The Gardner School of Minnetonka

Lionsgate Academy grew out of a 2006 community meeting of parents, educators and specialists who believed public schools could do a better job educating teenagers with autism. Today we are a tuition-free public charter school for grades 7 through 12, open to students of all abilities and designed around autistic learners and students with other learning differences. Our Minnetonka campus on Green Circle Drive was our first middle and high school campus, moved from the original site in Crystal, and it was the first building designed by and for our own school community. About 150 students attend in Minnetonka, taking four 70-minute classes a day on an A/B schedule. General and special education teachers work alongside on-site speech therapy, occupational therapy, adaptive physical education and social skills instruction, based on each student's evaluated needs. Students build job skills at school and in the surrounding parks, trails and downtown. Our LEO program serves intellectually and socially gifted students with leadership opportunities, and eligible students can earn college credit through PSEO.

Minnetonka Public Schools is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment for all students, including those with special needs. The district's mission is to empower every child to envision and pursue their highest aspirations while contributing positively to the community. Serving a diverse range of students, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners, Minnetonka Public Schools emphasizes personalized learning tailored to meet individual needs. The school employs innovative teaching methodologies and therapeutic programs designed to support academic achievement and personal growth. With a commitment to low student-teacher ratios, families can expect strong partnerships that enhance the educational experience. Unique offerings such as language immersion in Spanish and Chinese, as well as a nationally recognized music education program, further distinguish Minnetonka Public Schools as a leader in providing comprehensive educational opportunities that inspire confidence and excellence in every student.

10 Acre Wood Nature Preschool, located in Lakeville, Minnesota, is a nurturing and play-based educational environment designed for children aged 33 months through kindergarten. With a core mission centered on fostering a love for nature and environmental stewardship, the preschool offers both full-day and part-time enrollment options within a maximum group size of 12 students, ensuring an intimate learning atmosphere supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. The preschool's unique approach incorporates outdoor exploration across its expansive 10-acre property, which features woodlands, wetlands, and native prairie. This immersive setting allows children to engage in hands-on learning experiences that promote curiosity and discovery. The school's commitment to environmental education is reflected in its use of an environmentally-friendly converted pole barn as the main facility. What sets 10 Acre Wood apart is not only its dedicated focus on nature-based learning but also its emphasis on creating strong connections with families, fostering a community that supports each child's growth and development.