Our Story
In 2011, Green Apple Garden Playschool opened as a licensed center focused on nature immersion. After consistent feedback from staff and families to root more deeply in the community, Apple Playschools became a nonprofit organization in 2014.
A volunteer Board of Directors was created and in September 2014 officially became the charter Board of Directors. Our Board consists of a combination of program parents, former program parents, community members and seeks to be a diverse representation of the constituents of the Apple Playschools community.
By 2015, Green Apple Garden expanded into two buildings and Manzanitas Spanish Immersion Playschool opened to provide a Hispanic language and cultural immersion experience. Shortly thereafter, Apple Scouts community immersion school-age summer camp began. All of our programs follow the Reggio Emilia approach with a strong focus on anti-bias education and child-led, play-based learning.
Many “founding employees,” trailblazing, amazing people contributed to the unlikely early success of Apple Playschools including Kate VanHorn, Amanda Lodge, Katie Chappell-Lakin, Nuola Akinde, Moonbeam Frey, Ileana Ramos, Janet Latting Caballero, Silvia Merlo and Cheryl Rivera. Without the dedication and endurance of this talented and driven group of people, Apple Playschools would not have made it through the early years. Thank you for your dedication and support!