Sending your child to preschool (or not) is an important decision every parent must face. And with the plethora of opportunities out there, it can be tricky to know even where to start. We’ve gathered options from favorite categories of Twin Cities Preschools. We hope this gives you a place to start.
Please note that, while we list options for Twin Cities preschools available, we do not endorse specific preschools. We recommend using this resource as a jumping off point for researching the best preschool for your specific needs.
Table of Contents
MINNEAPOLIS PRESCHOOLS
Montessori
Child Garden Montessori School
1601 Laurel Ave W, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Ages: 6 weeks-6 years
Registration: Accepted any time
“What we want most for our children is that they become passionate about their own learning, and that they have the tools and skills necessary for them to pursue educational experiences as they grow and develop.”
Waldorf
City of Lakes Waldorf
2344 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Ages: Preschool – 8th Grade
Registration: 2022/23 applications accepted now
“Our historic, urban campus is located in the thriving Eat Street neighborhood just south of downtown Minneapolis, a short walk from Fair Oaks Park, the Children’s Theater, and the world-renowned Minneapolis Institute of Arts.”
School is developed for Toddler-8th grade with a thriving preschool program | 2344 Nicollet Ave. S, Minneapolis
Nature Immersion
The Forest School of Minnesota
3625 W 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Ages: 3-7 years
Registration: Accepting applications for 2022-23
“I committed our entire learning day to Nature Immersion fifteen years ago, when I was hearing more and more children protesting about being outside, or not wanting to walk, thus missing so much of the experience of innate learning provided by playing and exploring in nature.”
Year Round Enrollment | Minneapolis
Green Earth Preschool
4115 26th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Offerings: 2-Day, 3-Day, 5-Day Schedules
Registration: Begins with a tour and personal meeting
“Green Earth Preschool draws from the strengths of our most treasured approaches to early childhood education from previous centuries, such as Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia.”
Linden Hills Nature School
Lake Harriet, 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Ages: 2.5 – 6
Registration: Applications can be submitted during the year, and new families will be notified of available positions by March 1.
An outdoor immersion forest school in Linden Hills. Blocks from Lake Harriet.
Music
MacPhail at New Horizons
Multiple Twin Cities Locations. Directory
Ages: Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers.
Registration: Register through MacPhail
“Preschoolers will be introduced to a variety of string and brass instruments, exploring many new musical concepts as they reach developmental milestones!” | This is only for kids enrolled in New Horizons.
Language
Spanish Tierra Encantada
Seward, 2504 35th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Bryant, 411 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Hiawatha, 4012 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Windom, 5750 Wentworth Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Ages: Infants – PreK.
Registration: Contact school for a tour.
“Classes include education fundamentals that focus on Kindergarten readiness, active play, art and more. This is a continuous program.”
Kinderstube German Immersion Preschool
106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Ages: 3-5.
Registration: Accepting enrollment for Fall 2022
Play Based
Little Lakers Preschool
Lake Hiawatha Rec Center, 2701 E 44th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Ages: 3-5
Registration: Registration Open for Fall 2022
“Our program is play-based and includes art, movement, music and creativity. We work on daily life skills throughout the year to better prepare your child for kindergarten. Our goal is to start your child on a path to a lifelong love of learning.”
Balanced Learning Approach
The Gardner School
811 Lasalle Ave #150, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Ages: Infants – Kindergarten
Registration: Request a Tour
“At The Gardner School, we have created a rich learning environment that will stimulate your child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We believe each child should be provided with experiences that enhance self-esteem, which is essential in the adjusting, exploring, and growing stages of child development.”
Saint Paul Preschools
Montessori
Cathedral Hill Montessori
329 Dayton Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
Ages: Toddler through extended care.
Registration: Ongoing
“Our mission is to create a safe, beautiful and independent learning environment for young children; to educate families and the community about the Montessori philosophy; to instill in children a lifelong love of learning, respect and service toward humanity, and an appreciation and care of the environment.”
Kinderhaus Montessori
3115 Victoria St N, St Paul, Minnesota 55113
Ages: 33 months to 6 years.
Registration: Enrolling now for 2022-23
“The Montessori educational environment at Kinderhaus is small creative and focused on a child’s personal development. Your child learns by exploring their interests but interacting within trusted montessori activity areas all while being guided by a veteran team of teachers. The benefits you’ll see in your child will astound you. You’ll see greater confidence creativity maturity and a thirst for continuous lifelong learning.”
Waldorf
MN Waldorf School
70 County Rd B E, St Paul, MN 55117 | Directory
Ages: 33 months to Grade 8.
