Peppermint Tree
Then & Now
The Peppermint Tree Child Development Center was founded in 1975 by Lynda Fenwick. In 2006, Valerie Frost-Lewis purchased the school from Lynda and continues to own and direct The Peppermint Tree Child Development Center today.
In the last fifty years, Peppermint Tree has shifted and evolved to meet the times while continuing to be true to its roots—dedicated to early childhood education with a well-balanced approach that is has always been integral to the local community and serves the best interest of the child.
1975 →
Peppermint Tree is founded by Lynda Fenwick.
2006 →
Valerie Frost-Lewis purchases Peppermint Tree.
2026 →
Peppermint Tree embraces outdoor education.
Meet Miss Val.
Val has been the Owner/Director of The Peppermint Tree Child Development Center for over twenty years. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Education, with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education.
She has led The Peppermint Tree to attain a 4-Star Grow New Jersey Kids rating, and the school has been selected by the state of New Jersey to implement the Pyramid Model to support social emotional development of young children. Today Val is implementing a first-of-its-kind approach to early childhood education that brings together social emotional learning, early academics and the arts, nature connection, and community to best prepare today’s children for tomorrow’s future.
Val serves as President-Elect on the board of the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children (NJAEYC) and continues to support her local Ocean Chapter of the organization. As an organizational leader, motivator, and provider of professional development both locally and nationally, Val continually contributes her expertise in early childhood education and is a driving force to do the best we possibly can for young children.
We look forward to welcoming you into our community of families.
