Where children
thrive in two
languages

At GMS, our highest priority is creating a kind and loving environment where every child feels safe, respected, and valued. We believe that social-emotional growth is the foundation of all learning. When children feel secure and supported, they are able to build trust in themselves and in others, develop resilience, confidence, and self-regulation, and fully engage in the academic and social opportunities around them. By focusing on the whole child — mind, body, and heart — we nurture not only capable learners, but also compassionate individuals who are inspired to become confident global citizens.

When we started Girasol Montessori, we knew we wanted to stay small. Our goal was never to become a big center, but to create a boutique Montessori school — a warm, close-knit community where children, families, and staff truly know one another.

One of our families once described Girasol as "a hidden gem in the neighborhood," and that's exactly how we feel too. We take pride in being a place that feels personal and intentional, where every child is seen and valued for who they are. In larger schools, it's easy for children and teachers to become just another number. At Girasol, we notice the small moments, greet each child by name, and build real relationships that help them feel safe, confident, and connected.

Everything we do at Girasol is intentional — from how we prepare our classrooms to how we communicate with families. We want our community to feel like an extension of home, where trust, connection, and a shared sense of purpose guide every part of a child's journey.

Children may join us starting at 33 months and remain through age 5 or 6. Families with summer birthdays sometimes choose to wait before transitioning to kindergarten, giving their child extra time for social and emotional growth.

Our waitlist is not based on a strict "first come, first served" system. Instead, we look for families who are the best fit for our community and Montessori approach. We carefully consider readiness, timing, and whether GMS can meet the needs of the child and family.

Our classroom guides hold Montessori credentials from AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) or AMS (American Montessori Society). In addition, all staff members hold Early Childhood Development qualifications. This ensures every adult in our school is well-prepared to support both the academic and social-emotional growth of your child.

Mixed-age classrooms are a key aspect of the Montessori environment. At GMS, children ages 3–6 learn together in the same community. Younger children are inspired by observing older classmates, older children develop leadership, empathy, and confidence by guiding younger peers, and every child progresses at their own pace, free from the pressure of being rushed or held back. This intentional design nurtures independence, cooperation, and respect, while reflecting the way people learn and grow in real life.

Independence in Montessori doesn't mean working alone in isolation. It means children are trusted to choose meaningful work and follow their own rhythm. Through this practice, they build concentration, responsibility, and confidence.

Absolutely. Socialization in Montessori is woven into the day — it just looks different than in traditional classrooms. Imagine an office: everyone has their own projects, yet they still chat, share meals, and collaborate. In the same way, our children work deeply on their chosen activities, share snack and lunchtime with friends, and move freely, ask questions, and engage with classmates. This balance reflects real life, nurturing both focus and connection.

No, GMS is a bilingual program, not full immersion. Academic lessons (reading, writing, math, and other core work) are in English, while daily interactions — greetings, songs, stories, and directions — happen naturally in Spanish. This balance ensures children are well-prepared when they transition out of our program, while still gaining the gift of bilingual exposure.

Since there are limited Spanish immersion options available after preschool, a full immersion model could make the transition to English-based schools unnecessarily challenging. Our bilingual approach gives children strong academic foundations in English, natural joyful Spanish exposure woven into the day, and confidence to meet — and often exceed — kindergarten readiness standards.

Children gain exposure to Spanish through songs, greetings, stories, and conversation. While they may not leave fully fluent, they build a strong foundation, cultural awareness, and excitement for language learning that can last a lifetime.

Montessori can be a wonderful fit for every child. The approach is designed to honor individuality, nurture independence, and support social-emotional growth at each child's own pace. Our classrooms are built on freedom within limits — children are trusted with independence, but always within clear structure and expectations. Guidance emphasizes respect, safety, and self-regulation, and teachers partner with families to support children, though Montessori is not a replacement for professional behavioral intervention if one is needed.

