We have one Toddler classroom (16 to 33 months), three Casa classrooms (Preschool and Kindergarten, ages 3-6), two lower elementary classrooms (Grades 1-3), one upper elementary classroom (Grades 4-6), and one Middle School community (Grade 7-8).
Our Toddler classroom has 12 children, one Montessori-trained guide, one assistant, and one float. Our Casa classrooms each have about 25 students, one Montessori-trained guide, one assistant, and one aide. Our Elementary classrooms have about 20 students, one Montessori-trained guide, and the support of two assistants. Our Middle School has a capacity of 25 students, one Humanities guide, one Math/Science guide, and one Occupations guide.
In Montessori classrooms for 3- to 6-year-olds, larger classrooms are actually the ideal. Because of the three-year cycle, one-third of the children are in their third year, one-third are in their second year, and one-third are new.
With multiple ages, and a good number of children at each age, older children help younger children and also inspire them, and the teachers and older children model positive, respectful social interaction and problem-solving. The older children become confident leaders with self-discipline.
Larger classrooms are also advantageous because Montessori education is self-directed learning–once children are shown an activity, they may use it whenever they want and for as long as they want (within the guidelines of respect for materials and for others, of course). As a result, children have plenty of activities to choose from while the lead guide is showing new work to children individually or in small groups.
All Toddler (16-33 months) and Casa (ages 3-6 years) classrooms are five days a week, half day or full day. The five-day schedule best meets children’s developmental needs for order, independence, regularity, and community. Many parents find that because children love their work, play, and independence at school, they often ask to go on Saturday mornings!
Imagine a specially designed place where everything, from furniture to tools to aprons to activities, is designed exactly for you as a little person–wouldn’t you want to stay, too?
We ask families to schedule a school visit and fill out an application for their child. Learn about our application process here.
Toddler, Casa, Elementary, and Middle School decisions will be communicated via phone or email.
Note: Applications for each school year are completed at the end of each admission season and are not rolled over.
Our classes are taught in English. Children in our Toddler and Casa (Preschool and Kindergarten) program may sign up for extracurricular language classes.
Currently, our Elementary and Middle School students receive school-day Spanish lessons through Rojas Spanish Language in the Twin Cities.
Yes. We make every effort to make our high-quality education available to all families. Please see our admissions page for more information. If your employer offers a corporate match program or tuition assistance, please let us know, as this greatly enhances our ability to offer scholarships to families who qualify.
