.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

I dont know anyone that goes to that campus but I hear the Principal at LP is on top of things.

[Anonymous]

Just joined my friend on picking up her 3,5 y old from CH.Seemed lovely school, the kid loves and mom love the school. He had homework to do which he enjoyed doing and finished in 2 minutes.

[Anonymous]

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.