Becks Montessori was established in 1992 by Mrs. Neetha Guneratne. Mrs. Neetha started operations in a church building in Eagan, Minnesota, with one other teacher and few students. Within a few short years, the reputation of Becks Montessori, and especially of Mrs. Neetha, grew. For 10 years the reputation for excellence in early childhood Montessori education spread throughout the area and beyond. By 2001, after over 25 years in Montessori education, and after building a wonderful and successful school, Mrs. Neetha planned to retire. She gave Saroja and Tim Edmund the opportunity to take over Becks Montessori at the beginning of 2002. Saroja Edmund took over as director and preschool teacher in January of 2002. Within a few months, the school outgrew the space it occupied, and Becks Montessori relocated to a larger location in April 2002. Mrs. Neetha retired from teaching in May of 2002 and currently lives as a Buddhist nun in both St. Paul and her native country of Sri Lanka. We honor and thank Mrs. Neetha for leaving such a great legacy in Becks Montessori. Becks Montessori continues the great tradition of Montessori education that Mrs. Neetha began, and continues to grow. We have three programs; Transition (ages 2 1/2 to approx. 3 1/2), Preschool (ages 3 1/2 to 5), and Kindergarten / Elementary (ages 5 to 9). Our newest location in, Minnesota Montessori, was opened in June of 2006. We are located in Shakopee, Minnesota, one of the fastest growing communities in the state. We offer programs for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool/Kindergarten. In addition to our Montessori-based curriculum, Minnesota Montessori and Becks Montessori offer a varied schedule to enhance the child’s education and the child's growth, both mentally and physically. Languages We currently teach three languages, in addition to English, to our students of all ages. French Sign Language Spanish Dance Music Student Programs Our annual Spring Program and Winter Program feature plays, skits, dances and songs performed by our students. Our students gain public speaking experience during our Children Around the World program and President's Day program, both of which are open to the public. Field Trips We take our students on field trips on average once a month during the school year. Examples of this may be: Children's Museum Science Museum Children's Theater Minnesota or Como Zoo Apple Orchard Many more.