In 1972, Jane and Rex Bailey opened the first Apple Montessori School to provide their own young children as well as families in the local community with the highest quality of education and care possible. Forty years and 15 schools later, the Bailey family daughters carry on the tradition of delivering this same quality child-centered Montessori program to families throughout metropolitan New Jersey.
As a Montessori teacher, Jane Bailey understood from the beginning that infancy to age six is an important period for learning. Unable to find a preschool that provided the quality learning experience she envisioned, Jane opened her own – establishing one of the first Montessori schools in northern New Jersey.
Her husband Rex added his skill and experience in administration as a two term public School Board President. Together, they teamed up to establish and expand their schools in a gradual, sensible manner. Over time, this development involved all four Bailey daughters in the family vision and mission, which has now benefitted their 13 grandchildren as well. As their own family has grown, so has the Apple Montessori family – expanding to a present 15 schools, and counting.
Lee Havis, IMS executive director, came to know Jane and Rex personally in 1978, before IMS came into existence. During that time, Lee, Jane and Rex often spoke about working together to improve Montessori teaching in the region. With the founding of IMS in 1979, however, their communication was less regular, even though Apple school personnel regularly attended IMS workshops when offered in the area.
The Apple Montessori School family has grown with the times and needs of the community they serve, offering art, music, and technology as well as a commitment to ethical and responsible behavior. For example, 3 times per year a special guest visits to offer “advice” on topics such as morals, values, and how to be kind and polite. In addition, parenting seminars on a variety of topics are sponsored throughout the year.
During the months of July and August, daily swimming lessons are part of the summer camp program serving students ages 2 through 12. Advanced security systems are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child, including a live video monitoring system so parents can view their child at school every day.
For the Baileys, family means caring about all the children at their schools as they do their own, to provide the best possible support for developing the unique potential of each child under their care.
For further information, contact: Tara La Motta, Communications, Apple Montessori Schools, http://www. applemontessorischools. com/ 5 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 07457, 973-915-3196
