New Horizon Academy

09/17/2026

Pre-K vs. Preschool: What's the difference? We're breaking it down in under a minute! ⏱️

09/16/2026

More than 55 years ago, Sue Dunkley built New Horizon Academy around a simple but powerful belief: children thrive when they feel safe, valued, and connected. Today, that same philosophy lives on through our focus on strong child-teacher relationships, research-informed curriculum, and conscious discipline practices that support every child’s social and emotional growth.

We are honored to be recognized at the 2026 Minnesota Family Business Awards, and proud that the values that inspired our founding continue to guide our work every day. Thank you to our teachers, staff, families, and communities for helping bring this vision to life. 💙

Twin Cities Business

09/16/2026

We are so honored to be featured in Twin Cities Business! 💛

New Horizon Academy started in a Brooklyn Center church with eight children. Fifty-five years later, it just opened its 110th school and, by the end of this year, will operate in eight states. All along, it has remained family-owned, with three generations involved today. It's also one of our 2026 Minnesota Family Business Awards winners.

At its center, the company prioritizes the child-teacher connection. New Horizon’s education team updates curriculum based on new research, and its schools deploy “conscious discipline,” a type of social-emotional learning. To first-generation owner Sue Dunkley, it sounds familiar. “[It’s] everything I thought should happen with kids,” she says. “If they don’t feel safe, they’re not going to learn.”

With a philosophy of respect for children and a fast-moving decision-making process, the 55-year-old New Horizon Academy has become a national leader in childcare. Read the feature stories for all five winners on our website.

09/14/2026

Today marks an exciting milestone as our Platteville, WI-Southwest Health school officially opens its doors!

As part of our growing presence in Wisconsin, we're proud to partner with Southwest Health to support local children, families, and healthcare professionals.

Together, we're investing in a community that values innovation, excellence, and personalized care. We can't wait to welcome families and begin making a difference in southwest Wisconsin. 💙💛

09/13/2026

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we couldn't agree more. 💛

On Grandparents Day, we're celebrating not only grandparents, but every person who shows up with love, guidance, encouragement, and support. From bedtime stories and school pickup runs to life lessons and unconditional hugs, our village helps shape who our children become.

To all the grandparents and village members who help carry, support, and love our families through every season, thank you. We couldn't do it without you. 💛

09/10/2026

Choosing a school is a big decision. 💛 These simple questions can help you feel more confident and informed during your tour.

Schedule a tour today ➡ https://go.nhacademy.net/46iVNiw

09/08/2026

Every day starts with a commitment. ✋💙 During group time, our Pre-C friends gather around the Commitment Box and recommit to making safe choices, caring for one another, and creating a positive learning environment together.

09/06/2026

Just a friendly reminder that we are closed in observance of Labor Day. We look forward to seeing you after the holiday! Thank you! 💛

09/04/2026

Every lesson taught, every challenge overcome, every student encouraged. ✨ This Labor Day, we honor the dedication, resilience, and heart behind the profession. Teachers don't just have superpowers, they help others discover their own. ❤️

09/02/2026

We were recently featured on Midwest Access KTTC TV discussing an important question for families:

Is your child preschool or kindergarten ready?

Watch the segment and learn how we support children in building a strong foundation for lifelong learning:

Are you getting your little one ready for their first day of school? A curriculum expert joins us with the questions every parent should be asking and what "kindergarten ready" really means. Find out more from the experts at New Horizon Academy.

07/10/2026

Little hugs, big hearts! 💛

06/26/2026

Water Day is a favorite among our toddlers!

02/19/2026

We loved welcoming Amber from our corporate office to read to our Pre-K classroom today! 🌟📖

02/01/2026

Voting is officially open for Star Tribune’s annual Minnesota’s Best Awards, and we’re excited to share that we’ve been nominated in three categories:
⭐ Best Childcare
⭐ Best Preschool
⭐ Best Summer Camp

Your vote truly means the world to us! 💙

🌟

01/26/2026

Secure your baby’s spot in our infant program before 3/27/26 to earn a $500 tuition credit! 🎉 Give your little one a strong start in a caring environment.

01/14/2026

Curious to see what preschool at New Horizon Academy is all about? Join us for our Preschool Preview Day tomorrow and discover how we help children grow, learn, and build a strong foundation for kindergarten success. 🏫🌟

11/12/2025

Our Pre-K class made a special Veterans Day project for our local VFW; bringing smiles, gratitude, and even a few tears. ❤️🤍💙

10/27/2025

Get a $500 tuition credit when you enroll in our infant program at New Horizon Academy - Chanhassen by December 26, 2025! 🌟

Our all-inclusive tuition includes meals and snacks, wipes, supplies, and diapers in our infant classrooms.

Contact us to learn more!

10/23/2025

Enroll in our infant program and receive a $500 tuition credit! Infant tuition includes diapers, wipes, baby food, and more. Schedule a tour at New Horizon Academy Chanhassen to learn more!

08/18/2025

We had such a special visit from Carlson’s Lovable Llamas! Our kiddos loved walking them, feeding them snacks, and giving out plenty of llama hugs. 🦙💛