About Us

Mission Statement

At Appleseed Learning, we nurture the growth of young minds by embracing the Montessori philosophy, which honors the whole child. We foster curiosity, independence, and a love for learning in a supportive environment where children are encouraged to explore at their own pace. Our faith-based values gently guide our approach, promoting respect, kindness, and a sense of purpose, but our primary focus is on the child's total development—academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Meet the Team

Appleseed Learning is led by a dedicated husband-and-wife team committed to providing a strong foundation for young learners through the Montessori philosophy. Charles, a certified Lead Guide through the American Montessori Society (AMS), brings expertise in guiding children through their developmental journey. Stevi-Zel has over five years of experience as a preschool director and previously spent eight years serving children globally through a large nonprofit organization.

Both are lifelong learners who continuously expand their knowledge through seminars, training, early childhood coaching, and collaboration with other local educators. They are CPR and First Aid certified and take pride in working together to create a loving, structured, and engaging learning environment where every child can thrive.

Program Details

At Appleseed Learning, we recognize that every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Our program combines individual lessons and small group activities to ensure each child receives personalized attention while fostering independence and curiosity. By meeting children at their developmental level, we create a learning environment where they feel supported and confident in their growth.

We serve children ages 3 to 6, with enrollment available for children as young as 2.5 years old. Our program supports them through their early learning journey until they transition into first grade. Appleseed Learning operates year-round, with scheduled breaks that align closely with the Hays CISD calendar. These breaks ensure that our guides remain refreshed and continue providing the highest-quality experience for your child.

As part of our practical life curriculum, children engage in food preparation activities each morning, which also serve as a morning snack. An afternoon snack is provided daily at 3:00 PM. Families are responsible for packing a healthy, balanced lunch, and we encourage whole fruits and vegetables over processed snacks. Candy is not permitted in lunches, as we strive to support children's focus and well-being throughout the day.

As a Montessori school, we are deeply committed to creating a thoughtfully prepared environment and developing engaging weekly lesson plans—setting us apart from traditional daycare settings. Tuition is charged monthly, regardless of attendance or scheduled closures, to maintain the consistency and quality of our program.