The Academy of Preschool Learning is also known as the “Apple School”, because “APL” is
phonetic for apple and it is shorter and easier to say. The apple is part of our registered logo.
Founders:
Joan Nehring, Retired
Lois Schreiter, Administrator
Nadeen Balsis, Administrator
"Both Lois and Nadeen are listed in the 2005 Edition of Who's Who Among
America's Teachers"
The Academy of Preschool Learning started with three women who had degrees in elementary
education and had a vision for helping young children become better students.
The founders are mothers; Joan Nehring is the mother of six children; Nadeen Balsis three
children; and Lois Schreiter four children. The three mothers had great practical experience
working with their young families.
All three of the founders taught in the public schools and saw a need for early learning
intervention with methods and materials that would enhance the learning process.
It is now understood that a child’s brain develops the most between the ages of one and five,
we wanted to take advantage of this time. Think of preschool education as the foundation of a
building. With a strong foundation learning will progress. It is the basis on which to grow.
Three years of age is the optimum age to develop these learning skills.
After one summer of writing and developing a unique program to stimulate the learning process,
we decided to use Montessori equipment, because it incorporated the use of the five senses. This
was the direction APL headed. Our reading program uses our own style of teaching phonics and
early reading readiness. Our math program uses hands on concrete equipment to help children
understand the abstract concepts.
Our goal was and still is to develop the total child, academically, socially, emotionally, and
physically, through a variety of exciting activities. APL opened its doors in the fall of 1981
in South Milwaukee and has grown to include Greendale, Franklin, and the Hales Corners areas
of Wisconsin.
Congratulations to two staff members on being nominated for the 2008 Teacher Of The Year
Award from the Betty Brinn Childrens's Museum!!
Sharon Sohns and Sue Charnon, both from Greendale APL, were nominated for the 2008 Early
Childhood Teacher of the Year Award from the Betty Brinn Childrens Museum. In 2009, Anne
Borland, of South Milwaukee(now retired), and Tammi Rybacki, of our Franklin school were also
nominated for the Early Childhood Teacher of the Year. We are very proud of these ladies.
Congratulations!
Last year we celebrated Thirty Years(30) of teaching preschoolers! Who would have thought
30 years? It has been a joy to teach all of our students. We wish them all Happiness and Success.
Open House on Monday February 20th, 2012 from 4 PM to 8 PM at all Locations.
Our Locations:
1. APL South Milwaukee, 1111 N. Chicago Ave., 53172
2. APL Greendale, 6101 S. 51st Street, 53129
3. APL Franklin, 3900 W. Ryan Rd., 53132
4. APL Hales Corners, 12219 W. Janesville Rd. 53130
APL is a member of the Wisconsin Half Day Preschool Association.
Copyright © 2005 APL, Revised - January, 2012