Apple Montessori Schools

I have 2 children at the Apple Montessori School in Edgewater, and I must say it was the best decision I ever made. Prior to joining the school my eldest daughter who was 5 at the time had a very hard time sleeping and had little interest in eating. In my opinion this was based on such little stimulation through out her day at her daycare/​preschool. Once we moved to AMS, she became a different child. Her habits began to change, and she was so stimulated that she was sleeping better, eating better. The children are taught a wide range of skills from practical life, to reading and math. They even learn leadership skills and how to be independent. Now in kindergarten, my daughter is practicing skills that will prepare her for not just addition and subtraction, but the fundamental concepts for multiplication and division. This is not something you would see in another school. Additionally, the staff does show they really care for all the children. In the evening, I can’t ever get my 2 children to get their jackets on to go home. I am very confident that my children are learning beyond what they would at another school and they are being given the care I want for my children as a full time working mother who can’t always be there. Ms. Lynch and Ms. Barias have been wonderful, as well as the rest of the staff. We love them all!

My daughter loves going to Apple Montessori! She can write her name at the age of 3,5(!), which I consider is something progressive for a child at this age; can play with herself and clean up toys after playing, sings a lot of different songs about Christmas, Halloween etc.; she loves to color and does it very good for her age (compared to her friend who is 3 days later and goes to a Russian day care)! Also, she has a lovely teacher-Ms.Rivera, whom we know quite a time, and she loves her every child in the class and does everything that she can do to teach kids more but by little steps. Yes, the price maybe not for everyone, but it is worth if you want your child to have a challenge and talk to you in complete sentences by age of 5, or maybe earlier if you are English speaking family. But as multi-​language family, the whole family and friends are amazed with my daughters songs, writing, and things she would only learn in Apple Montessori!

Ms. Ortiz has been fantastic with our child. We have seen a significant amount of development since enrolling her at Edgewater Montessori. They are attentive, compassionate and fantastic educators.

Our son started Apple Montessori of Edgewater at age 2 since last year and we notice a big improvement in his behavior. Everyday he is becoming more independent, patient and sociable. Which is what our initial objective was when we enrolled him. We are impressed at how he can do addition and subtraction. He is now expert at doing puzzle which is his favorite. He recognizes words and does sound off with every words he sees. Thanks to his teacher Ms Ortiz for her extra effort in being patient with him all along. She is very sweet and truly wonderful with everyone in the class.

My son started at AMS Edgewater at 2.5 yrs old and he is now a pre-​K. What I like about AMS is how they tailor the curriculum to fit your specific child’s needs and the exposure to different activities, like cooking, music, art, and Fastracks, that helps the children to be well rounded and wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to at such a young age. My son loves learning in Fastracks… everyday he beams about learning how and why things sink or float and how electricity works and also it teaches him at a young age confidence to do public speaking. But learning in AMS isn’t only about accelerated math and language skills, they are dedicated in teaching the children values of being respectful, kind and honest, which will only help them to become mature and responsible adults and I am thankful for this.

This is my favorite Montessori school by far. My daughter has been attending this school since she was two years old, and she’s graduating this year. She’s reading at first grade level currently and doing some very impressive math for this age. So two thumbs up for her teacher Ms. O.
The Montessori methods is no doubt the best for building a solid foundation. My daughter seems to enjoy learning while «playing» with the Montessori materials. Her teacher is very patient and gives a lot of attention to all the kids in her class to make sure everyone is learning through the Montessori class materials.
I’ve been to a few Montessori schools before I decided to put my daughter in the Edgewater location. They are by far the best Montessori school in the area. The teachers here are very experienced with kids. The assistants are very polite and caring. The whole place is very well managed. It is a great place for my child to learn not only the academics, but also how to be a well mannered and well behaved kid.
Two thumbs up for the director at the Edgewater Apple Montessori for keeping this we managed. The price is very fair comparing to some of the private schools in NJ. Just keep in mind that teachers are human, NOT magical creatures that can turn any kid into little angles with a snap of a finger.

As a mom of a 3^rd year Apple student, I’m horrified and quiet upset at the one star review by Julius and Bobby (whom I suspect are friends with each other). I take it so personally because putting my son in this school is the best thing I could have done for him. He is in Kindergarden now. I start off by saying no school is perfect. I consider myself one to back all decisions my husband and I make for our son with endless research and expert opinions. Granted Im not saying you won’t have an issue if your child is at Apple. But what I love about Apple is one, the quality of their academics which goes beyond teaching your child how to do math or read. They shape my child in his manners, depth of character and practical life skills. I can’t speak for the entire Apple chain but I do know one thing — know your director. Edgewater Apple is run the way it is because of their director Nicole Bagnato. She truly puts children’s well-​being and education before tuition and before her teachers. If a teacher makes a mistake, she’s transparent with the parents, not trying to conceal something that may be the schools fault. She’s in the classrooms interacting all day so she keeps her teachers at their top shape. She’s neurotic but that’s why the school is amazing. I can go on and on. In the end, every parent has different expectations but I think we all just want our children to be happy, well rounded and be encouraged & taught to excel. Apple Edgewater certainly does that and beyond.

My daughter started at AMS at age 4 and making progress ever since. She has always had a brain that absorbs everything like a sponge and this is the best school to be. This school has variety of teaching materials and activities to please my daughter’s curiosity. She started only knowing the abc song, and after a year now she loves to read and add/​subtract!
Teachers are very friendly. They are very attentive and kneel down to students level to talk to them.
Class is rather large (30 kids) but I always see at least 3 teachers in care per class. The only concern I have is assistant teachers rotate between classes and schools a lot so kids get confused sometimes.
I love the ‘Tadpole’ program they use to send me pictures of how my daughter is doing during the day.
Every year the school has ‘International Day’. Students learn about different countries of the world. It involved singing, dancing and trying out different foods! Fun! My daughter understands and enjoys diversity.
This school has a great well rounded program, not just academic but also learning about kindness, sharing, keeping clean and being active.
After school care is a great help for working parents. This gives me enough time to finish work and pick my daughter up knowing that she stays happy and never bored.

Julius Y. is 100% correct. Stay away if your child has a strong personality or you’re financially fortunate is all I have to say.

Based on first hand experience, this place is a business not a school, they have cookie cutter profile for the type of kids that they keep, and send away any other types of kids. They did a successful job branding themselves, therefore, there will be constant flow of students who want to come, so turning away kids is not an issue.
the class is 40 kids, which is technically legal by NJ standard, but not by other states’ standard, and the teachers do not really care about each single child as the price would suggest. Plus, they make zero effort to help child adjust to the school. it is emotionally draining to work with a school like this as a parent. Plus, they have tons of school activities, which require parent’s presence. it is a smart way to save on teacher resources, but a huge commitment on the parents’ side to keep up with the work load. We pay you to take care of our kids, not to pay you and still have to take care of my kid.
the biggest question is the real outcome of the school, there is no established literature to prove any superiority of this method, plus the specific student selection criteria will most likely screen out some truly gifted kids that will go on to have a successful academic career, as their motto says, therefore, I would serious warn any parents against drinking the kool aid without careful research!

My daughter Ella has been going to summer camp here 3 days a week and so far these guys have their act together. Its also big shoes to fill because my daughter attends another program that she LOVES! So far Apple Montessori Has been jam packed with activities for the kids from swimming to cooking. I am also VERY happy with the fact
that all the camp counselors
seem to know my daughter and really pay attention to the things she likes. We plan on attending the program part time in September and hope its this good.