Registration: Accepting preschool applications now
Serving children starting at 33 months, and offering 2, 3, and 5 day schedules, as well as full and half day options. Nature and play-based curriculum focused on nurturing the wonder of childhood and laying the foundation for academic achievement. Beautiful St. Paul campus minutes from both downtown areas.
Music
MacPhail at New Horizons
Multiple Twin Cities Locations. Directory
Ages: Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers.
Registration: Register through MacPhail
“Preschoolers will be introduced to a variety of string and brass instruments, exploring many new musical concepts as they reach developmental milestones!” | This is only for kids enrolled in New Horizons.
Language
Mis Amigos Spanish Immersion
1194 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105
Ages: 6-weeks to entering kindergarten.
Registration: Schedule a tour for more information.
“We are on a mission to make the world smaller one child at a time. It might sound like a lofty goal but we believe that by teaching a child another language and culture, we open his or her eyes to the world around them. We learn ways we are different and ways we are the same. We start to understand each other a little bit more.” |
Faith Based
University of Northwestern Child Development Center
2945 Lincoln Dr, St Paul, MN 55113 | Directory
Ages: 16 months – 5 years.
Registration: Fill out a form online
” Your child’s well-being is our top priority. We have a bright and cheery facility—where your child will feel safe and secure—designed specifically for the comfort and ease of young children with the protection of a security door and fenced play areas. The CDC helps your child to thrive and grow—this goal is at the heart of the care each child receives at the University of Northwestern Child Development Center.”
Kinderstube German Immersion Preschool
Germanic-American Institute, 301 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102
Ages: 3-5.
Registration: Accepting enrollment for Fall 2022
NORTH METRO TWIN CITIES PRESCHOOLS
Montessori
- The Musical Montessori | Shoreview
“A unique blend of montessori and music!” - Step by Step Montessori | Maple Grove
“Our mission is to nurture the potential of the whole child and cultivate the emotional, social, and educational growth of our children from infancy through elementary.”
Waldorf (like)
- Goddard School | Brooklyn Park and Plymouth
“In 1988, entrepreneur Anthony A. Martino established The Goddard School preschool franchise to deliver a high-quality, play-based learning program to families all over the United States.”
Nature
Nature School
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Registration for 2022-23 opens March 1, 2022
“Nature School is an outdoor-based preschool program at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park that supports child development. For children ages 4-6, it provides the freedom to explore and play in nature, fostering a lifelong connection to the natural world and promoting the development of our next generation of environmental stewards.”
- Tamarack Nature Center | White Bear Lake | Directory
“Adding a new twist to the typical early childhood curriculum, the ECFE program at Tamarack Nature Center revolves around nature – learning from it, about it, engaging with it and being immersed in it. Classes are taught by both a teacher from White Bear Lake Area Schools and a Naturalist from Tamarack Nature Center.” - Wargo Nature Center | Andover | Directory
“In addition to guided activities, each week will include a free-explore time where participants will be encouraged to follow their senses and create their own adventures with new friends. This is a great hands-on, small group experience for young children.”
Music:
- The Musical Montessori | Shoreview
See Above - MacPhail at New Horizons | Maple Grove, Champlin
“Preschoolers will be introduced to a variety of string and brass instruments, exploring many new musical concepts as they reach developmental milestones!”
Language:
- Spanish Casa de Corazon | Maple Grove
“By enrolling your children in our full day bilingual preschool, our Minneapolis and greater Twin Cities team will ensure that your children will grow and learn in a setting that focuses on cultural appreciation as an integral part of preparation for kindergarten.”
SOUTH METRO TWIN CITIES PRESCHOOLS
Language:
- Spanish Tierra Encantada • Eagan
“We are a warm, community-oriented Spanish Immersion Daycare and Preschool that has an international view of education. We focus on the growth of the whole child and believe children learn best by doing. We strive to be environmentally friendly by offering cloth diapering for children in our care and providing wholesome, organic foods cooked fresh daily in our commercial kitchen on-site.”
Waldorf:
- Goddard School
“In 1988, entrepreneur Anthony A. Martino established The Goddard School preschool franchise to deliver a high-quality, play-based learning program to families all over the United States.”
Balanced Learning Approach:
- Primrose School | Cottage Grove
“Balanced Learning is research-informed and combines the best thinking of renowned early learning philosophers like Montessori, Piaget, Gesell and Vygotsky along with modern wisdom from the latest child development studies.” - The Gardner School | Eagan
“At The Gardner School, we have created a rich learning environment that will stimulate your child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We believe each child should be provided with experiences that enhance self-esteem, which is essential in the adjusting, exploring, and growing stages of child development.”
