Apple Tree Preschool Skirts Closure, Raises Enough Funds For New Year

PLAINFIELD, IL — Apple Tree Preschool, on the verge of closure due to decreased enrollment, will operate for another year thanks to the community rallying around the longtime Plainfield school, staff said.

The preschool, an education program within Plainfield Congregational United Church of Christ, launched a fundraiser in May in hopes of raising $25,000 to continue operating for the next school year. The school raised $11,865 between a GoFundMe campaign and a summer fundraiser, according to Pat Howard, who stepped in to help the school when it was facing closure.

"Over eighty families were notified that the only way to keep our school open was to come together and find a solution," Margaret Howard, a lead teacher for 3-year-old kids at the school and wife of Pat Howard, wrote in a letter shared with Patch. "The response we received was unbelievable. Current families, alumni, Plainfield Congregational Church members, current and past employees, and local businesses came together to pull off an amazing Summerfest Fundraiser at the school."

In May, Staff cited decreased enrollment as a "significant challenge that threatens our ability to continue providing our play-based approach to early childhood education." The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the education system affected enrollment, Patch reported earlier this year.

"Our fundraiser was a success," reads a letter shared with Patch by the school. "Because of the response from our community, our doors remained open. We are now graciously educating seventy-two students."

Looking into the future, Apple Tree has "no plans to close the doors," Pat Howard said.

"The plan is certainly to continue to operate beyond next year," he told Patch.

RELATED: Decreased Enrollment Could Cause Apple Tree Preschool To Close

The school will hold in-person registration for the 2025-26 school year from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 17 for current students and from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 18 for new students. The school follows Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202's schedule and will begin the new year in September 2025.

Prospective families with questions are encouraged to contact school directors at 815-436-9106.