Preschool in Eden Prairie, MN

Our “Casa” preschool programs provide students in Minnesota with a mixed age environment where they can develop coordination, concentration and knowledge-based skills, all for a reasonable price.  A “Casa” is a “house” in Italian — Maria Montessori’s native language. Preschool Rooms in Montessori centers are often referred to as a Children’s House or Casa as a nod to its founder. And a house or home is very much what we try to create with our mixed age classrooms.


Younger children, specifically those ages 3 to 4, benefit most when learning from one another rather than an instructor. Through observation, age-appropriate materials, and self-paced learning, preschoolers are able to develop skills, learn appropriate behavior, and understand appropriate classroom conduct.



Peer Modeling that Propels Development

The Montessori method of teaching promotes feedback as reinforcement and motivation for future development. In a mixed age classroom environment, preschoolers model older students to better their skills. By working individually and in partners or teams, preschoolers learn to work together to accomplish tasks.


Montessori Preschoolers participate in a practical life, while our exclusive, Montessori materials are designed specifically for our preschool classrooms. By working with these materials, students will learn:

  • Coordination
  • Control
  • Concentration
  • Movement
  • Math concepts
  • Preparation for reading and writing
  • Aesthetic concepts
  • Sensorial concepts
  • Geography
  • Science
  • Music

  • What areas of learning are included in the Casa curriculum?

    The Casa curriculum encompasses five main areas:

    1. Practical Life: Activities that develop independence, coordination, and concentration (pouring, buttoning, food preparation, etc.)

    2. Sensorial: Materials that refine the senses and build cognitive understanding through physical experience

    3. Language: A comprehensive approach to reading and writing that begins with spoken language and progresses through phonetic awareness to reading and writing

    4. Mathematics: Concrete materials that build understanding of quantities, symbols, and operations

    5. Culture: Introduction to geography, science, art, and music

    These areas are not taught separately but are integrated throughout the prepared environment and the child's experience.


  • How do children learn to read in a Montessori environment?

    Reading in Montessori is approached as a natural extension of language development. Children first build their spoken vocabulary and phonological awareness through conversation, songs, and games. They then learn letter sounds (rather than names) using sandpaper letters that engage multiple senses. They begin building words with a movable alphabet before reading becomes a fully developed skill. This process respects the natural sequence of language development: speaking, then writing, then reading, and allows each child to progress at their own pace.

  • If my child starts in Casa at age 3, should they stay through age 5 (kindergarten)?

    We strongly recommend that children complete the full two-year cycle in the Casa program. The second year is when we see children integrate all they've learned in the previous years, develop leadership skills, and dive deeper into academic areas. Children who stay through the second year benefit from being the leaders of the community and have opportunities to reinforce their learning by helping younger children. This final year in Casa provides a solid foundation for future academic success. 

  • How much time do children spend outdoors?

    Outdoor time is an essential part of our program. Casa children have scheduled outdoor time each morning and afternoon, weather permitting. Our outdoor environment is an extension of the classroom, offering opportunities for gross motor development, sensory exploration, gardening, and scientific observation. We believe that connection with nature is vital for children's physical and emotional well-being.

  • How do you prepare children for elementary school?

    Children who complete the full Casa cycle are always well-prepared for any elementary environment. They develop strong executive functioning skills (planning, organization, time management), a solid foundation in reading and mathematics, and the social skills needed for group learning. Rather than focusing narrowly on academic "readiness," we foster a love of learning, independence, and problem-solving abilities that serve children well regardless of their next educational setting. For children continuing to Montessori elementary, the Casa program provides the perfect foundation for the more abstract and collaborative work of the elementary years.

What Our Parents Say

"Amazing staff who genuinely care about my daughters’ needs and go out of their way to make them feel welcomed, important, and loved. I can’t imagine ever leaving!"

Emily m.

Why Choose Eden Prairie Montessori Learning?

01

We’ve been guiding and cultivating children through the Montessori method for over 20 years.

02

2 convenient locations in the North and South sides of Eden Prairie.

03

We care for children from infancy through Kindergarten, preparing students for first grade and beyond..

04

Carefully trained, qualified instructors who have completed Montessori Certification.

05

Small class sizes to ensure each child receives the attentive care they need.