The Sunrise Senior Living Education Foundation’s (SSLEF) board of directors governs Merritt Academy, the Appletree School, and First Steps Child Care Center. Merritt Academy was established in 1963 by Rachel O. Merritt and The Appletree School in 1979 by Wilhelmina Klaassen. In 1986, SSLEF was founded by Paul and Terry Klaassen, founders of Sunrise Senior Living, to continue the educational vision and legacy of both the schools’ founders, their mothers. First Steps Child Care Center was established in 2004 as the newest addition to the SSLEF. The purpose of SSLEF is to help provide the highest quality of care and education for all or our students.

We encourage families to stay within the SSLEF schools. Students already attending either First Steps or the Appletree School are given admissions preference at Merritt Academy. Merritt Academy hosts several activities for 4th Grade Appletree students to help them become acquainted with the school. SSLEF schools share similar programs and philosophies and we hope your family is comfortable at the school of your choice.