Montessori Preschools near Excelsior, MN

Primary

Learning revolves around tangible experiences. Practical life exercises like sorting, pouring, or washing dishes are introduced. Children also use concrete materials such as movable alphabets, cubes, cylinders, and other objects to learn. They learn to work together, with each others’ best interests in mind. This broad-based program allows children to explore a range of subjects and ideas: science and nature, music and movement, sensorial experiences, cooking and nutrition, cultural awareness, history; geography, language arts, and mathematics.

Infants

In this lovely classroom setting, there is plenty of floor space for children to move and explore, as they are ready. We follow a child’s natural sleeping and waking process, as well as the child’s natural hunger patterns. We invite families to spend time with us prior to enrollment so we may learn all about your baby. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Preschool

Inherent to the Step By Step classroom is the use of Montessori materials to allow children to explore practical life, sensory perception, reading and writing abilities, mathematical skills, geographical areas, and elements of botany and zoology.

Toddler Program

Our trained staff has developed a program for the 16 months to 2.5 year olds that will assist your child in developing vocabulary, social relationships and self help skills in a warm, friendly environment.

Primary

Learning revolves around tangible experiences. Practical life exercises like sorting, pouring, or washing dishes are introduced. Children also use concrete materials such as movable alphabets, cubes, cylinders, and other objects to learn. They learn to work together, with each others’ best interests in mind. This broad-based program allows children to explore a range of subjects and ideas: science and nature, music and movement, sensorial experiences, cooking and nutrition, cultural awareness, history; geography, language arts, and mathematics.

Infants

In this lovely classroom setting, there is plenty of floor space for children to move and explore, as they are ready. We follow a child’s natural sleeping and waking process, as well as the child’s natural hunger patterns. We invite families to spend time with us prior to enrollment so we may learn all about your baby. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Preschool

Our Montessori program provides a thoughtfully prepared environment where children explore early academics, practical life skills, and creative activities at their own pace. With multi-age learning areas, younger children benefit from learning alongside older peers, while engaging with Montessori materials that foster problem-solving, fine motor, and early literacy skills. The program also offers opportunities for leadership and mentorship, nurturing cognitive, social, and emotional development in every child.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our Montessori program offers a carefully prepared environment where children develop independence and a love for learning. Through hands-on activities like letter and number games, practical life skills, and creative art projects, children explore key academic and social concepts at their own pace. Multi-age learning and self-directed activities inside and outside the classroom foster leadership, problem-solving, and gross motor development, allowing children to take initiative and build confidence.

Preschool

Authentic Montessori education nurtures the habits of proven life success traits; joy in the moment, perseverance, self-reliance, and love of learning.

Infant

Even in our infant care room, we foster and nurture your child’s budding independence. With plenty of floor space your child can move and explore, as they are ready.

Primary

Learning revolves around tangible experiences. Practical life exercises like sorting, pouring, or washing dishes are introduced. Children also use concrete materials such as movable alphabets, cubes, cylinders, and other objects to learn. They learn to work together, with each others’ best interests in mind. This broad-based program allows children to explore a range of subjects and ideas: science and nature, music and movement, sensorial experiences, cooking and nutrition, cultural awareness, history; geography, language arts, and mathematics.

Toddlers

This is the time when children use their bodies, senses, and emerging problem-solving skills to learn about and make sense of their world in the ways most meaningful and effective for them. Our toddler educators give your toddler responsive, individualized attention to help build their skills. Activities range from the simple to the complex, with work areas arranged by subject. Montessori materials not typically found at other schools are used, as children choose activities based on their own interests. We focus on sensory and perception; self-help; language; physical and motor skills; social and emotional growth. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Preschool

Inherent to the Step By Step classroom is the use of Montessori materials to allow children to explore practical life, sensory perception, reading and writing abilities, mathematical skills, geographical areas, and elements of botany and zoology.

Toddler Program

Our trained staff has developed a program for the 16 months to 2.5 year olds that will assist your child in developing vocabulary, social relationships and self help skills in a warm, friendly environment.

Preschool

Authentic Montessori education nurtures the habits of proven life success traits; joy in the moment, perseverance, self-reliance, and love of learning.

Toddler

The long term positive impact seeds of Montessori truly begin to take root at the Toddler age.

