What Our Families Say

“We have had difficulties in the past with childcare, and since day one both my daughter & I have felt welcome and comfortable with the environment provided at Saplings. My child has loved coming there to spend time, doesn't want to leave when I pick her up, and even asks when she is going back on the days that she doesn't attend. Also, Saplings has been more than accommodating with my demanding and ever changing schedule, making things so much easier with the childcare aspect of my life. The quality of care that my child has received while attending Saplings has far exceeded my expectations and I couldn't be happier with the opportunity for my child to be part of this program!! Saplings has been the best thing that ever happened to our family!!!” -mother of H, age 4.5 fall 2015

“Saplings is the first experience that I have had with preschool/daycare as [K, 4] is my first child. I could not be more pleased with what Saplings has to offer my child in terms of curriculum, and myself as a parent, i.e. flexible payments and scheduling. Saplings is a blessing for my family. Everything that a child does, good or bad, is presented in a way that the child perceives as a positive learning experience. It has inspired me as a parent to pay closer attention to every opportunity that I have to do the same with my child. The articles and information provided to parents are a great way to plant a seed with parents at home to do the same. I love what Saplings has to offer. Children and parents both benefit from this wonderful school.” --father of K, 4.5 fall 2015

"Thank you for bee-ing kind, bee-ing understanding, bee-ing patient. We, the Saplings (and their families!) are all the better for it." Love, R, mom of D

Thank you for making this wonderful school, where my son can run and wander and explore. I am so happy he is surrounded by local, homemade foods, bunnies, woods and kind friends. Thank you for making a place I feel entirely comfortable leaving my imaginative little pirate Jedi! Love, R, mom of D 2015

“After relocating last spring, I was frustrated with the lack of childcare options in the area. I couldn't find anything beyond the normal in-home or facility-based care, so when I saw Saplings advertised on Facebook last year, I immediately emailed Jax. I was thrilled when she had space and agreed to take on my freshly two-year-old daughter. Saplings was an amazing place when it opened this fall, but Jax didn't use that as an excuse to settle. Over the past months, Saplings has continued to grow, evolve, and adapt into a place more impressive than I could have ever imagined. It's the ideal place for a child to fully experience the simple, wonderful joys of childhood all while learning, gaining social courtesy, and honing valuable life skills. My daughter's experiences at Saplings have fostered a tremendous love of learning and of nature and have helped to transform the outdoors into a wonderful playmate. I regret only that someday my daughter will outgrow Saplings' curriculum, but I trust that the foundation laid during her years there will continue to foster her love of learning.” --mother of E, 2.5 spring 2016

Thank you so much for all that you do to run Saplings School. We feel so thankful to have found you and love being a part of the Saplings family. Words can't express the gratitude J and I have that you are taking such incredible care of our child and enriching his life. M will always remember his unique and exciting time here and it will be a part of how his life takes shape through the years. Every school day, M is excited to go to school and play with you and his friends. That is priceless. You are all a special light in our lives and we love you! - L, mom of M, 2016

Thank you so much for providing this wonderful opportunity where T could continue to grow as a learner and a person in his favorite space, outdoors with all his favorite beings-- animals! You have fostered his style of learning in such a beautiful way and your impact will last a lifetime. We will miss you, but will never forget this year for T! Love always! the S family, 2017

You put together a pretty amazing paradise for our girl. We can't thank you enough. You're above and beyond and I've been so inspired to carry some of your ideals into our own public schools. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! the Y family, 2017

“I don't think I tell you enough how much I appreciate all your hard work and for having Saplings available to my kids. Please know your hard work doesn't go unnoticed.” --mother of A, 3.5

“As soon as I heard about Saplings I knew I wanted my (then) 2 year old to go there! I was excited for it to begin many months from when I first heard about it. I grew up in Sweden and we were always outside, no matter what the weather was. I was disappointed with my oldest daughter’s preschool. The room the kids were in wasn't very big and if it was too warm - they stayed inside, if it was raining - they stayed inside, if it was too cold - they stayed inside!! My second daughter, Ariana, is my wild child. A preschool like the place her older sister went to would not have been enjoyable for her and she would constantly have been told to stop climbing, exploring, not get dirty etc. Ariana started with Saplings when it opened in September 2015 (she's 3) and it has been a great experience! She loves it and gets to go exploring with her friends, go sledding, climb things, jump in mud puddles, play in the rain, and basically be a kid the way I feel a kid should be allowed to be! Her little sister, L-, is going to start at Saplings in September. I know she will love it there as much as A- does and I'm excited to see what adventures she'll be taking part in. I wish elementary schools were run the way Saplings is.

