Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Montessori Preschool in South Minneapolis
Established in 1982, Lake Harriet Montessori School has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in South Minneapolis. Our dedicated staff cultivates a joyful, engaging environment where children develop academic, social, and emotional skills through the Montessori Method. We prioritize individualized learning, allowing each child to explore their interests at their own pace while fostering independence and creativity. Our community-driven approach encourages family involvement through a Parent Board, ensuring collaborative growth and support. With decades of combined teaching experience, our educators create a nurturing space where children thrive, preparing them for lifelong learning and success.We integrate practical life skills, sensory exploration, and mathematics into daily activities, emphasizing hands-on discovery. Our program balances structured curriculum with flexible, child-led experiences, celebrating each student's unique journey. Parents consistently praise our warm, attentive staff and the strong sense of community that extends beyond the classroom. By adhering to authentic Montessori principles, we provide a foundation for critical thinking, empathy, and curiosity. Our commitment to quality education remains unwavering, adapting to modern needs while preserving the method's core values.
Services
Preschool Programs
Montessori Education
After-School Care
Summer Camp
Parent Involvement
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We implement the authentic Montessori Method with experienced, certified educators.
- Our child-led approach nurtures individual learning styles and developmental needs.
- Community involvement through Parent Board fosters collaborative growth and support.
- Balanced curriculum integrates practical life skills, sensory exploration, and mathematics.
- Proven track record of preparing children for successful kindergarten transitions.
What people say
Amazing teachers
Strong academic program
Lifelong friendships
Individualized attention
Joyful learning environment
Services
Preschool Programs
Our preschool programs provide structured Montessori-based learning for children aged 3-6. Certified educators guide individual and small-group activities that develop academic readiness, social skills, and emotional intelligence. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on materials and self-directed exploration.
Montessori Education
We implement the authentic Montessori Method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. This approach uses specialized materials and trained teachers to support self-paced learning, fostering independence, concentration, and intrinsic motivation through carefully prepared environments.
After-School Care
Our after-school program offers Montessori-aligned activities for enrolled students. The structured environment maintains educational continuity through practical life exercises, creative projects, and outdoor play while accommodating working families' schedules.
Summer Camp
Summer sessions extend Montessori learning through themed explorations and outdoor activities. The program maintains core principles while incorporating seasonal experiences, fostering continued growth and social development during school breaks.
Parent Involvement
We encourage family participation through our Parent Board and community events. Parents contribute to school governance, special projects, and cultural activities, creating a collaborative environment that enriches the educational experience for all students.
People
Gay Canseco
Director, Lead Teacher
Lead teacher since 2003 with master's in Montessori education. Specializes in child development and botany. Committed to creating nurturing learning environments that follow children's natural curiosities.
Florence Bambu
Lead Teacher/Arabic Teacher
Early childhood educator from Sudan with Montessori training. Focuses on daily student progression through personalized guidance. Balances teaching with family life and culinary interests.
Athena Gorsuch-Reichenberg
Assistant Director
Montessori trainer since 2004 with special education expertise. Advocate for inclusive practices. Combines educational leadership with passion for outdoor activities and family adventures.
Beth Heinrich
Teacher
History scholar and early childhood educator. Brings academic expertise to Montessori instruction. Focuses on creativity, empathy development, and lifelong learning foundations.
Emma Lako
Summer Aide
Biology graduate supporting summer programs. Committed to child development through interactive learning. Plans science career while gaining teaching experience with diverse families.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We provide Montessori education for children aged 3-6 in our preschool and kindergarten programs.
How does your Montessori approach differ from traditional preschools?
Our child-led method emphasizes self-paced learning with specialized materials, fostering independence and intrinsic motivation through hands-on exploration.
Are there opportunities for parent involvement?
Yes! We encourage family participation through our Parent Board, community events, and regular classroom engagement opportunities.
What are your operating hours?
Our school operates Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM during regular academic sessions.
Do you offer summer programming?
Yes, we provide Montessori-aligned summer camps that continue educational development through themed activities and outdoor exploration.
How do you support children's social-emotional development?
Our curriculum integrates practical life skills, conflict resolution practices, and community-building activities that nurture empathy and interpersonal skills.
