Program Age Groups
- Infants (6 weeks to 16 months)
- Toddlers (16 months to 36 months)
- Preschool (3 years to 6 years, including Kindergarten)
Hours of Operation
We offer an All Day, All Year Montessori program for infant through Kindergarten-aged children. All Year Montessori (AYM) features all the benefits of a Montessori education along with the convenience off all-day care, all year long.
We are open from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In order for a child to maximize the benefits of a Montessori education, we encourage parents to maintain a consistent schedule, dropping off their children before the morning work period. We also believe that time children spend with their families is invaluable, so we highly encourage parents to limit their children’s hours at school. However, we are happy to accommodate a variety of schedules and parents may drop off or pick up within our hours of operation.
Holidays
Child Garden will typically be closed on the following holidays (or observed holidays) each calendar year. Please see the current school calendar for specific dates:
- Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day
- President’s Day
- March Staff Development Day/Conferences
- Spring Holiday
- Memorial Day
- The week of 4th of July – Summer Break/Basilica Block Party
- Thursday and Friday prior to Labor Day for Refurbishing
- Labor Day
- October Staff Development Day/Conferences
- Thanksgiving Day and the following day
Please note that we do not prorate tuition for any reason, including but not limited to: holidays, weather-related closures & withdrawals
Location
We are conveniently located on the edge of downtown Minneapolis. Our school overlooks Loring Park, The Walker Art Museum, and The Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens. The city is our backdrop as well as our playground. Child Garden is easily accessible from several major freeways and bus stops are located within walking distance.
Food Program
All snacks are from the local co-op and our onsite Chef prepares and delivers all the lunches throughout the year. Because we believe that learning and growth are fueled by the food we put in our bodies, we serve nutritious, well-balanced meals. We serve whole and organic foods as often as possible and avoid processed items. All snacks and meals are included in tuition and menus are available by the first of the month. Allergies are carefully considered when preparing food and alternative food preferences can be supported.
Field Trips
Our location provides an endless array of opportunities for the exploration of our community. Within walking distance are the Walker Art Museum, the Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens, and Loring Park (which means plenty of opportunity for nature and animal observation, playgrounds, ball fields, flower gardens, fountains, and more!) During the summer months, the children also frequent the Farmer’s Market, go on walks, and participate in water days here at school and in the community. Several times a week, they pack up their snacks and/or lunch and head out on a picnic adventure. We are truly fortunate to be located in a vibrant, culturally diverse, and beautiful community. We are more than excited to share it with your children.
In addition, Child Garden Montessori believes that children benefit from visits to relevant locations beyond our local community. Examples of common field trips include visits to museums, parks, zoos, plays, libraries, nursing homes, and nature centers. Transportation for off-site field trips is provided by a professional transportation service and an activity fee is collected to cover expenses. Even our youngest toddlers get to go on a bus to the park!
More reasons to love Child Garden Montessori
Excellent staff-to-child ratios that are lower than state requirements, ensuring individualized attention and quality education
Family-owned for over fifty years
Spacious facilities complete with indoor and outdoor play areas, cafeteria, activity rooms, and age-appropriate classrooms
Montessori trained teachers, assistants, and aids who are dedicated, loving, and professional. The school’s high standards are maintained through continuing educational development
