St. Nicholas Hall: 6 Weeks-6 Years

The Preschool program has been licensed by the State of Minnesota for over 35 years. Cotter's Early Childhood Education Center is located at St. Nicholas Hall and follows the school year calendar (9 months). The preschool program services children 3 or 4 years old by September 1 of the current school year. We offer three different program options: 

4K

• All day, every day preschool for children 4-5 years old 
• 7:30 a.m. (classroom opens) - 2:20 p.m. (dismissal)

AM PRESCHOOL

• Half-day preschool for children 3 or 4 years old. Parents get a choice of 2 days (T/Th), 3 days (M, W, F) or 5 days
• 7:30 (classroom opens) - 10:40 a.m. (dismissal)  

In our Montessori classroom, children are empowered to choose work that interests them and to pursue it at their own pace, stopping when they feel their task is complete. The role of the teacher is to carefully prepare a calm, orderly environment that supports focused, uninterrupted work. We observe the children closely, noting their sensitive periods and interests, and provide materials accordingly. While we give children independence, we also step in when needed—whether a child is distracted, destructive, or in need of redirection.

The Montessori method is built on three essential elements: the child, the adult, and the environment. Together, they create a nurturing, purposeful space where children can engage deeply with their work and develop into confident, capable individuals.