I also can't praise Jax enough for taking on such a project as creating Saplings and all the red tape she had to go through. She does an amazing job with her "toddler posse" and I always see a bunch of happy and healthy (but usually somewhat dirty at the end of the day) kids there. I don't know any other program with a leader as flexible as she is. She does her best to accommodate people's schedules when things come up, allows you to make up a day if you have to miss one (when your child is sick or for many other reasons) where most daycares would charge you no matter what. She allows you to give advance notice when you are going on vacation and doesn't charge you for that time. She made hot lunches during the winter for the kids, and if someone forgets their lunch she always has a backup plan! She tries to give several options for payment plans to find what works best for each parent. I have no complaints or any suggestions for improvements where Jax and Saplings are concerned; my family and I couldn't be happier!” --mother of A, 3.5 spring 2016

“As many of you know being a parent is a rewarding yet at times a terrifying role. Finding someone to care for your child/children is not an easy task. We searched long and hard to find someone with the experience, confidence and knowledge that Jax displays. Finding someone that is also proactive and quick thinking if there is an emergency was also very important for me. Jax is passionate about her school and spends many countless hours finding new activities for the kids to do and ways to make it even better. I am amazed with the things S has learned while attending Saplings. There were many times when I said "I had no idea S was able to do any of that yet" while telling other people about Saplings. I am amazed at how smart and independent she is and I feel like Saplings is a great way to prepare her for kindergarten! When children go to preschool they often come home with bad behaviors they picked up and this hasn’t happened and for that I am also extremely pleased. Jax is very diligent if I list any concerns and she assures me that she is here to help. Often going above and beyond without making me feel judged. For once, I feel 100% percent comfortable with leaving S in someone else's care. The only downfall is that I know S will not be able to attend for other school years once she reaches a certain age.” -- mother of S, 3.5 spring 2016

I can't even begin to tell you how grateful we are to have found your incredible school, you and your staff. E's experiences at Saplings have been educational, freeing and fun and we have you and your vision to thank for that. Thank you for loving our boy... our sensitive, quirky, and at (many) times difficult little man. Your guidance has helped him to be his best and has helped us to be better parents. I can't tell you how much we appreciate you for everything. Even through your difficulties, you were concerned with your Saplings. You're a **cking hero and we love you! E's mom, spring 2017

What an amazing year this has been for X! He has enjoyed Saplings so very much and it has been so good for us too as his parents. We have enjoyed getting to know you and seeing and experiencing what an awesome school you have. Thank you for all the hard work you have done to make this such an awesome experience for our son. He will never forget his teachers, friends and school. We look forward to sending our girls to your school in the future and allowing them to experience the outdoors and nature as well. Always, C, mom of X, spring 2017

We are so grateful for all you do for our family and feel blessed to have you in our lives. - the B family, spring 2017

Thank you for providing such a great learning environment for our kids, and for all you do them. Sincerely, P's family, spring 2017

Thank you for the past two years. I am so grateful C was able to experience Saplings and learn from your creative and brilliant nature and mind. I can't wait for my daughter to attend. You and the rest of the teachers have made an impact! XOXO D, mom of C, 2017

Thank you is not enough! What you have created for my child is something that will help shape his world forever. The love, patience, compassion, sense of adventure, passion for teaching in nature and nurturing environment you and the rest of the Saplings family have built has helped M (and the other little Saplings) to thrive. He has become such an independent, playful, and nature-loving little soul and I'll forever be grateful for this experience. Enjoy the summer and TRY to relax a bit! - the W family, 2017

Thank you so much for making L's first year of preschool so wonderful! You've created such a loving, beautiful, and thoughtful environment for all the Saplings. You truly are one of a kind. Thank you! -J, mom of L, 2017

No gift or even words can describe how thankful we are to have such an amazing family of teachers care for these children. I hope you continue to bring all of your visions to life, as I am excited to see this school and your programs grow. (Kindergarten and first grade would be nice. :) ) I never thought I would be comfortable leaving S with anyone but family, but I now consider Saplings family and have the utmost confidence in sending her to your school. As always, please never hesitate to ask for anything at any time! We are more than willing to help. 

Love, S, J, & M

"Words will never describe how thankful I am that we found your school (and you!). Your vision has truly made all the difference in the world for one of the most important people in my life. With your skills, passion, knowledge and love, he is finding his way and flourishing! Thank you!" C, mom of P

Thank you so much for letting me tour your center today. It is beautiful! If there is anything I can help you with, please don't hesitate to contact me! I look forward to seeing you again. You and your program are a breath of fresh air! Thank you again for all you do. Warmly, S May 2019

"I'm so thankful for all of you at Saplings! I'm grateful for the past three years J has had the opportunity to explore, learn and grow with each of you by her side. And I'm so happy L has joined the Saplings family. Thank you for all of your care, compassion, and patience with them. AND for weathering all climate conditions: rain, snow, sleet... You were there so THANK YOU!" --mom of J & L