Nature:
Dodge Nature Preschool
West St. Paul | Directory
“Children discover the wonders of nature and play on the Model Farm where barnyard animals provide stimulating opportunities for learning and growth. Programs on beekeeping, honey making, maple syruping – as well as tasting apples picked right off the tree – encourage children to explore how their lives are part of the world of nature.”
Eagan Preschool in the Parks
Bridle Ridge Park, 3990 Elrene Road, Eagan 55123
Trapp Farm Park, 841 Wilderness Run Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Moonshine Park, 1321 Jurdy Rd, Eagan, MN 55121
Ages: 3-5 years.
Registration: Now accepting for 2022-23 school year. Registrations accepted year-round on a space-available basis.
“Helping children develop skills through play, to make friends, and to develop independence.”
Music:
- MacPhail at New Horizons | Eagan, Lakeville, Apple Valley, Bloomington | Directory
“Preschoolers will be introduced to a variety of string and brass instruments, exploring many new musical concepts as they reach developmental milestones!”
Faith Based:
- God’s Discovery Kids | Rosemount
“Our mission is to provide a fun, safe and distinctive Christian preschool setting that is developmentally appropriate for three, four and five-year-olds.”
WEST METRO TWIN CITIES PRESCHOOL
Language:
- Spanish Casa de Corazon | Edina
“By enrolling your children in our full day bilingual preschool, our Minneapolis and greater Twin Cities team will ensure that your children will grow and learn in a setting that focuses on cultural appreciation as an integral part of preparation for kindergarten.” - Mis Amigos Spanish Immersion | Hopkins
” We are on a mission to make the world smaller one child at a time. It might sound like a lofty goal but we believe that by teaching a child another language and culture, we open his or her eyes to the world around them. We learn ways we are different and ways we are the same. We start to understand each other a little bit more.”
Montessori:
- Step by Step Montessori | Plymouth
“Our mission is to nurture the potential of the whole child and cultivate the emotional, social, and educational growth of our children from infancy through elementary.”
Nature:
- MN Landscape Arboretum Peapods for Preschoolers (Family Classes) | Chanhassen
“Explore the natural world with your preschooler.” - Eagan Preschool in the Park
Music:
- MacPhail at New Horizons | Eden Prairie, Edina, Plymouth, St Louis Park, Chanhassen | Directory
“Preschoolers will be introduced to a variety of string and brass instruments, exploring many new musical concepts as they reach developmental milestones!”
Faith Based:
- Christian Wooddale Academy | Eden Prairie
“Wooddale Academy provides a balanced program of creative play, structured learning time, and physical activity.” - Beth El Aleph Preschool | St. Louis Park
“Children will learn to understand themselves and their sense of belonging to the local and global community through immersion in Jewish spirituality, language, culture and heritage.”
Balanced Learning Approach
- The Gardner School | Edina, Minnetonka
“At The Gardner School, we have created a rich learning environment that will stimulate your child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We believe each child should be provided with experiences that enhance self-esteem, which is essential in the adjusting, exploring, and growing stages of child development.”
Reader Recommended:
- Faithful Beginnings | Shakopee
“We LOVE Faithful Beginnings Preschool at Shakopee Area Catholic School!” – Lisa.
EAST METRO TWIN CITIES PRESCHOOLS
Nature:
- Children’s Country Day School | Mendota Heights
“We are situated on a 7 acre model farm, overlooking picturesque St. Paul. Children’s Country Day School has been providing quality early childhood education for over 40 years.”
Music:
- MacPhail at New Horizons | Maplewood, Roseville, Woodbury | Directory
“Preschoolers will be introduced to a variety of string and brass instruments, exploring many new musical concepts as they reach developmental milestones!”
Play-Based
- Growing Explorers | Stillwater
” We are an early childhood education center that focuses on creating loving learning environments and prepares children for success in Kindergarten and beyond. We offer care and education for children ages Infants, Toddlers, Preschool & Pre-K. We use a play-based curriculum called the Creative Curriculum.”
If we have missed your favorite Twin Cities Preschools, please let us know and we will add it to our list!
For More fun Preschool Ideas. Follow our Preschool Pinterest Board.
We LOVE Faithful Beginnings Preschool at Shakopee Area Catholic School!
Thank you, Lisa. We’ll add this to our list.
hi you