Wayne Apple Montessori School Announces Learning Plan

WAYNE, NJ — An apple a day keeps the doctor away, so the old adage goes. Apple Montessori Schools officials hope their learning plan for the upcoming school year will do the same.

The group of schools, with a location in Wayne, announced learning options that include in-person or hybrid learning through sixth grade, and fully remote learning for students in the third grade and below.

"We understand the challenges and uncertainties parents face as the school year approaches," said Joanne Mooney, Apple Montessori Founder.

"Our goal is to provide structure in a nurturing environment. Whether parents choose to enroll their children in school or at home, full time or part time, our modern Montessori approach to education gives them an edge academically, socially, and emotionally."

Once schools were closed in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the schools began offering at least two hours of live, daily instruction via Zoom.

That program carried over into the schools' summer learning program, and has been enhanced further as schools across the state prepare for a coronavirus-altered school year.

Infant and toddler, preschool, kindergarten and elementary programs will feature up to four live zoom classes per day, pre-recorded instruction, individualized curriculum, monthly supply kits and more.

"We want to give parents every opportunity to send their children to school this year by offering our in-person as well as our virtual At Home programs," said Mooney.

The school has also instituted enhanced cleaning protocols which include hand sanitizing stations, staggered drop off times, health screenings and more.

Staff will also be required to wear face coverings, though students aged three and above will not be required to wear them, it is only "encouraged."

Class sizes will be adjusted to state, local and Center for Disease Control guidelines, and classes will stay in the same group each day without switching classrooms.