Thank you all so much for giving O a magical first year of preschool at Saplings!!! She is in love with school and wishes every day was a Tuesday or a Thursday. :) We are so grateful for the love, support, safety, adventures and opportunities you have provide to her. She has grown so much as a whole this last year and has really come out of her shell. Much of that is in part due to all you have done for her through her experiences at Saplings over this last year. We are beyond blessed to have you all in our lives and we can't thank you enough for all you do for her. Sincerely, the O. B. family, June 2019

Dear Saplings Teachers, Another amazing year in the books and it just keeps getting better and better. This card reminded me of you all because most people don't realize how realistic is actually is to get our kids outside every single day no matter what. I know this must be a challenging job for you, but knowing that you are lovingly providing this opportunity for our kids means more than you will ever know. What you are teaching them in nature will forever shape how our kids will grow and thrive! You all have such a special place in our family's hearts and we are so thankful that we found you. I hope you all have a chance to relax and regroup a bit this summer. When I see C's independent, fierce and adventurous spirit, I'll think of you and the big role you all played in that! XO L, mom of C, June 2019

"Jax, Thank you! You kept the ship running during a pandemic and you did an amazing job. The amount of time it took to prepare, educate yourself and constantly communcate to us all--did not go unnoticed. Thank you for making an awesome place for our children to learn and grow! We love you!" The A family, the B family, and the R family 2021

"Thank you so much for expanding the "Saplings Experience" to include a homeschool group this year. It was such a memorable year for B. She had a great time and learned a lot. We are all so lucky to have such an amazing person in our lives. My kiddos love you almost as much as I do." XOXO, M, mom of B & K 2021+

Thank you for being awesome! You have created an environment that promotes ALL of the best for your teachers and learners! -- dad of H, fall 2022

You pulled off another amazing year. We are so grateful for your visions and leadership, in offering such a gen in the lives of our youth. We are the luckiest! Thank you! -- family of 3 Saplings alum

Words truly can't express how grateful we are that you took a leap and started Saplings. The community you have created is truly wonderful. A has flourished in one year. Her confidence in herself continues to grow. We feel lucky and priviledged to have her at Saplings. I also think she may forever want to go into your house in search of Sheldon. Thanks for always being honest, transparent, and giving my kiddo all the love. - mom of A, spring 2022

Not quite sure where another year has gone, but here we are. I can't believe L has only one more year as a Sapling, but we won't rush the summer. Thanks for another great year! Thanks for helping keep things "normal" when our family's world flipped upside down. I hope everyone gets a chance to put their feet up and enjoy some time with their loved ones. Thank you, Saplings! - mom of L, 2022

Thank you for having the courage to start Saplings. It has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of hundreds (and more probably!) You are a kind, patient, and dedicated woman. I appreciate you. A, mom of K&H, 2023

Starting Saplings fall of 2018 was the best decision for us and our family! We've come a long way from shy 3-year-old who cried for hours and had to be held from running. His determination and strong will are now directed into more productive things thanks to the patience, love, support, and guidance at Saplings. Our wild, fun, kind, "scrappy" 2-year-old has learned so much about others and has been given the opportunity to be wild.. and has been shown empathy, understanding, and direction when he is too wild! Thank you for all the support over the years. We know it takes a lot to make things happen every day. We are so appreciative of each person's efforts. While will miss you terribly in our daily lives, we look forward to L's first day when he starts in the fall! Love, mom & dad of two grads and a third soon-to-be Sapling

I don't want to write this! This is so sad. Ugh, OK, here we go... You have created a Paradise Wonderland for our community. Our chldren have felt so loved and at home in your care. You are truly family, and we could not have asked for more... 7 years of Saplings and amazing memories, we love you all so incredibly much. Love, M & Z, parents of 3 Saplings grads

There are no words or amount of gifts to say how incredibly grateful we are to be a part of Saplings. All because of you and this amazing place, our child gets to have an incredible experience of "playschool." You are so organized, and it's been an amazing year! We are thankful for all you do! - mom of A, spring 2024

Thank you SO SO much for beyin so kind! -E (8) and L (5)

WITHOUT YOU NONE OF THIS EXISTS. We love you for innumerable reasons. - the M family

Thank you for Saplings! It has been one of the best decisions we have made for the boys and have never regretted it. Thank you for the memories! We are so happy that M will still be there next year. - mom of J & M, spring 2024

There are no words to describe yet another amazing year! We are so grateful for this incredible "school" you created. The "science" behind what you're doing I see in A. She is so confident, her writing, emotionally, so many things! Here's to another year! Love, The H family spring 2025

Having a place for our child to grow and learn that was safe, caring, and full of love is a gift! Thank you for answering every question before I could even ask it! Thank you for meeting my anxiety with kindness! Most importantly, thank you for helping us raise our son! We are so lucky that we got to be a part of the Saplings family. <3 The E family