763-323-0741    1333 5th Ave S.   •   Anoka, MN 55303
763-323-0741    1333 5th Ave S.   •   Anoka, MN 55303

About Us

Montessori Renaissance Academy (MRA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, fueled by parents and school staff.

Formerly known as Minnesota Renaissance School, MRA officially started operating in August of 2017. The school as a whole has a long history in Anoka, Minnesota. We currently enroll toddlers, pre-school, and elementary students and have a full middle school curriculum as well.

Who We Are

About Montessori Renaissance Academy

Montessori Renaissance Academy is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit Montessori school in Anoka, Minnesota, serving children from 16 months through 8th grade. Our mission is simple: to help every child develop the independence, confidence, and skills needed to thrive both in school and in life.

At MRA, children are more than students. They are individuals with unique interests, strengths, and potential. Through personalized Montessori education, small class sizes, and a supportive community, we help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally while developing a lifelong love of learning.

Student working with letters in a Montessori Classroom
Our Mission

Encouraging Growth Through Independence, Respect, and Responsibility

Everything we do at Montessori Renaissance Academy is guided by three core principles: independence, respect, and responsibility.

The Montessori method encourages children to become active participants in their education rather than passive recipients of information. Students learn to make choices, solve problems, care for their environment, and take ownership of their work. Along the way, they develop confidence in themselves and respect for the people and world around them.

Our goal is not simply to prepare students for the next grade level. We strive to help children become capable, compassionate, and resilient individuals who are ready to contribute to their communities and navigate an ever-changing world.

A School Built Around the Child

Why Families Choose MRA

Montessori education looks different from a traditional classroom. Rather than moving an entire class through the same lesson at the same pace, Montessori teachers guide each child according to their individual stage of development.

Our classrooms are intentionally designed to foster curiosity, concentration, and independence. Students work with hands-on materials, collaborate with classmates, explore subjects in depth, and progress as they demonstrate readiness.

Families choose MRA because they value:

  • Individualized instruction
  • Small class sizes
  • Multi-age classrooms
  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • Strong relationships between students and teachers
  • Opportunities for leadership and collaboration
  • A focus on the whole child
  • An environment that nurtures curiosity and critical thinking

Montessori Curriculum at MRA

In this video, Children’s House teacher Karla Wagner explains some of the principles of Montessori, and walks you through how children progress at the school. From the toddler years through elementary and middle school, our children love the small classrooms, one-on-one teacher lessons, and the ability to progress at their own rate.

Montessori In Action

What Learning Looks Like at MRA

From Toddler through Middle School, students experience a carefully prepared learning environment designed to meet their developmental needs.

Children work independently and collaboratively, choosing meaningful work while receiving guidance and support from their teachers. Lessons are presented individually or in small groups, allowing students to progress at their own pace and develop a genuine understanding of concepts rather than simply memorizing information.

As students grow, they build academic skills alongside life skills such as communication, problem-solving, responsibility, leadership, and self-advocacy.

The result is a confident learner who is prepared not only for future academic success, but for life beyond the classroom.

Our goal is to meet and exceed your expectations by working to fulfill your child's fullest potential for intellectual and emotional development. Our program is designed to achieve these goals and more. The result is a self-confident, global thinking individual who is happy, peaceful and respectful of themselves, others and their environment.
Our Programs

Serving Students From 16 Months Through 8th Grade

Toddler Program

16–32 Months
A gentle introduction to independence, self-confidence, communication, and early learning.

Children’s House

33 Months–Kindergarten
Students build foundations in language, mathematics, practical life, and social development while progressing at their own pace.

Elementary

1st–6th Grade
Children develop critical thinking skills, academic confidence, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Middle School

7th–8th Grade
Students combine Montessori principles with increasing responsibility, leadership opportunities, and preparation for high school and beyond.

Want To Learn More?

Experience Montessori For Your Child

The best way to experience Montessori Renaissance Academy is to learn more about our programs, philosophy, and community. Explore what makes MRA different and see how a Montessori education can help your child thrive. Whether you’re just starting your educational journey, or looking for a place your older child can will thrive, we have a place for you at our school in Anoka.

Reach out to us by phone, fill out the contact form on our website, or schedule a tour today. We can’t wait to meet your child(ren) and share our passion for Montessori education with you!

Request Information

We would love to share the benefits of a Montessori education with you! Call 763-323-0741 or reach out to learn more.