Mount Carmel Preschool
Preschool
Why Mount Carmel Preschool?
At Mount Carmel, families have found rest, renewal, and community for generations. We are now exploring the launch of a Christ-centered preschool that helps children grow in faith and life through play, relationships, and daily experiences of in God’s creation.
This page shares preliminary information as we plan. Completing the interest survey helps us discern the best way to serve families in our area—whether through preschool-only programming or a program that could also include a childcare component if there is sufficient demand.
What we are exploring
A Preschool that is:
Christ-centered — Faith is not an add-on. It shapes our relationships, our rhythms, and our purpose.
Play-based — Young children learn best through meaningful play, exploration, and hands-on discovery.
Nature-rich — Our campus offers a setting where outdoor learning is natural and joyful.
Healthy and nourishing — We are excited about the possibility of serving nutrient-rich food that supports growing bodies and minds.
Ages and Program Options:
We are currently exploring programming for preschool-aged children (approximately ages 3–5). Depending on community interest, we may consider Preschool-only programming or a program that includes both preschool and childcare. Your survey feedback will help guide these decisions.
Schedule and Start Date:
As we prepare to pursue licensure, we hope to be able to open our doors to this new ministry in the fall of 2026. Mount Carmel’s Preschool will follow the Alexandria Area Public Schools calendar.
Staff and Leadership:
We are thrilled that Christa Johnson will be serving as our Preschool Director! Christa & her husband Luke are parents to Henrik (5), Jens (3) and Louisa (1). She has countless memories through many years spent at Mount Carmel. It was a very special place to her grandparents, her Dad, and the perfect location for her children’s baptisms.
Christa is an Alexandria native who later ventured to Gustavus Adolphus College to study education. She graduated in 2012, then achieved her Master’s Degree in 2015 from Saint Mary’s University. 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.
Christa has a passion for nurturing childhood through simplicity, play, nature, and nutrition. She cannot imagine a better setting for a preschool than Mount Carmel’s beautiful grounds. Christa loves seeing God’s love shine through the faces of little kids in their element, playing in His creation!
What makes Mount Carmel unique?
Faith at the center:
Since 1938 Mount Carmel has proclaimed Jesus Only to all ages. Our preschool experiences and curriculum will reflect our commitment to God’s love and grace in our daily lives.
Excellence and warmth:
We are committed to high-quality learning experiences and a safe, nurturing environment where children are known and loved.
A campus built for wonder:
Mount Carmel’s extensive outdoor spaces, trails, and natural beauty create an environment that invites curiosity and exploration.
Help us plan!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this open and enrolling now?
Not yet. We are in the planning phase and gathering interest.
Does the survey reserve a spot?
No. The survey helps us understand demand. If we move forward, we will share next steps for enrollment.
Will you offer childcare (infants/toddlers)?
We are exploring that question. Our initial focus is preschool, and we’ll evaluate childcare options based on community interest and feasibility.
Who is leading this work?
We are thrilled to announce that Christa Johnson will be our Preschool Director!