Preschool

Inherent to the Step By Step classroom is the use of Montessori materials to allow children to explore practical life, sensory perception, reading and writing abilities, mathematical skills, geographical areas, and elements of botany and zoology.

Infant Program

In the Step By Step infant program our first and foremost goal is to provide a safe, clean and peaceful child care environment. The emphasis is on stimulation and comfort for the very young child.

Montessori Preschool Program

Before and After Care Program

Montessori Preschool Program

Elementary School

Montessori Preschool Program

Before and After Care Program

Preschool Program

We take pride in providing an authentic and culturally immersive Spanish environment that sets the stage for their holistic development.

Preschool

The Gardner School’s preschool program fosters curiosity, independence, and cognitive growth through hands-on learning and cooperative play. Using the World of Wonders (WOW) curriculum, teachers introduce language, literacy, math, and science while supporting social-emotional development. Learning centers encourage exploration in reading, construction, dramatic play, fine motor skills, and sensory activities, while routines, classroom roles, and enrichment build confidence. Learning Without Tears strengthens early writing and readiness through multi-sensory techniques. Children participate in enrichment classes like dance, music, language, and sports, and take on leadership roles that promote responsibility. Preschoolers wear uniforms and enjoy meals in the Kids’ Cafe, supporting independence. Families stay connected through real-time updates, photos, and progress reports. Through engaging academics and individualized support, we prepare children for kindergarten and a lifelong love of learning.

Pre-K

The Gardner School’s Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten through structured learning, hands-on activities, and leadership opportunities. Using the World of Wonders (WOW) curriculum, teachers build early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills while fostering independence. Learning Without Tears supports writing and readiness through multi-sensory techniques, while interactive centers encourage creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. Technology, including educational games on computers and iPads, enhances engagement. Students build responsibility with KITE (Keeping It All Together Every Day) binders, introducing early homework concepts and strengthening home-school communication. They also take on leadership roles in enrichment classes like music, drama, language, and sports. Families stay connected through real-time updates, KITE binders, and conferences. Graduates can continue skill-building in Kindergarten Boot Camp, supporting a confident transition to kindergarten.

St. David's Early Childhood Education Preschool

Our toddler and preschool/pre-k classrooms blend the High Scope curriculum with Reggio Emilia-inspired practices, creating an environment where children grow through play, curiosity, and collaboration. With low teacher-to-child ratios, we tailor learning to each child's needs and strengths.

St. David's Early Childhood Education

Our toddler and preschool/pre-k classrooms blend the High Scope curriculum with Reggio Emilia-inspired practices, creating an environment where children grow through play, curiosity, and collaboration. With low teacher-to-child ratios, we tailor learning to each child's needs and strengths.

Preschool

Our specialized preschool curriculum uses rhymes, stories and hands-on activities to encourage those first steps toward building the foundational skills for reading, writing, math, and science.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our Pre-K Program is designed specifically to ensure students are ready to THRIVE in Kindergarten and beyond.

Preschool

The Gardner School’s preschool program fosters curiosity, independence, and cognitive growth through hands-on learning and cooperative play. Using the World of Wonders (WOW) curriculum, teachers introduce language, literacy, math, and science while supporting social-emotional development. Learning centers encourage exploration in reading, construction, dramatic play, fine motor skills, and sensory activities, while routines, classroom roles, and enrichment build confidence. Learning Without Tears strengthens early writing and readiness through multi-sensory techniques. Children participate in enrichment classes like dance, music, language, and sports, and take on leadership roles that promote responsibility. Preschoolers wear uniforms and enjoy meals in the Kids’ Cafe, supporting independence. Families stay connected through real-time updates, photos, and progress reports. Through engaging academics and individualized support, we prepare children for kindergarten and a lifelong love of learning.

Pre-K

The Gardner School’s Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten through structured learning, hands-on activities, and leadership opportunities. Using the World of Wonders (WOW) curriculum, teachers build early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills while fostering independence. Learning Without Tears supports writing and readiness through multi-sensory techniques, while interactive centers encourage creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. Technology, including educational games on computers and iPads, enhances engagement. Students build responsibility with KITE (Keeping It All Together Every Day) binders, introducing early homework concepts and strengthening home-school communication. They also take on leadership roles in enrichment classes like music, drama, language, and sports. Families stay connected through real-time updates, KITE binders, and conferences. Graduates can continue skill-building in Kindergarten Boot Camp, supporting a confident transition to kindergarten.