Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Minneapolis, MN

Pre-K

Especially for Children’s Pre-K Program focuses on four aspects of children’s development: social-emotional, cognitive, physical and language. Our play-based Learning Curriculum develops specific skills within each of these categories. Pre-K children learn through play. In The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool, teachers engage children in play-based learning through studies. Studies, which span several weeks, are in-depth, project-based investigations of topics that are play-based and part of your child’s everyday life. They feature topics such as trees, buildings, clothes, and balls.

Preschool

Especially for Children’s Preschool Program focuses on four aspects of children’s development: social-emotional, cognitive, physical and language. Our play-based Learning Curriculum develops specific skills within each of these categories. Preschool children learn through play. In The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool, teachers engage children in play-based learning through studies. Studies, which span several weeks, are in-depth, project-based investigations of topics that are play-based and part of your child’s everyday life. They feature topics such as trees, buildings, clothes, and balls.

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.

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.

Preschool

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

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.

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Pre-K

Our pre-k program will provide your child with immersive experiences that are adapted to the developmental needs of this age group. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!

Preschool

Children start their journeys into a more structured classroom setting designed to set them up for kindergarten success. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!

Children's House

Our specialized 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-K Program

Our preschool program offers a nurturing, play-based environment for children ages 3-5. Our evidence-based curriculum builds focus and resilience for success in kindergarten and beyond. Preschoolers receive onsite screenings, therapy, free meals, parent-child activities and library access.

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Southwest Montessori School

We are a Montessori preschool and kindergarten. We offer full and 1/2 day programs with school day and extended day options. See our website for more information at southwestmontessorischool.com

Pre-K

Our pre-k program will provide your child with immersive experiences that are adapted to the developmental needs of this age group. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!

Preschool

Children start their journeys into a more structured classroom setting designed to set them up for kindergarten success. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!

Pre-Kindergarten

In our Pre-Kindergarten program, your child begins to develop emergent reading, writing, science, technology, engineering and math skills within large-group, small-group and independent settings.

Transitional Kindergarten

Our Transitional Kindergarten program is designed to support your child’s academic, physical, social and emotional development as they prepare to do big things in kindergarten and beyond. This research-informed program helps nurture Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts®.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K

Our pre-k program will provide your child with immersive experiences that are adapted to the developmental needs of this age group. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!

Preschool

Children start their journeys into a more structured classroom setting designed to set them up for kindergarten success. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!

Pre-K Program

Mandala Montessori

Mandala Montessori is a small community preschool with two convenient locations in south Minneapolis. We provide care for children 33 months-5 years old, with traditional Montessori and Spanish Bilingual options.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Open Arms Preschool Program

Across three preschool classrooms, preschoolers gradually prepare for kindergarten through curriculum that focuses on pre-writing, pre-reading and foundational math skills with alignment with Minnesota kindergarten entry standards as a goal.

Pre-K

Our pre-k program will provide your child with immersive experiences that are adapted to the developmental needs of this age group. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!

Preschool

Children start their journeys into a more structured classroom setting designed to set them up for kindergarten success. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!

People Serving People Early Learning Center

Our two preschool classrooms (Preschool & Pre-K) foster hands-on, interactive learning that encourages discovery and inquiry. A balanced schedule includes group activities, individual exploration, and both teacher- and child-initiated experiences, all supported by predictable routines. 1 A: 6 Child

People Serving People Early Learning Center

We believe that children learn best through play in a safe, nurturing environment with consistent, predictable, and positive relationships. Our curriculum centers around school readiness & development of social & emotional regulation. We focus on preparing children to be ready for life & learning.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

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.

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.

Children's House

Our AMI-trained Montessori teachers engage the children in a specially prepared environment using a stimulating Montessori curriculum.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K

Our pre-k program will provide your child with immersive experiences that are adapted to the developmental needs of this age group. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!

Preschool

Children start their journeys into a more structured classroom setting designed to set them up for kindergarten success. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-Kindergarten

Our pre-kindergarten program is designed to ensure children enter elementary school with strong academic and social foundations. With a continued focus on language, early literacy, math, and executive functioning, our pre-k students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks. In well-equipped, developmentally appropriate classrooms, teachers foster mastery through a balance of structured activities and self-guided exploration. With nine engaging learning centers and a curriculum grounded in early brain research, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Preschool

Preschoolers at New Horizon Academy learn in joyful, curiosity-driven classrooms that build essential academic and social skills. Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness, while nurturing each child’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Nine learning centers—including Art, Language and Literacy, STEAM, and Dramatic Play—encourage exploration in all developmental areas. Our teachers guide children in making decisions, building relationships, and developing independence as they discover their strengths and grow into capable learners.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our pre-kindergarten program is designed to ensure children enter elementary school with strong academic and social foundations. With a continued focus on language, early literacy, math, and executive functioning, our pre-k students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks. In well-equipped, developmentally appropriate classrooms, teachers foster mastery through a balance of structured activities and self-guided exploration. With nine engaging learning centers and a curriculum grounded in early brain research, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Preschool

Preschoolers at New Horizon Academy learn in joyful, curiosity-driven classrooms that build essential academic and social skills. Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness, while nurturing each child’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Nine learning centers—including Art, Language and Literacy, STEAM, and Dramatic Play—encourage exploration in all developmental areas. Our teachers guide children in making decisions, building relationships, and developing independence as they discover their strengths and grow into capable learners.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our pre-kindergarten program is designed to ensure children enter elementary school with strong academic and social foundations. With a continued focus on language, early literacy, math, and executive functioning, our pre-k students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks. In well-equipped, developmentally appropriate classrooms, teachers foster mastery through a balance of structured activities and self-guided exploration. With nine engaging learning centers and a curriculum grounded in early brain research, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Preschool

