Montessori School FAQ
Do you have questions about Montessori education, our schools in Eagan and Inver Grove Heights, curriculum, policies and more? This FAQ is a compilation of our most frequent questions from parents and caregivers. If you don’t find the answer you need here, please contact us!
Our Childcare and Montessori Programs serve children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age in the Twin Cities South Metro.
Montessori education is a child-centered approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago. It is based on the belief that children learn best when they are given the freedom to explore, make choices, and learn at their own pace within a carefully prepared environment.
In a Montessori classroom, children engage in hands-on learning with specially designed materials that encourage independence, concentration, and a love of learning. Teachers guide rather than direct, helping each child build confidence, problem-solving skills, and respect for others and the world around them.
The Montessori method nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.
Montessori is an individualized teaching approach that allows children to explore and learn at their own pace through hands-on activities and real-life experiences. We also integrate elements of the Creative Curriculum to support a well-rounded learning experience and help ensure a smooth transition into the public school system.
In a Montessori classroom, children follow a consistent schedule, which helps them transition smoothly between activities and develop a sense of routine and responsibility. The environment is rich with hands-on learning opportunities, including reading, writing, math, and practical life skills, all tailored to each child’s developmental stage. In contrast, a traditional daycare tends to be more play-based, with less emphasis on structured academic learning and more focus on general care and social play.
We welcome babies as young as 6 weeks old. Parents often wonder what activities we offer for our youngest learners—in our infant program, even the littlest ones are part of a “book club,” where they are introduced to stories and language through daily reading. We also focus on developing hand-eye coordination through age-appropriate Montessori activities, and most importantly, we provide lots of love and nurturing care to build strong, trusting relationships from the very beginning.
Montessori education prepares children for life by providing structure, consistency, and a strong foundation for learning from a very young age. Through a carefully designed schedule and environment, children develop independence, focus, and a love for learning during their formative years—skills that set them up for long-term success in school and beyond.
Montessori can be a wonderful fit for every child, especially when they are introduced to it from an early age. The structure foster independence, concentration, and a love for learning. However, children transitioning from traditional daycare settings may sometimes need time to adjust to the Montessori curriculum and routine, as it is more structured. With patience and support, most children adapt well and thrive in the Montessori environment.
We offer Infant & Toddler care, Preschool, Pre-K, and private Kindergarten, all using Montessori methods and Creative Curriculum.
Our doors open at 6:30 am and close at 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except for communicated holidays.
Amazing Beginnings is NAEYC accredited and have a four-star rating from Parent Aware, Minnesota’s top preschool rating.
You’ll find us in Eagan (Eagan Montessori Academy South) and Inver Grove heights (Amazing Beginnings Montessori.
Absolutely. We warmly welcome all children and celebrate the diversity each family brings to our school.
Reach out to us by phone or through our website. We’ll set up a tour and walk you through the next steps.
Our classrooms are spacious, allowing us to accommodate larger class sizes. This helps children easily adjust to bigger classroom environments when they transition to public school. At the same time, we always maintain appropriate student-to-teacher ratios to ensure each child receives the attention and support they need.
The Montessori curriculum is designed to support each child’s love of learning. It is thoughtfully planned with each child’s strengths and areas for growth in mind. The curriculum focuses on language, math, and practical life skills. Children work at their own pace under the guidance of trained teachers who support and encourage their development.
We send monthly newsletters and curriculum updates via email to keep families informed. Parents are also notified by email of any illnesses in the school, as well as all important updates and announcements. We hold parent-teacher conferences twice a year.
Our main building entrance is secured with a coded entry system, and the code is shared with parents during the intake process. All staff are well-trained in CPR and First Aid, and we strictly follow current health guidelines to maintain a safe environment for our children. We also prioritize strong communication with families—parents regularly keep us informed, including when someone else will be picking up their child.
Our meals are catered by CKC Good Food, a professional food service company that specializes in nutritious meals for schools. We also provide daily snacks for the children.
Our schools are known for their strong, consistent curriculum, which is thoughtfully implemented each day. In addition, we offer a variety of enriching activities tailored to each child’s age and developmental stage. Alongside the core curriculum, children engage in lessons in sign language, Spanish, and hands-on science projects. Weather permitting, they enjoy outdoor play, and when needed, our spacious classrooms are transformed into indoor gym spaces to support physical activity and movement. Each day also includes yoga and movement exercises, helping children build strength, coordination, and mindfulness in a fun and engaging way.
We teach kindness, respect, and teamwork every day, helping children make friends and solve problems together.
We partner with families to meet each child’s needs and can adjust or provide extra help as needed.
Families are welcome to visit, join events, and talk with teachers about their child’s progress.
Tuition varies by age group and schedule. Please contact us for details and information about payment.
Some programs may have a waitlist. We encourage early applications and will keep you updated on your child’s status.
Our teachers hold Master’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, and Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials, reflecting their strong educational backgrounds and commitment to early childhood development. Ongoing professional development is a key part of our program, ensuring that our staff continue their training and stay current with best practices in the field.
Children generally settle in well, as we promote a warm and welcoming environment with plenty of activities and opportunities to build friendships. Our teachers are trained to support children during transitions and will communicate any concerns with parents to ensure a smooth adjustment.
We use positive guidance and redirection, focusing on helping children understand their feelings, develop self-discipline and make good choices.
We encourage all children to take naps, as rest is important for their growth and development. Infants follow their own individual sleep schedules, while toddlers, preschoolers, pre-K, and private kindergarten students have a designated rest time each day. Most children do fall asleep, as they are actively engaged throughout the day.
Yes, we offer summer sessions filled with special activities, outdoor play, and a variety of enrichment opportunities. We also host in-house field trips.
We follow strict health policies and will notify families promptly if their child becomes ill or if there’s an emergency.
Yes, we give priority to siblings.
We host special events throughout the year, including our Holiday Programs and end-of-year graduation for our Pre-K and Kindergarten students, where families are invited to join in the celebration. We also celebrate occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and our Fall Party with fun and festive activities in the classrooms.