Portrait of a Apple Tree's director, Sue Eby. She has short gray hair, glasses, and is wearing a black collared shirt, standing outdoors in front of a stone wall with greenery.

Welcome from Our Director

Director

43 years with Apple Tree
A.A.S. Early Childhood Education, University of Cincinnati

Sue Eby

Apple Tree is a special place, that truly nurtures and prepares children for school and life. Each lead teacher brings over 20 years of experience, making our faculty among the most seasoned in the city.  This is a community that truly cares about each child, and their unique personalities, skills, and interests. Teachers take great pride in supporting children’s developmental milestones through enriching, joyful, and imaginative activities. These experiences incorporate elements of each child’s identity, family background, and the wider world, creating meaningful connections and lasting growth.  Parent partnership is at the heart of each day.

I am grateful to lead and be a part of the exceptional Apple Tree community. Apple Tree alumni are known for their readiness to learn and emotional maturity. Many fondly recall their early Apple Tree experiences throughout their academic journey—and often return to visit and volunteer, with several now enrolling a second generation.

Meet Our Teachers

Our teachers are our greatest strength.

Our community of lead teachers makes it their mission to collaborate and create a nurturing and enriching environment for each student. They share their deep experience, skill, and passion with peers and families; creatively tailoring activities, routines, and curriculum to bring joy and development to each day.

A teacher playing with a baby apple student while sitting on a rug surrounded by bubbles. The woman is smiling and holding the boy, who is reaching out to touch the bubbles. In the background, there are wooden shelves with colorful toys.
A little apple teacher and young children are playing a puzzle game at a green table in a classroom.

Jenny Barth
28 years with Apple Tree

Toddler Lead Teacher
A.A.S. Early Childhood Education, University of Cincinnati

Beth Richardson
21 years with Apple Tree

Infant Lead Teacher
B.S. Early Childhood Education, University of Cincinnati

Children playing with foam blocks and a woman supervising indoors, with colorful wall posters and toys in the background.

Jessica Barth
27 years with Apple Tree

Toddler Lead Teacher
Early Child Development and Social Work, University of Cincinnati

A kindergarden prep student is showing a toy to a teacher with pride.

Lydia Hamilton
36 years with Apple Tree

Preschool Lead Teacher
A.A.S. Early Childhood Education, University of Cincinnati

Sharon Crutcher
35 years with Apple Tree

Kindergarten Prep Lead Teacher
Seasoned Teacher

Explore Our Classrooms

  • Baby on a soft mat playing with colorful toys.

    Baby Apple

    Ages 3 – 18 Months

    Our infant experience is centered on each child’s development through nurturing and positive personal attention.

    Learn More
  • Three young children playing on an indoor wooden play structure with a slide. The boy in the foreground is smiling while going down the slide. A girl in the background is climbing up the play structure.

    Little Apple

    Ages 18 Months – 3 Years

    Our toddler experience celebrates learning through nurturing relationships, engaging experiences, and supportive routines.

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  • Kids playing on a playground structure, with a smiling boy in the front, and other students climbing the play structure in the background, during a sunny day.

    Big Apple

    Age 3

    Our preschool experience is centered on the whole child – fostering self-confidence, collaboration and cognitive growth.

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  • In the foreground, a student draws while sitting at a blue table. Another student works on a puzzle in the background.

    Kindergarten Prep

    Ages 4 -5

    Our kindergarten prep experience focuses on refining the social, emotional and cognitive skills necessary to succeed in primary school.

    Learn More