We are proud to continue our partnership with the South Orange–Maplewood School District (SOMSD) Preschool Program. For the 2025–2026 school year, Applecore Learning will host four district preschool classrooms for children who are registered through SOMSD and reside in Maplewood or South Orange.
These classrooms will be supervised by both SOMSD and the Applecore Learning Center Director, and led by state-certified teachers supported by certified classroom aides.
Program Hours:
School Day: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Before Care: Available starting at 7:30 AM
After Care: Available from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, provided by Applecore Learning Early Childhood Center
Additional Applecore Learning Programs
Applecore Learning will continue to offer high-quality childcare for children ages 2½ years through Kindergarten in our Little Lamb and Busy Bee classrooms.
If your family does not reside in South Orange or Maplewood, or if your child was not placed in the district preschool program, please contact us to reserve a spot in one of our Applecore classrooms. Spaces are limited!
Download Preschool Expansion Q&A (PDF)
Using exploration and discovery as a way of learning, our preschool curriculum enables children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills.
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Our programs support children's creativity, their imagination and their curiosity, while continuing to emphasize each child’s individuality in those areas.
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We welcome you to schedule a personal tour of our facility, staff and classrooms, join our waiting list and / or inquire now about enrollment.
moreNutritious 
Good nutrition contributes
to effective learning in children...
Breakfast, lunch & snacks included
Nutritionally balanced & delicious
Meal calendars available to parents
Highly-Qualified 
Our approach to early learning
is what makes us unique...
Highly skilled and trained in early childhood care.
Multiple levels of education and certification
CPR / First-Aid Certified Staff
Quality Care & 
We offer the best child care
services for the best value...
Affordable Tuition with Convenient Payment Options
Multi-child discounts
All inclusive tuition rates & fees
State 
First-class learning in a nurturing
environment for your child and
and peace-of-mind for parents.
Age-appropriate curriculum
Flexible hours and enrollment plans
Strict safety policies and CPR/First Aid Certified Staff
"My child is so excited to attend school daily. He comes home with new phrases and I'm always pleasantly surprised! As a parent, you want to drop your child off without any worry. I never have any because of the exceptional professionalism and warmth!"
"As a parent it was very hard to find a place where I felt comfortable leaving my son. I don't think you will ever find a perfect place but I think Applecore is the closest I will get. They are so attentive to my child ( even though he is a had full at times) he has so much fun with his friends and loves the staff. He even called them his aunties. This daycare is a home away from to my child I can not thank the owner enough for opening such a nurturing center for children."
"I was able to attend a trip with the school recently. I was amazed how sweet and thoughtful the staff were. I had GREAT time and so did my son. Applecore Learning is one of the best kept secrets, if you are looking for a family friendly center, I would highly recommend Applecore. Kudos to Stacy and Nadege for everything you do!"