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About iPlusOne Academy

What is iPlusOne?

iPlusOne Academy is a Korean-English bilingual and bicultural preschool in Northvale, NJ. We bring together attentive care, purposeful early learning, and meaningful cultural connection so children can grow with confidence.

Our Mission. Every child deserves to feel known, supported, and excited to learn. At iPlusOne Academy, Korean-English learning, hands-on discovery, and attentive care come together to build confidence, independence, language, and a strong foundation for what comes next.

Our Vision. Our vision is a warm preschool community where children feel secure, curious, and proud of who they are. By growing in both Korean and English, children build a strong sense of belonging, confidence, and readiness for their next stage of school.

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Our children / first language + input / second language

In the realm of language acquisition, we embrace the concept of "i + 1" at our academy, drawing inspiration from Stephen Krashen's renowned Input Hypothesis. This theory asserts that language development flourishes when learners are exposed to messages they can comprehend, known as comprehensible input. Krashen introduces the crucial idea that this input should be slightly beyond the learner's current language proficiency, denoted as "i + 1," enabling a continuous progression in language skills.

In simpler terms, when a learner is at level 'i,' true acquisition unfolds when they are immersed in comprehensible input corresponding to level 'i+1.' This hypothesis underscores the significance of incorporating the Second Language into the classroom setting. The ultimate goal of any language program is effective communication, and by offering ample comprehensible input, educators create optimal conditions for language acquisition.

At iPlusOne, we integrate these principles into our curriculum, leveraging insights from extensive studies and practical experiences in second language acquisition. Our approach fosters a positive classroom environment, empowering children to embark on a bilingual journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

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Our School

At our bilingual preschool, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive program that nurtures the overall development of your child. Our approach encompasses physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and linguistic skills, recognizing and addressing the uniqueness of each child. In our secure and academically enriched environment, we prioritize creating a nurturing atmosphere that fosters emotional security.

Each month, you'll receive calendars detailing the themes and activities related to the skills we'll be focusing on, keeping you informed and engaged in your child's learning journey.

With nine classrooms, each equipped with its own children's bathroom, housed in our spacious 10,000 square foot facility, we prioritize security with surveillance cameras for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Outdoor exploration is encouraged in our two fenced-in playgrounds, complemented by an indoor gym for physical activity.

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is paramount to us. Children and staff wear house shoes within our center, contributing to a healthy and tidy space for everyone.

As of March 2020, we want to assure you that our school is fully compliant with CDC guidelines, as well as state and local health departments. The safety and wellness of our students, staff, and families remain our top priority.

For your convenience, we offer Before Care from 8 am to 9 am and After Care from 3 pm to 5 pm at a flat rate. Rest assured, we extend the same level of care to your children as we would to our own. Your child's well-being and growth are at the heart of everything we do.

A Thoughtful Environment for Early Childhood

Our Northvale campus brings classrooms, sensory learning, active play, and child-sized spaces together in one setting designed for communication, independence, creativity, friendship, and movement.

10,000 sq. ft. campus | 9 classrooms | Sensory Immersion Room | Active Imagination Center | Fenced outdoor play

Cultural Immersion

Children at iPlusOne Academy delve into a program that not only focuses on language skills but also embraces the rich cultures and customs of both Korean and American heritages.

Masterful Educators

Our master teachers bring a wealth of expertise, holding multiple certificates and degrees, coupled with extensive experience in nurturing young minds. We go beyond state ratio standards to provide exceptional care.

Holistic Development

Our bilingual preschool offers a comprehensive program that nurtures the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and linguistic facets of each child. Monthly calendars keep parents informed about the themes and activities related to skill development.

State-of-the-Art Facility

With 9 classrooms, each equipped with its own children's bathroom, our 10,000 square foot facility ensures security with surveillance cameras for toddlers 15 months old and up. Two fenced outdoor playgrounds and an indoor gym provide spaces for active engagement.

Hygiene and Nutrition

Maintaining a top priority on cleanliness, inside shoes are worn by all children and staff.  Healthy hot nutritious lunches are provided daily, ensuring your child's well-being.

Convenient Care Options

For working parents, we offer Before and After Care at a flat rate, understanding the demands of balancing a career and family life.

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Why Choose iPlusOne Academy?

As educators and parents ourselves, we comprehend the intricacies of juggling work and family responsibilities.  At iPlusOne Academy, we provide your children with an environment that caters to their every need, fostering the best possible experience.  Our overarching goal is to build a robust language foundation in the early years, allowing our children to reap the lifelong benefits of bilingualism.

Join us at iPlusOne Academy, where education, culture, and care converge to shape a brighter future for your child.

Enroll now and embark on a bilingual journey with iPlusOne Academy!

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Take A Look of iPlusOne Academy

maria l. kim

A MEssage from our Director

Welcome to iPlusOne Academy

Where the journey of bilingual and bicultural education comes to life.  I am Maria L. Kim, the Director and Founder, and I am delighted to share my personal story with you.

Growing up as a Korean-American, I faced the challenge of becoming bilingual in a monolingual environment.  Arriving in America at the age of two, I found myself immersed in a Kindergarten classroom where English was the primary language, and ESL programs were yet to be established. Despite this, I navigated the linguistic landscape, learning English on my own while continuing to speak Korean at home with my family.

My parents, visionary immigrants, recognized the importance of preserving our native language and culture. They instilled in me the significance of being Korean, leading me to attend Korean school despite my initial reluctance.  It wasn't until high school that I realized the unique advantage of being bilingual in a world where language diversity is a valuable asset.

After pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from NYU and spending years in the television industry, I felt unfulfilled.  Returning to school for a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, I obtained certifications in ESL and Bilingual/Bicultural Education. This led me to the Ridgefield public school system, where I established the Korean bilingual program and taught ESL for a decade.

As a mother of two, I sought a bilingual preschool for my children and discovered a gap in the existing options.  Traditional Korean preschools often resulted in ESL classes, while English-only preschools led to a loss of Korean language skills.  Fueled by my experiences as an educator and parent, I recognized the need for a TRUE bilingual preschool.

At iPlusOne Academy, we embrace the philosophy that young children are fully capable of learning two languages.  With over 25 years of teaching and curriculum development experience, I have curated the best of everything to offer a truly unique bilingual/bicultural learning experience.

I invite you to explore the enriching world of iPlusOne Academy, where language and culture converge to create a foundation for global citizens.  Feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions.

Thank you for your interest in iPlusOne Academy.

Warmest Regards,

Maria L. Kim

Director & Founder
info@iPlusOneAcademy.com

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Our Amazing Team

The People Behind iPlusOne Academy

Administration

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Maria L. Kim

Founder & Director & Head Teacher

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June Kim

Assistant Director

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Monica Kim

Administrative Manager

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Kate Kim

Administrative Assistant

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Teachers

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Abigail Lim

Lead Teacher

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Kelly Yi

Lead Teacher

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Joy  Lee

Lead Teacher

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Heather Kim

Teacher Assistant

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Christine Synn

Teacher Assistant

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Jewel Kim

Teacher Assistant

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Contact Us

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Better yet, see us in person!

Call us , E-mail us at  info@iplusoneacademy.com, or use this form to schedule a tour!

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Please call us between 9am to 5pm for any questions.
(We are located in the Northvale Square Mall.)

Hours

Open today 08:00 am – 05:00 pm

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Monday - Friday:  8am-5pm
Saturday, Sunday: Closed

iPlusOne Academy

271 Livingston Street, Unit L-O, Northvale, NJ 07647

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(201) 767-1425
info@iplusoneacademy.com 

Korean website: k.iplusoneacademy.com

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