Peppermint Tree is excellent when you have an only child! Even if you don't require child care, affording your child that social interaction is huge for their growth! It is also an excellent place to prepare your child for Kindergarten so they won't go in overwhelmed and scared. At home we can provide structure and learning tools but it just isn't the same as a true school environment. My son gets excited to see his teachers & his friends. He looks forward to gardening, dance parties and art projects. His overall growth has also jumped leaps and bounds from when he first started last year. So much so we extended his hours from half to full day! We also LOVE that the classes are small & the teachers build a close relationship w/ every child. Touring other schools was quite scary seeing kids screaming and overwhelmed staff. I can assure you Peppermint Tree is not and never will be that way! You also have a built in Summer Camp w/ 2 pools to accommodate all age groups. Did I mention swimming lessons, class trips, gardening, ice cream days, etc? All those things are either part of class or an option to add on. So if you are on the fence about where or if you are going to enroll your child, Peppermint Tree is definitely the Best Choice! read more

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My child was enrolled in Peppermint Tree's summer camp. He was there for 5 hours and he was out (playground & pool) from 10:30 am until 11:30 am. Then they'd go inside from noon until 3 pm. This was their time to eat and sleep! Their naptime was 2 hours. So, if you want your 4.5 year old toddler to go to summer camp and nap for 2 hours this is your place. There were no other activities as promised on the schedule we were emailed to before camp began. The schedule showed that they were going to do arts, science and so many fun things. When I asked if he was doing any of these things I was told by his teachers that most of these were happening during his pool time. Really? Isn't the establishment's responsibility to ensure that all groups get to do these "fun things?" Why should a 4.5 yr old eat and sleep from 12 pm - 3 pm. There is plenty of time for his "teachers" to read books, engage them in fun/educational activities while they're inside. So really, all that money we paid for was only for 2 hours (run around in the playground and use the pool). Our child didn't learn anything, there were no educational activities as the written schedule showed, and we basically paid for 5 hours, 3 out of which were eat and sleep! I don't recommend this place whether it is for summer camp or as a daycare. Unless you want to use it as a babysitting place, sure, then it's fine. Just don't expect your child to learn here... read more

I needed a preschool in toms river NJ and found tons to choose from. Peppermint tree was our choice and my son and I are both glad we chose them! My son loved the pre-k program and will be attending camp for the second summer in a row. I highly recommend this preschool and I know you wont be disappointed! read more

My children attended this school for three years and we enjoyed all of them. The school is always clean. The staff are amazing. They go above and beyond to make the kids feel comfortable as well as follow a curriculum that truly prepares them for kindergarten. Outside the class they have trips and enrichment activities giving the kids the opportunity to learn while having fun. During the COVID-19 pandemic the director provided constant communication on protocols and procedures. They teachers held online meets when in school wasn't possible and seamlessly transitioned the children back to in person. The last two years were difficult on all but the staff here maintained the same level of professionalism they had in years before. This is a team of educators that truly love what they do and it shows. I can't say enough good things about this school. read more

My 3 children have all been going to the Peppermint Tree. It is by far the best pre-school in the area. The entire staff is so warm and friendly and very personable. My children LOVE going and I love bringing them there, knowing that they will be well cared for. They have learned so much from their experiences here. My kids come home tired, dirty, and happy, all three things that should happen coming home from camp! The school program is just as great! read more

My wife and I were initially skeptical about sending our daughter to daycare being first time parents. We decided at 17 months it was time to send her, especially with encouragement from our pediatrician for "developmental reasons". After researching and visiting many day cares we decided to give peppermint tree a trees try because of their smaller classroom numbers. We basically wanted the most attention for our daughter as possible, as any parent would. After a few months now I can honestly say it's the best decision and the best money my wife and I have ever spent. Our daughter has learned SO much and is more advanced than her friends her age that do not go to day care. The teachers are also really great and every one is super friendly. I highly recommend this place! read more

Peppermint Tree is a hidden treasure. From the minute that I drove up to it, I felt at home. Peppermint Tree is tucked away in a nice, quiet section of Toms River. Everything from the "house like" setting to the white picket fence, makes you feel like you are just dropping your kids off for a "play date", but one that they will learn at and be enriched. The Peppermint Tree staff always has a smile on their face, whether it is early in the morning or late in the day after hours of play and adventure. When you child is disappointed that they have a "day off" from Peppermint, it makes you feel good as a parent that you made the right choice. My children have gone to Peppermint Tree for a total of 4 years, including the summer camp program, and I have watched them grow into intelligent, curious, good natured, and warm hearted children. There is no doubt in my mind that every single individual from Miss Val, the owner, to the teachers and summer help , have touched and helped my 2 children become the little people they are today. Any chance I get, whether someone is actively looking for a child development center, or in one now that feels the center is not meeting their needs, I rave about Peppermint Tree and what it has to offer. The staff is very knowledgeable about how new computer technology can aide with child development, but still reaches "back to the roots" for the basic children's play that establishes the foundation for learning. The summer camp program is phenomenal. It offers everything from outside fun summer activities to cool trips. There is even a pool that allows the kids to cool off. Swimming classes from the Y are also offered, making everything so accessible for the children and parents. read more

Both of my children have been attending Peppermint Tree, both school and summer camp, for over two years now, and they absolutely LOVE it. They have an amazing staff of devoted, caring individuals and offer so many different programs and activities throughout the school year and the summer camp program. Most importantly though, my children feel safe, as do my husband and I. Our son, who has high-functioning autism is understood and encouraged by all the staff. Whether you have a special needs child or not, the Peppermint Tree is, hands down, the best early education center/camp around. read more

Great preschool! I love the home-like environment setting of the school. They use the same learning curriculum as the Toms River School system, that way they will be right on track when they enter kindergarten. Communication is key with this school when it comes to their students and the parents. I am always well informed in regards to the school and upcoming meetings and activities. Great teachers and staff and an overall wonderful start to a child's education! read more

My daughter asked me to join the music class that her daughter Gabby attends on Saturday mornings. It's run by Miss Val. I attended this morning and I cried. Gabby was so in tune, loved the songs and movements ( hidden exercises!) and had a glorious time. Gabby is just two. Gabby's favorite song - complete with hand gestures, meaning pointing to herself -was a song about being a strong person, saying that " I am me" and "I love me and I am strong". I was struck by Gabby's complete integration of the song and her joy in pointing to herself when the "I am strong" refrain played. My daughter, granddaughter Gabby, Miss Val and I provided support! For those of you who matured in the 19 60's, here's the class you want your grandchildren to attend! read more