Some towns never change. That is the core of tradition and Hopatcong Borough Schools breath…read moretradition. For generations, students have become teachers and administrators and brought their life lessons to the classroom. Hopatcong is hidden in a safe suburb with strong family values and those values carry every day to the classroom. Add in fine sports programs and extra-curricular activities and you have the makings in a strong education.

This summer, I attended an event on the grounds of Montclair community pre-k. It was an outdoor…read morebarbecue with many vendors. The pre-K staff had a booth set up and I visited it. My daughter happens to be approaching the pre-K age. I WAS (keyword is WAS!) considering Montclair community pre-K as one of our options. I approached the booth and began looking at some of the literature. One of the staff members approached me and immediately said "do you live in Montclair?". I said no. She proceeded to tell me that my child was not eligible for financial aid because we did not live in Montclair. (FYI, I did not ask about financial aid. We DO NOT even need financial aid. I did not get the chance to ask any questions. Her first thought was that we must need financial aid because we don't live in Montclair). I thought to myself OK, not the best way to sell your institution, but whatever. I proceeded to ask some questions regarding the institution (i.e. classroom size, teacher to student ratio, curriculum, etc.) She then AGAIN continued to tell me how my child would not be eligible for financial aid because I did not live in Montclair. I tossed the brochure on the table and walked away. Your institution just lost a potential new student. If this woman spoke to anyone else, whom does not live in Montclair, i'm sure they were turned off by her abrasive and dismissive attitude. You may not want her to continue to be the face of your institution.

This is my son's second year at the Pre-K and I truly love this school. His teacher this year is a…read moremaster teacher that is able to embed academic learning within themed-based units. The students most recently opened a cafe in their classroom where they used math, reading and writing to create and run the cafe. Most importantly, he has consistently learned about empathy and compassion for others, in particular, his classmates. Character development is explicitly taught and experienced in weekly activities. Truly all the staff is incredibly kind and wonderful. I find it shocking that there is another review that felt differently. The directors of the school, not only know my son's name that goes to the school, but also the names of my two smaller children. When you come to the pre-k, it feels like family.

Our experience at The Learning Experience in Livingston was deeply disappointing and harmful to our…read moreson. From the beginning, it felt as though the administration attempted to force our child into a rigid, cookie-cutter mold rather than approaching him as an individual. In the 90 days we were enrolled, the concerns raised often felt excessive and out of proportion for a typical four-year-old. During his time there, our son was subjected to bullying and unkind behavior from classmates, which was not adequately addressed. He experienced daily emotional meltdowns, asked to be picked him up early every day, and grew to hate going to school altogether. He expressed feeling that the administration and staff did not like him, which was heartbreaking to hear from a child so young. Communication with us was overwhelmingly negative. Not once did a staff member share something positive about our son, despite him being described by multiple childcare professionals we trust as exhibiting entirely age-appropriate behavior. We received near-daily reports of issues that felt outlandish and unnecessarily alarming. Additionally, very few staff members used positive reinforcement or supportive intonation when speaking to him. Class sizes were extremely large, up to 25 children in his class! Perhaps most troubling was the inconsistency and insensitivity in communication. While staff spoke one way to us in person, they sent urgent-toned emails about our son during two major life events for our family, including one email sent just two days before our wedding, framing matters as emergencies when they were not. Early childhood education should be rooted in patience, compassion, and developmental understanding. Based on our experience, I would not recommend this location.

I enjoyed visiting the Livingston location. Patty was a doll and made me feel very comfy. Planning…read moreon enrolling my little one here once there's a slot. The facility was clean and the teachers were all pleasant. Looking forward to the new outdoor playground area. If my viewpoint changes post enrollment you'll be sure to hear about it!

It's hard to put into words what the school means to me but it would be a disservice to not share…read moremy experience. My son did not have the greatest first year of preschool at a different school so I was a bit nervous before starting his new school year at Apple Montessori in Morris Plains. However, my worries went away immediately once we started the school year. I have always heard great things about this school and it makes sense why. From the start, we were given a very warm and welcoming introduction from the director. Ms. Rathjens, and assistant director Ms. Yun. Both are very involved with interacting with the kids and greeting them throughout the day. They are attentive and responsive, and my kids feel comfortable around them. My son's preschool teacher, Ms. Kellish, and the teacher assistants, Mrs. Morales and Mrs. Ikram, are caring, supportive, and organized. My son loves going to school and always shares how nice his teachers are to him. He has learned so much and has become more independent in class. They encourage him and it shows. My daughter's toddler room teacher, Mrs. Castano, and the teacher assistants, Ms. Ucles, Mrs. Millar, and Mrs. Charles, are all so patient, nurturing, and gentle. They have helped my daughter transition well to school and never hesitate to reach out in case of anything. I also love how they have food tasting every week. My daughter is constantly singing and dancing at home, and I know it's a result from her thriving at school. It feels relieving to know that my kids are in the best care and I don't have to watch the camera like a hawk to see how they are doing. Any time I check in, I see my kids are learning and playing, and are building their independence. The parent teacher communication and level of care are unmatched. The teachers really put forth effort into all that they do and I really appreciate it all. My only regret is not enrolling my son sooner for his first year of school. Do not hesitate to go for a tour and enroll

