Come grow with us! A Joyful Learning Community!
Our Journey of Joyful Learning
At Grace Neighborhood Nursery School, we have been committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for young children to grow and thrive since 1961. Our journey began with a humble start, founded by members of the Grace-Trinity Community Church as a service to the community. We were initially housed in the education wing of the church and have since relocated to our current location at 3400 Dupont Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55408.
Philosophy and Approach
At Grace, our philosophy is centered around the idea that children learn best through play-based learning and exploration. We believe that young children learn naturally when exposed to a variety of activities and materials that are developmentally appropriate. Our skilled teachers create rich environments that encourage children to engage in creative play, while our teachers support and facilitate exploration and discovery. We blend the best of several educational philosophies, combining a focus on topics or Big Ideas for children to explore and investigate, along with an emergent approach where teachers carefully observe and support children's play themes.
Our Staff
At Grace, we are proud to have a diverse and experienced team of teachers who bring their unique skills, knowledge, and passion for education to our community. Our staff has a collective expertise in early childhood education, child development, and a deep commitment to the values of play-based learning. Our teachers possess a range of academic credentials, including degrees in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, and related fields. We believe that our staff's diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives enrich our school community and enable us to provide a high-quality education for our children.
Programs and Services
At Grace, we offer a range of programs and services designed to support the growth and development of young children. Our programs include:
- A comprehensive preschool program for children aged 2.5 to 5 years
- Extended Day Enrichment programs that provide additional activities and exploration opportunities
- A Poetry-in-Residency program, led by our Poet-in-Residence, Julia Klatt Singer
- A unique Home-School Partnership program that fosters connection and collaboration between parents and teachers
Our Community
At Grace, we strive to create a sense of community through shared experiences, exploration, and collaboration. We believe that children and families develop a sense of belonging and community pride through exploration of our neighborhood and its resources. We are committed to reflecting our teaching philosophy in the way we live and work together, creating a joyful and supportive learning environment that nurtures the growth and development of our children.
Overview of Reviews
The reviews of Grace Neighborhood Nursery School are overwhelmingly positive, with all reviewers giving the school a 5-star rating. The common themes among the reviews include praise for the school's teachers, curriculum, and supportive community.
Teachers and Staff
The reviewers consistently praised the school's teachers and staff, describing them as "phenomenal, " "wonderful, " "caring, " and "passionate." Reviewers noted that the teachers are knowledgeable, creative, and dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for the children.
Curriculum and Environment
Reviewers raved about the school's play-based curriculum, describing it as "stimulating, " "challenging, " and "fun." The school's new location was also praised, with reviewers noting that it provides a beautiful and welcoming space for the children.
Community and Family Involvement
Several reviewers highlighted the school's strong sense of community, with parents feeling connected to the school and other families. The school's administrators and teachers were credited with creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging among families.
Preparation for Kindergarten
Many reviewers noted that the school's curriculum and teaching style effectively prepared their children for kindergarten, with some reviewers stating that their children still love learning and have a strong foundation for future academic success.
