Our Mission

Jack in the Box Schools provide a nurturing, warm and caring environment where children can develop basic skills and build a solid foundation for future learning. We foster the cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth in young children. Through discovery, creative play and structured learning, we encourage each child to blossom while experiencing the joys and spontaneous delights of childhood.

Jack in the Box Schools have been in operation for more than 60 years. For over 37 years, the former owner, Mrs. 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. She comes with many years of Early Childhood Education experience and is very excited to have joined the Jack in the Box team.

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 excited to announce that we have been awarded an awesome 3 Star Rating on the Grow NJ Kids Quality 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 doors at all times as well as security cameras that monitor all entrances, exits, classroom, playgrounds & corridors.

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.

All of our schools also strive to be NUT and SEED FREE.