I enrolled my son at Apple Montessori during their summer camp in 2023 when he was 2.5 years old…read more It has been an year of love, care, learning and so much fun for him! He has built friendships, developed so many skills, learnt to dance, work together and care for younger kids. This has been the best decision we made for him! Ms. Rasdell and Mr Wagner puts so much care and thoughtfulness in building the curriculum, making sure each child is getting the attention they need while also developing and focusing on their strengths. The school conducts so many events to give an opportunity for parents to network, for kids to develop new skills, have outdoor time, learn to work together and lead. I love the observation sessions and parent teacher conferences as well that gives us visibility into their day to day learning patterns and opportunities for growth! Looking forward to his tenure at Apple Morris Plains and all he learns during this time!!

Barnstable Academy in Oakland NJ has drastically declined under its current leadership. What was…read moreonce an inclusive and supportive environment is now overrun by bullying, intolerance, and widespread drug issues. Students openly admit to gossiping with staff, and the culture among faculty is equally toxic--judgmental, unprofessional, and in some cases, outright inappropriate. One new teacher was even caught vaping marijuana during school hours. The administration turns a blind eye to serious concerns in favor of maintaining a false image of perfection. They refuse to address problematic behavior unless pressured to do so. Their so-called "Upstander Pledge' is meaningless--a performance that doesn't reflect the school's actual values. While they're obsessed with monitoring students on cameras, they ignore the root issues until forced to act. It is a shame because it started off as a great school environment, but over the years I feel as though it is no longer a safe or healthy environment for students as it once was. I can say all this based on personal experience and my personal opinion.

This school was terrible for my son. They do a pretty thorough evaluation before admitting your…read morechild and we were very honest so I can only guess they said my child was a good fit to get the money. My son is academically gifted but has severe anxiety and low frustration tolerance. He is also a loyal friend, lots of fun and loves learning - but he can get frustrated in the classroom. The school offers zero emotional support. And please don't be fooled by their no-bullying slogan. My son was brutally bullied by some real nasty boys while several teachers stood by and watched. We found out from the man who drove him to school. My son was too sweet to know he was being picked on. When we brought it to the attention of the principle TWICE (and her side kick), they did nothing. I assume the other boy's parents had more money because it's all about the bottom line for this corporate owned school. The academics are strong But buyer beware and please protect your kids. (The social worker there is terrible too).

As a child I always dreamed of the day that when I had kids I would take them here to learn. Well,…read moreneedless to say my dream has come true. There isn't anything bad I can say about this place. The level of education that the children receive is far superior to any public grade School without the delinquents!

Moved my daughter to Saint Elizabeth's at age 3 from a corporate run daycare center. She will now…read morebe leaving to head off to kindergarten, and in the two years she has been at Saint Elizabeth's she has grown so much. The family atmosphere instantly made us feel at home. With events like a school-wide family picnic every June, Christmas pageant every December, field day and book fairs, you can't help but be involved. The school keeps you very informed with alerts sent directly to your cell phone. Excellent school that lives up to its superior reputation.

Our daughter has been there for 6 months and we LOVE it! The staff is incredible, the facilities…read moreare really nice and clean. They are incredibly accommodating. We do their summer camp as well.

We have our 2 sons in this school. They are both very different personalities and are both thriving…read morewonderfully. Our first started part time and is now turning 4 in the pre-k program. He's shy and has come out of shell greatly with the education and the additional enrichment program. The staff is warm, caring, and has taken the time to get to know each kid personally giving a comforting and safe feeling. I can't recommend them enough.

My son recently graduated from Park Street Academy and truly had the best experience. The teachers…read moreare so loving and knowledgable, patient, and truly cared for my child. His classmates were from all different backgrounds and the school really celebrates inclusivity. My son became more open and social and learned so much, it's made the transition to Kindergarten super smooth. He was always excited to go to school! I highly recommend PSA!

As of this June my twin sons are graduates of Park Street Academy (PSA). Without a doubt, PSA is a…read morespecial place that lovingly nurtured the boys while encouraging them to achieve their best. PSA's devoted teachers supported my children throughout a rigorous academic program that included science, math, American Sign Language, social studies and fine arts. Having completed two years at PSA, my children will enter kindergarten this fall knowing they have accomplished developmentally appropriate but challenging tasks. In addition to ensuring that students achieve academic milestones, PSA teaches children to be worldly citizens and considerate members of the community. Their students are aware of a great big world behind their town but they appreciate the opportunities and worth within reach. Procedurally, PSA is an efficient business that effectively handles business matters. Its school policies are reasonable and we appreciated their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, teachers and staff. PSA and its community of students, parents, teachers and administrators will always be a part of our lives. When I cried at graduation (truth), they were tears of joy that my children were thriving and simply, growing up. But they were also tears of appreciation and gratitude for PSA. Our entire family is prepared for kindergarten and beyond!