ABOUT US

Whittier Wildflowers Preschool is a licensed, non-profit preschool for 2-5 year olds, in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Our mission is to provide children and families from all backgrounds an innovative, affordable early childhood education in a fun, faith-based community where love and learning grow. Here play and learning go hand in hand.

Our Vision

We strive to create a preschool community where every child can flourish.

Social & Emotional Growth: We nurture empathy, positive self-identity, healthy relationships, and care for others.

Learning Through Play: We inspire a lifelong love of learning through intentional play, hands-on exploration, and culturally responsive experiences that prepare children for future success.

Community & Belonging: We celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive learning community rooted in the Whittier neighborhood and the Calvary community, where every family belongs.

Faith & Character: We welcome children of all backgrounds into a faith-based environment led by caring Christian educators who model kindness, compassion, and respect.

Family Partnership: We believe family is a child's first and most important teacher. We partner with families by creating opportunities for connection, learning, and community throughout the year.

OUR VALUES: LOVE ~ JOY ~ RESPECT ~ CREATVITY ~ COMMUNITY ~ FUN

Programs

Our program runs September thru May, from 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM or 12:00 PM, with extended day options. Each day includes a balance of child-directed exploration and teacher-guided learning. Children participate in small- and large-group activities, creative play, outdoor exploration, music, art, literacy, and at least 30 minutes of large-motor play.

Pre-Kindergarten: 4/5 year olds (must be 4 as of September 1st)

Our Pre-K students continue building the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for a confident transition to kindergarten. Teachers encourage children to ask questions, solve problems, collaborate with others, and become independent learners. Schedule options include 3, 4, or 5 mornings per week, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Early Risers beginning at 8:00 AM, Lunch Bunch until 1:00 PM and some extended days until 3:00.

Preschool: 3 year olds (must be 3 as of September 1st)

Three-year-olds are naturally curious and eager to learn. Children explore through independent play, small-group activities, and whole-group experiences while developing friendships, communication skills, and early literacy and math concepts. Schedule options include 2, 3, 4 or 5 mornings per week, 9:00 AM–12:00, Early Risers beginning at 8:00 AM, Lunch Bunch until 1:00 PM and some extended days until 3:00.

Toddlers: 2 year olds (must be 2 as of September 1st)

Our youngest learners begin building independence, language, and social skills in a nurturing environment with a teacher-to-child ratio of 1:6 or lower. Through play, discovery, and caring relationships, children gain confidence as they explore the world around them. Schedule options include 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 mornings per week, 9:00 – 11:45 AM Early Risers beginning at 8:00 AM and Lunch Bunch until 1:00 PM.

EXTENDED DAY OPTIONS:

Early Risers

Early Risers is an early morning option beginning at 8:00 AM for all ages. A simple nutritious breakfast is provided.

Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch is an optional program 11:45/ 12:00–1:00 for all ages. Lunch Bunch is a social time of eating together. Good manners and interesting conversations are encouraged. Children bring their own lunch from home. We ask that all food be nut free. We end Lunch Bunch at 12:45 on the second Friday of each month for our staff meeting.

Afternoon Adventures

Afternoon Adventures is an optional extended day program for the Caterpillars (3’s) and Butterflies (4’s) offered Mondays - Thursdays until 3:00 PM. During this time, we’ll have a little quiet time with books and soft music, an extended large muscle time in the gym or on the playground and more creative adventures!

Click here for more details about our curriculum >

The Caterpillar & Butterfly classes take monthly field trips ~ apple orchard, fire station, neighborhood excursions & special guests!
Each of our classrooms has at least one Spanish speaking teacher who does enrichment with all of the children.
You are invited to be involved! Come along on field trips, read or share in the classroom, Family Fun Nights, and Parent Connect - our social and support groups
Each month, Calvary’s Children’s Pastor Amy or Youth Minister Kadrian, do an engaging lesson with the children about the “virtue of the month”… things like patience, kindness, generosity

Tuition

At Whittier Wildflowers, we believe every child deserves access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of a family's financial circumstances. Our Fair Share Tuition Model reflects our commitment to educational excellence, economic equity, and caring for one another. Tuition is based on household income and family size, allowing families to contribute according to their financial ability while helping sustain an exceptional program for all children.

Thanks to the generosity of our community and additional fundraising efforts, we are able to keep tuition affordable while investing in outstanding teachers and meaningful learning experiences.

All families are also encouraged to make an additional Above & Beyond donation to Whittier Wildflowers that is voluntary and tax-deductible.

See the ‘26 - ‘27 Tuition Guide for more details.

We accept Early Learning Scholarships from Think Small. We ask all families who are eligible to apply. Here is the link for more information and to apply: Pathway 1 Early Learning Scholarships