About Us

Jack in the Box Early Learning Centers have been in operation for more than 60 years. For over 37 years, the former owner, Ms. Sue Arlia has been a hands-on Owner and Director.

“In 1983, I learned through friends that the owner of Jack in the Box Schools was interested in selling the school,” says Mrs. Arlia. “When I came to see it, I fell in love,” she says. “I couldn’t believe that parents who had attended the school now bring their own children to attend. I knew then that this center has an incredible reputation in our area. I was so excited to carry on the tradition! We have a great history and so many wonderful success stories among our graduates.” Mrs. Sue took on the immense task of renovating the Closter center, inside and out. Over the years, all the walls, ceilings and floors have been gutted and renovated (a few times each). Electricity has been updated, the fire alarm system upgraded and the outdoor play area redesigned according to state specifications.

In February 2020, Ms. Floria Kasparian took over the responsibilities of Owner and Director of the three schools.  She comes with many years of Early Childhood Education experience. She is very excited to have taken on this endeavor and to being a part of the Jack in the Box Family.

All Jack in the Box Schools are state licensed and non-denominational. We are one of the first schools participating in the Grow NJ Kids program which strives to improve all preschools in New Jersey. We are working with professionals to help guide us through the process of achieving a 5 star rating using the ECERS-3 and ITERS rating scale.

Safety is a priority at all of our locations. Our entire staff is screened for criminal background checks and are fingerprinted. Each facility maintains locked front doors at all times as well as security cameras that monitor all entrances and exits.

Parents refer to our locations in Closter, Alpine and Tenafly as ‘spotlessly clean,’ ‘well-organized’ and ‘bright and cheery.’ We take great care in keeping all of our facilities in perfect condition, both inside and out. Our colorful and comfortable classrooms are scaled to size for little hands and minds to grow. Our outdoor playground settings have a ‘park like’ feel with plenty of safe and fun equipment for children to play and discover.

Our three schools strive to be NUT and SEED FREE.

Closter
Our Closter location accepts children ages 2 through 5 years. Our bright and cheerful classrooms are geared toward children’s creative learning and development, and our centrally located facility allows us to take walking trips to the library and local farms. Our location is open 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. For more information please give us a call or email us at: [email protected]

Alpine
We have a multi-age classroom at our Alpine location and accept children ages 3 through 5 years.  We are located inside the Alpine Public School and we have access to their gym, music room and Pre-K playground. Our location is open from 7:20 am – 6:30 pm. For more information please give us a call or email us at: [email protected]

Tenafly
Our Tenafly location offers an Infant Center as well as pre-school and can accommodate children from 2 months through 5 years old. Our bright, sunny and professionally run Infant Center is open from 7:00 am – 6:30 pm to accommodate working parents. We also offer a summer program in July and August. We are located at the Presbyterian Church in Tenafly. For more information please give us a call or email us at: [email protected]