Preschool
Christ-centered, play-based preschool rooted in wonder, outdoor learning, and joyful community.
Opening Fall 2026 · Alexandria, Minnesota
Where faith, nature, and childhood wonder intersect
At Mount Carmel, families have found rest, renewal, and community for generations. We are launching a Christ-centered preschool where children grow in faith and life through play, relationships, and daily experiences in God's beautiful creation on our campus in Alexandria, MN.
Christ-Centered
Faith shapes our relationships, rhythms, and purpose — not an add-on, but the heart of everything.
Nature-Rich Campus
Our beautiful grounds invite daily outdoor exploration, wonder, and connection with God's creation.
Play-Based Learning
Young children learn best through meaningful play, imagination, and hands-on discovery.
Real Food, Real Nourishment
Breakfast and lunch served daily in the lodge, family style.
The Four Pillars
"I am the way and the truth and the life."
— John 14:6
Faith is not an add-on at Mount Carmel — it shapes our relationships, our rhythms, and our purpose. Since 1938, Mount Carmel has proclaimed Jesus Only to all ages. That same commitment lives at the heart of our preschool.
We believe and confess our faith in the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Children encounter God's love through story, song, prayer, and community, woven into every part of each day.
"84% of adults who had positive religious experiences in childhood still identify with that religion later in life."
— Pew Research Center
Daily Faith Practices
- Bible verse memorization
- Bible songs
- Bible stories
- Attributes of God
- Mealtime prayers
- Real-time prayers
- Fruits of the Spirit
"The heavens declare the glory of God."
— Psalm 19:1
Mount Carmel's trails, woods, and lakeside campus are a natural classroom. In a world where children spend less time outdoors than ever, we make nature a daily priority — not just an occasional field trip.
Richard Louv coined "Nature-Deficit Disorder" to describe the toll of disconnecting children from the natural world: attention difficulties, higher stress, and reduced creativity. We are committed to a different childhood.
"About 75% of children spend less time outdoors each day than prison inmates."
— Time Magazine, 2016
Nature-Rich Daily Life
- Nature walks through the woods
- Continuous outdoor access
- Daily outside time goal
- Digging in the dirt and sand
- Open windows as much as possible
"Let the little children come to me."
— Matthew 19:14
The American Academy of Pediatrics is clear: play is not frivolous — it is brain-building. Young children learn best through meaningful play, exploration, and hands-on discovery.
In Finland, formal schooling begins at age 7, yet Finnish students historically rank among the highest globally in reading, math, and science. Play-based early childhood is a proven investment in lifelong learning.
"Play is not frivolous: it is brain-building."
— American Academy of Pediatrics
Our Play Philosophy
- Academics explored through play
- No formal lessons
- Increased focus & attention
- Imagination and creativity
- Problem solving
- Developmentally appropriate activities
"Taste and see that the Lord is good."
— Psalm 34:8
We nourish children's bodies as intentionally as we nourish their spirits and minds. Breakfast and lunch are served daily in the lodge, family style — building table manners, conversation skills, and an adventurous palate.
We believe healthy eating is a life skill worth teaching. Inspired by the approach in French Kids Eat Everything, we encourage children to explore new foods in a warm, low-pressure environment.
Never Any
- Artificial colors
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial sweeteners
Carefully Watching
- Seed oils
- Sugar quantities
- Food sourcing
Christa Johnson
Preschool Director
Christa and her husband Luke are parents to Henrik (5), Jens (3), and Louisa (1). She has countless memories from years spent at Mount Carmel — a place dear to her grandparents, her dad, and the setting for her children's baptisms.
An Alexandria native, Christa studied education at Gustavus Adolphus College (2012) and earned her Master's degree from Saint Mary's University (2015). She taught Kindergarten in New Prague for 8 years and 5th grade in Alexandria for 2 years.
Her areas of expertise include holistic nutrition, child development, and play-based learning. She loves seeing God's love shine through kids playing in His creation — and cannot imagine a better setting for a preschool than Mount Carmel.
Scheduling Options
Several options to fit your family's rhythm — all following the Alexandria Area Public Schools calendar, targeting a Fall 2026 opening.
Full Time
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 3:30pmPart Time
Mon / Wed / Fri
8:00am – 3:30pm— or —
Tues / Thurs
Mornings
Tuesday / Thursday
(includes meals)
Before Care
Monday – Friday · 7:15am – 8:00am
After Care
Monday – Friday · 3:30pm – 5:15pm
Tuition & Fees
Enroll early and save 5% with our Early Bird discount — available through April 2, 2026. Convenient monthly payment options are available for all programs.
| Program | Total Tuition | Monthly | Early Bird (5% off) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Day · 8:00–3:30 | $9,000 | $1,000 | $8,550 |
| Before Care · 7:15–8:00 | $450 | $50 | — |
| After Care · 3:30–5:15 | $450 | $50 | — |
| Program | Total Tuition | Monthly | Early Bird (5% off) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Day · 8:00–3:30 | $5,670 | $630 | $5,386.50 |
| Before Care · 7:15–8:00 | $270 | $50 | — |
| After Care · 3:30–5:15 | $270 | $50 | — |
| Program | Total Tuition | Monthly | Early Bird (5% off) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Day · 8:00–12:00 | $2,187 | $243 | $2,077.65 |
| Full Day · 8:00–3:30 | $4,131 | $459 | $3,924.45 |
| Before Care · 7:15–8:00 | $180 | $50 | — |
| After Care · 3:30–5:15 | $180 | $50 | — |
Family Camp
Included!
As a Mount Carmel Preschool family, you're part of the broader Mount Carmel community — and that comes with perks! Enrolled families receive special access to Family Camp, one of Mount Carmel's most beloved annual traditions.
*Starting Summer 2027 for 2026–2027 enrolled students
Full Time Students
One full week of Family Camp — completely free! Includes all meals, programming, and housing.
~$2,000 value for a family of four
Learn more about Family Camp →Part Time Students
One week of Family Camp at 50% off
Frequently Asked
Is the preschool open and enrolling now?
Not yet — we're in the planning phase! We hope to open our doors in Fall 2026 pending licensure. Your survey response helps us get there.
When can I enroll my child?
Enrollment will open at our Open House on March 19, 2026. Come meet Christa, tour the campus, and sign up for the 2026–2027 school year. Early Bird pricing (5% off) is available through April 2, 2026.
Does the survey reserve a spot?
No — the survey helps us understand community demand. Official enrollment begins at the March 19 Open House.
Will you offer childcare for infants and toddlers?
We're exploring it! Our initial focus is preschool-aged children (3–5), and we'll evaluate childcare options based on community interest and feasibility.
What calendar do you follow?
Mount Carmel Preschool will follow the Alexandria Area Public Schools calendar.
Who is leading the preschool?
Christa Johnson will serve as our Preschool Director. She brings 10+ years of classroom experience, a Master's in Education, and deep personal roots at Mount Carmel.
How do I stay in the loop?
Sign up for updates using the button below! We'll keep you informed as we move toward our March 19 Open House and Fall 2026 opening.
Help Us Plan — Take the Survey!
Your input directly shapes how we launch and serve families. It only takes a few minutes and means a great deal.
Mount Carmel Ministries
800 Mount Carmel Drive NE, Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 846-2744 ·
office@mountcarmelministries.com
mountcarmelministries.com
