From a single preschool classroom in 1971 to 100 schools today, much has changed for New Horizon Academy, but our commitment to children, families, teachers, and our communities remains the same.
Conveniently located off Highway 50 and Dodd Boulevard, near Lake Marion Elementary School, the Lakeville, Minnesota New Horizon Academy has been serving local families since 1994. We offer childcare and education for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, pre-kindergarten and school-age children, as well as summer camp. Our daycare curriculum focuses on all aspects of early education, from reading and STEAM to social-emotional learning, physical development, and more! At Lakeville New Horizon Academy, we help young children become confident learners who are prepared for kindergarten and beyond. Having highly trained daycare teachers and a research-based approach to childcare means that your child will receive the best possible daycare and education during their important early years. Schedule a tour today to learn more about our Lakeville daycare center. We can’t wait to meet your family!
Awards and Accolades
My name is Jon Woodruff, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the Director of Lakeville New Horizon Academy. With over 30 years of experience working with children—from infants to teenagers—I am excited to bring my passion and experience to work with me every day. For the past 23 years, I served as the Director of Early Childhood Education at a school in Eagan, MN. I am well aware of the excellent reputation that New Horizon Academy has to offer and I am more than happy to share that experience with you. I live in Apple Valley with my wife and our two children. Both of my children had the opportunity to grow up attending a Nationally Accredited program, and the positive impact that experience had on them is something I hold close to my heart.
Education – Bachelor’s in Child Development
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 30+
What do you like about early childhood?
Starting children off in life with a high-quality early childhood program is a huge key to their future success.
What makes your school unique?
We have a lot of long-term staff that bring over 100 combined years of early childhood experience to the table.
What is your favorite children’s book?
“Rough, Gruff Goat Brothers!” by Jon Chardiet
I have been married for over 30 years. I have three adult children and two grandchildren. I also have two dogs, three cats, and two fish. I enjoy traveling and playing board games with my family.
Education – St. Cloud State University
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 12
What do you like about early childhood?
I love watching young children learn and grow.
What makes your school unique?
Our teachers love our kids. We are a great team that works hard on doing the best for our children.
What is your favorite children’s book?
“Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon” by Patty Lovell
At New Horizon Academy Lakeville, childcare tuition rates vary by:
Please fill out our contact form or schedule a tour, and our school director will provide your family with personalized tuition rates.
Request Lakeville Tuition Rates
Our Lakeville early childhood center is open Monday-Friday every day with the exception of nine holidays:
*On Christmas Eve, New Horizon Academy closes at 3:00 p.m.
*If one of these holidays falls on a weekend, it will be observed on either Friday or Monday.
*Our school will remain open during inclement weather to ensure children still have access to quality childcare.
Our Lakeville school offers both full-time and part-time schedules to accommodate the different needs of our families.
Please contact our school director for current childcare openings and availability.
Yes! At New Horizon Academy Lakeville, we have an on-site cook trained in nutrition, USDA guidelines, and proper portions for young children. Our school provides nutritious and nourishing meals every day including breakfast, lunch, and snack. All meals are included in the cost of tuition.
If your child has a special nutritional need, a food allergy, or requires adaptation to our menu, please alert our school director, and we will partner with your family to create a suitable meal plan.
At New Horizon Academy Lakeville, we follow Minnesota state guidelines for licensed daycare staff-to-child ratios:
According to our 2024 Family Survey results, 100% of families in Lakeville recommend New Horizon Academy.
Yes! We welcome Child Care Assistance (CCAP), which often covers up to 100% of New Horizon Academy’s tuition for eligible families. Through this government aid program, families can access scholarships and financial support to make childcare tuition more affordable.
Yes! Families in our school-age program can access bus transportation to and from the following schools:
Depending on the school, transportation may be provided by either New Horizon Academy or the local school district. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules.
An investment in a New Horizon Academy education is an investment in your child’s future. Families trust New Horizon Academy to set their children up for success. Here are a few reasons why:
From a single preschool classroom in 1971 to 100 schools today, much has changed for New Horizon Academy, but our commitment to children, families, teachers, and our communities remains the same.
One hundred percent of our eligible schools are accredited by NAEYC, the gold standard in early childhood accreditation. This is an accomplishment no other childcare provider of our size has achieved.
We hire teachers with experience, give them the training and support they need to succeed, pay them above market average, and help them achieve their goals. This results in stable, consistent care for your child.
Our state-of-the-art schools provide children with thoughtfully designed classrooms, playgrounds, and learning tools. We regularly update our schools to ensure they reflect our high standards for safety, quality, and care.
Your child’s safety and well-being always come first. Our childcare centers create caring, secure environments focused on supporting each child’s health and happiness. You can feel confident that your child is in good hands.
Our research-based curriculum offers engaging, hands-on activities in STEAM, language and literacy, social-emotional learning, physical development, and more to support kindergarten readiness and lifelong learning.
As an organization, we strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive culture where all children, families, and staff feel a sense of belonging. We approach our relationships with curiosity, compassion, and respect.
A nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack are prepared fresh each day by our school chef, with menus developed by our nutrition specialist to ensure every meal is balanced. All meals are included in the cost of tuition!
Our mobile app keeps parents connected with daily updates, allowing teachers to share information, send messages, and delight you with photos and videos from your child’s day, so you never miss a moment.
Families are always welcome to come in for visits, participate in activities, and join us for family fun events. We love having parents involved in their child’s learning and value every opportunity to build a strong community.
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