We think Happy Apple Academy is one of the best pre-school programs around. Happy Apple offers 2 and 3 day classes for 2 1/2, 3, and 4 year-old children. We began in 1981 and were proud to see our first class of students graduate from High School in 1996! We are sure that the strong foundation they laid at Happy Apple contributed to their academic success.
AWARD!
Happy Apple Academy is proud of our most recent award. At the Georgia Preschool Association's 2000 Convention (with 1600 members from across the state), the Happy Apple Academy staff received one of two Distinguished Certificates of Merit. This award honored the staff for their advocaty of children, for their compassion with children and families, and for the quality of their work. We are very pleased with this recognition of our staff and program.
Philosophy
At Happy Apple Academy, we believe that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploring, and discovery. Pre-school children are creative and receptive; our staff strives to encourage these qualities in the children who attend. We work to provide an atmosphere that encourages the child's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth and development.
Curriculum
The curriculum at Happy Apple Academy includes sharing and conversation time; songs, stories, and fingerplays; creative art activities and crafts; field trips throughout the community; celebration of birthdays and holidays (including the most fun and exciting holiday parties!); science and nature activities; food preparation; exposure to shapes, colors, numbers, and letters; and games and large muscle activities.
Objectives
The objectives of Happy Apple Academy are:
- To build a sense of trust and self in others.
- To interact with others in work and play activities.
- To develop motor skills, both large muscle and fine motor.
- To build a sense of independance.
- To develop listening skills.
- To further intellectual growth in language skills, perception, number concepts, and problem solving.
- To develop expressive skills.
- To use various art and media.
- To develop music appreciation through singing, dancing, and rhythym activities.
- To explore a wealth of children's literature.
- To develop personal social skills of health, hygiene, and safety.
Facilities and Equipment
Happy Apple Academy has ample space in the facilities of St. Marys United Methodist Church. The entire Happy Apple wing was renovated during the summer of 1997. Each class has its own room, which is equipped with manipulative toys, books, play areas, and items that will interest your child. We have a full playground outside with safe playground equipment. We use Bailey Hall for parties and social events. Cooking is done in our commercial-grade kitchen, which is fully equipped with fire safety equipment.
Classes and Staff
Happy Apple Academy offers two and three day programs for 2 1/2, 3 and 4 years olds, in five different classes, and two five day programs for 4 year olds.
Ginna Stein is the Director of Happy Apple Academy (as well as the Blue Apple teacher). An excellent teacher and children's advocate, Ginna received one of eight Distinguished Certificate of Merit awards at the 1997 Georgia Preschool Association convention (out of 1,600 members).
Our Yellow Apple class is for 2 1/2 year olds.
Our Red Apple, Orange Apple and Sky Blue Apple classes are for 3 year olds.
Our Purple Apple class is for 4 year old children in both 2- and 3-day programs.
Our Green Apple and Blue Apple classes are for 4 year olds in the 5 day program.
Our enrichment program, offers special activities to the classes in the areas of science, literature, and music.
Julie Linkous is our efficient school secretary, paraprofessional--and the person you'll talk to when you call.
What to Expect
You can expect that your child will be safe at Happy Apple Academy. We have strict rules about picking up children, and never leave children unattended.
You can expect that your child will be cared for at Happy Apple Academy. Our teachers and staff are wonderful, loving individuals who genuinely enjoy children.
You can expect that your child will receive spiritual training at Happy Apple Academy. We are a Christian ministry. We choose to focus on those beliefs which Christians hold in common. Our main emphasis is that Jesus loves us, and wants us to love Him. We believe that children learn about Jesus' love as they experience our love.
You can expect to be involved in your child's class. We celebrate birthdays. Holidays bring on fantastic parties. Many parents volunteer at Happy Apple, sharing their talents and skills with the children.
You can expect your child to love Happy Apple Academy! We have refined our program over years. Hundreds of students have taught us how to work with every type of child.
Address
Happy Apple Academy
106 East Conyers Street
St. Marys, GA 31558
(912)882-3727
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact our Director, Mrs. Ginna Stein.
Disclaimer
Happy Apple Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or denomination. Happy Apple Academy is a member of the Georgia Preschool Association. We reserve the right not to enroll a child who may present a special situation which Happy Apple Academy is not equipped to handle.