Preschoolers at New Horizon Academy learn in joyful, curiosity-driven classrooms that build essential academic and social skills. Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness, while nurturing each child’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Nine learning centers—including Art, Language and Literacy, STEAM, and Dramatic Play—encourage exploration in all developmental areas. Our teachers guide children in making decisions, building relationships, and developing independence as they discover their strengths and grow into capable learners.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our pre-kindergarten program is designed to ensure children enter elementary school with strong academic and social foundations. With a continued focus on language, early literacy, math, and executive functioning, our pre-k students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks. In well-equipped, developmentally appropriate classrooms, teachers foster mastery through a balance of structured activities and self-guided exploration. With nine engaging learning centers and a curriculum grounded in early brain research, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Preschool

Preschoolers at New Horizon Academy learn in joyful, curiosity-driven classrooms that build essential academic and social skills. Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness, while nurturing each child’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Nine learning centers—including Art, Language and Literacy, STEAM, and Dramatic Play—encourage exploration in all developmental areas. Our teachers guide children in making decisions, building relationships, and developing independence as they discover their strengths and grow into capable learners.

Pre-Kindergarten

Kinderberry Hill’s pre-kindergarten program is designed to help children enter kindergarten with confidence and readiness. With a 1:9 ratio and a class size of 18, pre-k students receive personalized attention while developing executive functioning, communication, and problem-solving skills in a close-knit environment. Classrooms provide rich opportunities for academic and personal growth through areas dedicated to math, literacy, science, technology, and dramatic play. With the addition of off-site field trips, increased family involvement, and a strong focus on kindergarten readiness, this final year empowers children to soar in both independence and school preparedness.

Preschool

Kinderberry Hill’s preschool program nurtures curiosity and growing independence through a dynamic, emergent curriculum guided by each child’s interests. A low 1:8 teacher-child ratio and intimate class size allow teachers to foster deep connections, support emotional development, and encourage friendships that help children thrive. In inviting classroom environments enriched with loose parts and open-ended materials, preschoolers explore art, science, math, language, and more. Teachers intentionally guide learning through play, conversation, and discovery, supporting each child’s development across academic, social, and self-help domains as they prepare for pre-kindergarten.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our pre-kindergarten program is designed to ensure children enter elementary school with strong academic and social foundations. With a continued focus on language, early literacy, math, and executive functioning, our pre-k students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks. In well-equipped, developmentally appropriate classrooms, teachers foster mastery through a balance of structured activities and self-guided exploration. With nine engaging learning centers and a curriculum grounded in early brain research, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Preschool

Preschoolers at New Horizon Academy learn in joyful, curiosity-driven classrooms that build essential academic and social skills. Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness, while nurturing each child’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Nine learning centers—including Art, Language and Literacy, STEAM, and Dramatic Play—encourage exploration in all developmental areas. Our teachers guide children in making decisions, building relationships, and developing independence as they discover their strengths and grow into capable learners.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our pre-kindergarten program is designed to ensure children enter elementary school with strong academic and social foundations. With a continued focus on language, early literacy, math, and executive functioning, our pre-k students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks. In well-equipped, developmentally appropriate classrooms, teachers foster mastery through a balance of structured activities and self-guided exploration. With nine engaging learning centers and a curriculum grounded in early brain research, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Preschool

Preschoolers at New Horizon Academy learn in joyful, curiosity-driven classrooms that build essential academic and social skills. Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness, while nurturing each child’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Nine learning centers—including Art, Language and Literacy, STEAM, and Dramatic Play—encourage exploration in all developmental areas. Our teachers guide children in making decisions, building relationships, and developing independence as they discover their strengths and grow into capable learners.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our pre-kindergarten program is designed to ensure children enter elementary school with strong academic and social foundations. With a continued focus on language, early literacy, math, and executive functioning, our pre-k students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks. In well-equipped, developmentally appropriate classrooms, teachers foster mastery through a balance of structured activities and self-guided exploration. With nine engaging learning centers and a curriculum grounded in early brain research, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Preschool

Preschoolers at New Horizon Academy learn in joyful, curiosity-driven classrooms that build essential academic and social skills. Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness, while nurturing each child’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Nine learning centers—including Art, Language and Literacy, STEAM, and Dramatic Play—encourage exploration in all developmental areas. Our teachers guide children in making decisions, building relationships, and developing independence as they discover their strengths and grow into capable learners.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our pre-kindergarten program is designed to ensure children enter elementary school with strong academic and social foundations. With a continued focus on language, early literacy, math, and executive functioning, our pre-k students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks. In well-equipped, developmentally appropriate classrooms, teachers foster mastery through a balance of structured activities and self-guided exploration. With nine engaging learning centers and a curriculum grounded in early brain research, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Preschool

Preschoolers at New Horizon Academy learn in joyful, curiosity-driven classrooms that build essential academic and social skills. Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness, while nurturing each child’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Nine learning centers—including Art, Language and Literacy, STEAM, and Dramatic Play—encourage exploration in all developmental areas. Our teachers guide children in making decisions, building relationships, and developing independence as they discover their strengths and grow into capable learners.