I am so glad to finally provide a long overdue review of Magic Apple School....and the two incredible people that created it. Our son was fortunate enough to attend both Apple Afterschool; all six years of Magic Apple School; and Camp Western Town during the summer months. In short, our family has had a lot of exposure to Magic Apple and have been so very lucky to be part of the most positive and enlightened experiences around.
Magic Apple School was created and is currently operated by two truly amazing people....Francisco and Janice Jimenez, commonly referred to as "Jan and Fran". They both hold advanced degrees; various teaching credentials; and have both taught in public schools. They are teachers in the classic sense and Magic Apple is an actual school...not a daycare. But to fully understand what Magic Apple is all about you need to first start with their motto: "You have not lived a memorable day until you have done something for someone who cannot possible repay you". You see, Jan and Fran believe in this motto and teach it every day. They feel that helping others really is the most important thing a person needs to be aware of....I happen to agree. But Jan and Fran actually practice what they teach. Over the years, I can think of so many areas that Magic Apple has provided real and tangible help to so many ways.....including several surgeries and/or hospital care; wheel chairs; hospice care; food drives; international donations; and ongoing financial support for many other charities. What a lot of people don't know is the amount of their own money they donate each and every year to various causes including a substantial amount to Sister Flora's Orphanage in Haiti and many others. Their generosity is very humbling.
But giving to others is not all that happens at Magic Apple. The school offers various programs that involve science; technology; cooking; the environment; interactive plays; and public speaking. Throughout the year, all the the kids also practice a variety of song and choreographed dance numbers that culminate in a Spring and Fall Performance. It is amazing to watch these little kids all working for each other and with each other.....and hey, for many of these kids this is the only exposure they will ever have to speaking, dancing, singing and performing in public. At the end of the day, most of the kids walk away with more confidence, self esteem and understanding.
Jan and Fran, and what they have created, deserve an accurate review. They teach compassion and understanding at a very basic level; and lead by example. Our family was very fortunate to discover Magic Apple Afteschool when our son was only six. He is now 13 and I can safely say that Jan and Fran continue to be two of the best role models he will ever encounter. It is truly an honor and a privilege know them both; and an even bigger bonus to have our son exposed to Magic Apple during a very formative time in his life. We will never be able to Thank them enough but know that there is very large contingent of Apple kids and their parents that admire and respect you more than you will ever know.