About Red Apple Academy
About Us
For over 25 years, Red Apple Academy has been committed to creating a warm, supportive preschool environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn.
At Red Apple Academy, our preschool experience is built around a child-centered approach where children feel safe, loved, and accepted. We believe every child is a unique individual with their own strengths, interests, and developmental needs, and we are committed to supporting their growth socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically.
Children learn best through hands-on experiences. Through meaningful play, exploration, and interaction with peers and teachers, children develop confidence, curiosity, and essential early learning skills. Our classrooms are designed to provide a balance of structure and flexibility, allowing children to grow at their own pace while feeling supported every step of the way.
Our Philosophy
At Red Apple Academy, we believe that early childhood should be joyful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. Learning happens naturally when children are actively involved, curious, and having fun.
Our philosophy centers on hands-on learning experiences that encourage children to explore, create, problem-solve, and collaborate. Through working, playing, and interacting with peers and teachers, children build meaningful connections and develop a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
We value the process of learning just as much as the outcome. By giving children opportunities to try, explore, and discover, we help foster confidence, independence, and a positive attitude toward learning.
Our Objectives
Emphasizing the Learning Process
We place a strong emphasis on the learning process rather than focusing solely on the final product. Children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and engage in activities that promote curiosity and creativity. These experiences help children develop perseverance, problem-solving skills, and a genuine love of learning.
Fostering Resilience and Growth
We are dedicated to helping children develop resilience and a growth mindset. Children are supported as they try new things, face challenges, and learn from their experiences. By encouraging effort, patience, and persistence, we help children build confidence and the skills they need to navigate future challenges with optimism.
Activities are thoughtfully planned to vary in complexity. Some projects are designed to be completed independently, while others may require minimal teacher support, allowing children to stretch their abilities while feeling encouraged and supported.
Our History
Red Apple Academy was founded in 1999 by Sheri Meverden, inspired by a growing need for high-quality early childhood education in Northern Lake County. From the beginning, our vision has been to create a nurturing environment where young children feel supported and can thrive through a well-rounded early learning experience.
Originally located in the Falling Waters neighborhood of Lindenhurst, Illinois, our preschool operated with five classrooms, providing a strong foundation for early learning. As Red Apple Academy continued to grow and evolve, we relocated to our current location in the Millburn area This move allowed us to refine our focus and offer a more intentional learning environment designed to support each child’s developmental stage.
Today, Red Apple Academy proudly welcomes families from Millburn and the surrounding communities. Throughout the years, we have remained committed to fostering a supportive, engaging, and welcoming environment for young learners. Our journey reflects a dedication to thoughtful growth, strong relationships, and continuous improvement in order to best serve the children and families in our community.
We invite families to connect with us, ask questions, and learn more about whether Red Apple Academy is the right fit for their child.