Why The Peppermint Tree?

We provide a warm and nurturing home-like setting, filled with passionate, loyal, long-term teachers that truly become an extension of your family. We take a personal interest in each child, and in your family.

Your child will feel right at home.

“Family-Like Environment”

“Peppermint tree is a great place for your child to start school. The staff and feeling is so comforting and family like! The teachers go 110% to keep up with the newest, latest fun activities for the kids to do as well as keep them interested in learning. My experience with Peppermint Tree has been amazing and I’m glad I chose this school.”

-Peppermint Tree Parent, Bethany Landero

Our Curriculum and Teaching Philosophy

Research shows that children learn best in an environment that allows them to explore the world and learning materials in their own way, at their own pace. For our Preschool and Pre-K programs we use the research-based The Creative Curriculum ® as our guide, which is the same curriculum that the Toms River School System has chosen for it’s preschool initiatives. The curriculum is comprehensive and aligned to essential early learning standards, using exploration and discovery as a way of learning.

We believe that children deserve individual attention, and that they do not thrive as well with a “canned” approach that you may see at larger centers. Our teachers are skilled at tailoring The Creative Curriculum ® to each of our students to assure that every child enjoys learning and grows in all areas of development. Our goal is to keep your child captivated and motivated to learn throughout the school year. We respect the unique individuality of each child, and therefore we teach each child, based on their unique style and interests. Another reason we say…Your child will feel right at home.

  • 4-Star Rated in Grow New Jersey Kids – the State of New Jersey’s High Quality Early Care and Education Rating System
  • Voted Best Preschool and Child Care Center in Toms River
  • Preparing Toms River’s children for school and life success for over 45 years
  • Credentialed and degreed, dedicated teaching staff
  • Small private school environment; warm, nurturing and fun!

“An Atmosphere of Fun, Active Learning”

“The Peppermint Tree School has created an atmosphere in which children actively participate in the learning process and have fun while learning. My children are always excited to discuss the day’s lessons and activities and I love hearing about the new things they learn each day. Thank you for giving my children such a wonderful learning experience!”

-Peppermint Tree Parent, Mary Bell

Our Staff

Our passionate and energetic teachers are dedicated to the children and have made teaching young children their life’s work. They provide your child with a stable, consistent environment where mutual trust and respect abounds. The depth of our teachers’ experience is reflected in our students; who are confident, happy and motivated learners. Our warm and nurturing experienced staff will help your child feel right at home.

“Exceptional Staff”

“I am a full time working mom and often struggle with the reality that I am often not home during the week to spend time with and teach my children. It makes me feel very comfortable to know that both of my children are not missing out on any learning experiences from me not being home during the week, because I have watched them grow so much since they have been at Peppermint Tree. All of the staff at Peppermint Tree are exceptional and Miss Val should be very proud of all of them. She has an outstanding team on her hands.”

-Peppermint Tree Parent, Krista Sipe

Our School Year Programs

  • Early Learners Preschool
    • Two years of age  (by October 1 of the school year)
  • Preschool
    • Three years of age (by October 1 of the school year)
  • Pre-Kindergarten
    • Four years of age (by October 1 of the school year)
  • Before and After School Enrichment
    • Kindergarten through Fifth Grades

School Year Hours and Schedules:

  • We are open Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Full Day: Up to 10 hours per day
  • Half Day: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Quarter Day: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m (for Early Learners, Preschool and Pre-K)