We see behavior as part of a child's learning process. Our goal is to guide children with compassion, helping them build self-control, problem-solving skills, and respect for themselves, others, and the environment. GMS staff use strategies like clear limits, natural consequences, redirection, and modeling positive behavior. Safety is always our priority. In rare cases where a child's behavior poses a serious risk to safety, parents may be called to pick up their child.

GMS is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Children are always supervised during school hours.

Half Day: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Full Day: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
All Day: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For Half Day and Full Day programs, arrival is between 8:25–8:35 a.m. For All Day children, arrival is anytime between 8:00–8:35 a.m. Arriving within these windows allows children to settle peacefully and ensures the morning work cycle begins smoothly.

Yes. For children attending five or more hours daily, a rest period is required by state licensing regulations. Children rest quietly for 30 minutes. If they do not fall asleep, they are invited to enjoy quiet activities. This pause gives children time to recharge, regulate, and process their learning.

Families pack a healthy, balanced lunch (no candy or treats). GMS provides nut-free snacks that meet USDA standards. If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, snacks are provided from home.

It is very common and completely normal for children to experience some difficulty separating. It is a healthy sign of the strong bond you've built with your child. The best way to support your child is to offer a calm, confident goodbye — children take cues from you. Keep your goodbye brief, as lingering can increase anxiety. Trust the process — with consistency, children learn that school is safe and that parents always return.

Conferences take place twice a year for deeper conversations, and teachers connect with families throughout the year as needed. We use the Procare app for newsletters, school updates, photos, direct messaging, and tuition management. We also love creating seasonal opportunities for families to connect and celebrate together.

The well-being of our community is a priority. We follow Minnesota Department of Health and DHS guidelines, along with additional GMS policies to help reduce illness and protect children, families, and staff.

1. Tour the school to see if it feels like the right fit.
2. Application visit, where teachers gently observe your child's readiness, independence, social maturity, and ability to follow directions.
3. Acceptance comes with a welcome letter and clear next steps.
4. Orientation/Phase-In Week to ease your child into school routines.

All newly enrolled children take part in a required Orientation Phase-In Week. This gradual start helps children feel secure, build trust with teachers, and adjust to routines at a pace that respects their readiness. Skipping the Orientation Phase-In Week is not an option, as it is essential to helping your child begin their Montessori journey with trust and success.

Our program is designed for children who are fully toilet independent — wearing cloth underwear (no pull-ups), managing bathroom needs confidently, and dressing themselves afterward. This independence supports safety, builds confidence, and allows learning to continue without interruption.

To complete enrollment, families must provide a current Health Summary form signed by the child's pediatrician, up-to-date Immunization Records, and the GMS Registration Form (provided by the school). Documents are required by Minnesota state licensing and must be submitted before your child's first day.

Initial application and pre-enrollment fees are submitted only by check (either dropped off or mailed to the school).

Yes. We require a security deposit equal to one month of tuition to secure enrollment. Details about how the deposit is applied and handled are outlined in the Tuition Contract Agreement and the Parent Handbook provided at the time of enrollment.

Each January, we begin the re-enrollment process for the following school year, which begins in August. Families confirm their child's spot by completing re-enrollment documents. This allows us to plan staffing and classroom placements, offer available spaces to new families in a timely way, and ensure a smooth transition into the next school year.

For the most up-to-date tuition information, please contact us directly. We do not publish tuition on our website because rates may change, and we want families to always have the most accurate information.

Tuition billing is managed through the Procare app. Payments are due on the first of each month via ACH or check. Initial enrollment fees are paid by check (dropped off or mailed to the school).

Tuition is based on your child's reserved space in the program, not on daily attendance. For this reason, there are no discounts or refunds for family vacations, illness, or school closures (including holidays, weather closures, or other force majeure events). This policy ensures consistency for staffing, classroom planning, and the stability of the school community.

Yes! GMS operates as a year-round program with scheduled closures. Each spring, we release the calendar for the upcoming school year so families can plan ahead. Scheduled closures include winter and spring breaks, staff professional development days, national holidays, weather-related closings, and any state-ordered closures. This year-round continuity allows children to stay comfortable and engaged in their routines without the long summer break that often disrupts learning.