The two Lower School campuses at Minnehaha Academy – South Minneapolis (Preschool–5) and Bloomington (K–5) – are special places where children are loved, taught, and mentored by gifted Christian teachers and staff who are devoted to the growth and development of every child. Those qualities enhance the school’s safe, family-like environment, and make Minnehaha an exceptional place to attend school.

The preschool emphasizes social development and readiness activities to prepare children for kindergarten and serve as the foundation for future learning. Fun-filled learning, creative problem solving, and hands-on learning experiences are the building blocks in the preschool program.

The Academy’s Lower School teachers create nurturing environments for children. They provide students with the tools to discover their strengths, to learn disciplined study habits, and to develop a love for learning. The Lower School emphasizes academic achievement relative to each student’s ability. In addition to the core curriculum of language arts, mathematics, Bible, social studies, and science, students are enrolled in art, music, health/physical education, library science, computer lab, and Spanish or French.

Lower School students gather each week in chapel for worship experiences that involve music, drama, guest speakers, puppetry, and films. Daily prayer and devotional time in the classroom help children develop a closer relationship with God. Students are continually encouraged to live out a Christian message of care for each other and for the world. Service projects are undertaken at each grade level, giving students learning experiences in serving others.

Charice Deegan, Lower School Principal – South Campus

Carey Erkel, Lower School Principal – Bloomington Campus