Preschools near North Oaks, MN

Preschool Program

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.

Drop-In Care

Our Flex Care program allows you to purchase child care days in advance. That way, you can use them when you need them—all year long. You’ll love the reliability and flexibility, and your child will love our proven early education curriculum and fun, safe, secure environment. Prepaid cards come in five-day increments and can be bought at your school. Each is good for one full year. Once you’ve completed the enrollment paperwork, just call 48 hours in advance to reserve your spot.

Early Preschool

It’s never too early to start preparing your child to be ready for school, and that’s why our parents—and their children—love our Early Preschool classroom. As a stepping stone to Preschool, our Early Preschool program has a unique, indicator-based curriculum, Learn as We Grow™, designed to address the individual learning needs of 30- to 42-month-old children. We focus on understanding routines and developing independence. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Preschool Care

Our teachers are loving, experienced, and consistent. The preschool daily schedule is structured, academically focused, and fun! Weekly lessons and activities focus on a curriculum rich in reading, math, science, art, music, sensory, dramatic play, and imaginative play.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our teachers are loving, experienced, and consistent. The Pre-Kindergarten daily schedule is structured, academically focused, and fun! Weekly lessons and activities focus on a curriculum which is rich in reading, math, science, art, music, sensory, dramatic play, and imaginative play.

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.

Drop-In Care

Our Flex Care program allows you to purchase child care days in advance. That way, you can use them when you need them—all year long. You’ll love the reliability and flexibility, and your child will love our proven early education curriculum and fun, safe, secure environment. Prepaid cards come in five-day increments and can be bought at your school. Each is good for one full year. Once you’ve completed the enrollment paperwork, just call 48 hours in advance to reserve your spot.

Early Preschool

It’s never too early to start preparing your child to be ready for school, and that’s why our parents—and their children—love our Early Preschool classroom. As a stepping stone to Preschool, our Early Preschool program has a unique, indicator-based curriculum, Learn as We Grow™, designed to address the individual learning needs of 30- to 42-month-old children. We focus on understanding routines and developing independence. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Preschool 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.

Discovery Preschool

Preschool program designed to create a strong academic and social foundation. Teachers introduce math, literacy, and science. Activities also include music, movement, art, pretend play, and group games. Children become an active part of their classroom community.

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.

Preschool Care

Our teachers are loving, experienced, and consistent. The preschool daily schedule is structured, academically focused, and fun! Weekly lessons and activities focus on a curriculum rich in reading, math, science, art, music, sensory, dramatic play, and imaginative play.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our teachers are loving, experienced, and consistent. The Pre-Kindergarten daily schedule is structured, academically focused, and fun! Weekly lessons and activities focus on a curriculum which is rich in reading, math, science, art, music, sensory, dramatic play, and imaginative play.

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

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!

Infant Daycare

Infant program offering a physically and emotionally safe place for your baby to explore and learn about the world around them. Shoe-free policy ensures that classrooms are clean and safe for little ones to move around. Daily routine includes time outdoors, group time, and discovery baskets for sensory exploration. Trained teachers spend time cuddling, singing, and reading to your child.

Toddler Daycare

Toddlers are on the go, exploring and learning new things throughout each day. Classrooms are kid-size in design, allowing children to do more things independently, building their self-confidence. Photos of the children’s families cover the walls of the classroom, creating a sense of community. Daily routine includes: outdoor play, circle time, dance & movement, reading, art, music, and free play.

Infant Daycare

Infant program offering a physically and emotionally safe place for your baby to explore and learn about the world around them. Shoe-free policy ensures that classrooms are clean and safe for little ones to move around. Daily routine includes time outdoors, group time, and discovery baskets for sensory exploration. Trained teachers spend time cuddling, singing, and reading to your child.

Toddler Daycare

Toddlers are on the go, exploring and learning new things throughout each day. Classrooms are kid-size in design, allowing children to do more things independently, building their self-confidence. Photos of the children’s families cover the walls of the classroom, creating a sense of community. Daily routine includes: outdoor play, circle time, dance & movement, reading, art, music, and free play.