In the heart of Fort Collins lies a preschool unlike any other—Curious Minds Early Learning Center, a place where early childhood education is both an art and a mission. With its prestigious reputation, thoughtfully designed curriculum, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Curious Minds stands as a model for what early learning should be: nurturing, stimulating, and deeply personal.
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From the moment you walk through the doors, it’s evident this is more than a childcare center. It’s a home away from home, built on the foundation of love, respect, and the belief that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” That guiding Dr. Seuss quote is more than a decoration—it is a philosophy that informs every decision and every interaction.
Curious Minds is not just a school. It’s a movement—toward better early childhood education, toward a more nurturing start to life, and toward a community that puts children first.
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” - Dr Seuss
And at Curious Minds, every small person matters more than words can say.
A Prestigious Start for Lifelong Learners
Curious Minds Early Learning Center is proud to be considered one of Fort Collins’ most prestigious early education. It’s earned every day through deep intentionality, an exceptional team, and a steadfast commitment to doing what’s best for children.
At Curious Minds, education is a calling, and the children entrusted to our care are seen as the brilliant, curious individuals they are. The goal is not only to prepare them for kindergarten but to ignite a lifelong love of learning.
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The Best of All Worlds: Core Knowledge, Montessori, and Play-Based Learning
What sets Curious Minds apart is its unique integration of Core Knowledge, Montessori-inspired practices, and play-based learning. We believe that children thrive when exposed to rich content, structure, creativity, and freedom to explore. Our curriculum reflects this balance.
In the Core Knowledge component, children gain a strong foundation in phonics, number concepts, science, social studies, and fine arts through age-appropriate and sequential lessons. The Montessori elements encourage independence, responsibility, and hands-on exploration—children choose their work, move freely within the classroom, and learn at their own pace. And through play-based learning, children build critical social-emotional skills, solve problems, create, and imagine—because play is serious learning.
A Stimulating Curriculum Designed to Spark Joy and Curiosity
Every month at Curious Minds is anchored by thoughtful themes that span everything from environmental awareness to historical figures to world cultures. Children dive into topics like “Habitats Around the World,” “Famous Artists,” or “Caring for the Earth,” and explore them through music, storytelling, experiments, cooking, art, and movement.
Our curriculum is dynamic and ever-evolving. We constantly reflect, revise, and stay on top of the latest child development research to ensure that what we do is not only engaging, but also impactful. We refuse to stagnate—our team is always innovating, always growing, and always asking how we can do better.
Summers to Remember
At Curious Minds, learning doesn’t stop when summer begins. In fact, summer brings an extra layer of magic. Our fun-filled summer programs combine outdoor play, themed camps, creative workshops, water days, field trips, and enrichment activities—all while keeping academic learning subtly woven in.
Children explore the wonders of nature, become jungle explorers, dive into sensory play, and even dabble in beginner cooking or gardening. It’s the perfect mix of fun, stimulation, and relaxation, helping children stay sharp while making unforgettable memories.
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A Team That Leads With Heart and Excellence
One of the most valuable assets at Curious Minds is our strong leadership team, whose passion and experience drive the center’s vision. Leadership is hands-on, present, and deeply involved in both the strategic and day-to-day life of the school.
Backing this up is a committed, engaged team of educators and assistants who love what they do. They bring energy, warmth, and thoughtfulness to the classroom every single day. Teachers receive regular training, mentorship, and support because we believe a thriving team leads to thriving children.
Curious Minds doesn’t settle for “good enough”—we strive to be exceptional. We celebrate wins, learn from challenges, and constantly invest in professional development to stay at the forefront of early childhood education.
Nourishment for Body and Soul
We believe that what children eat matters, which is why Curious Minds offers good, fresh food prepared daily by our beautiful chef Rebecca. Every meal is made with love, with attention to nutrition, balance, and flavor. We accommodate dietary needs and ensure that even picky eaters feel excited about mealtime.
Mealtime is also a moment for learning—about manners, conversation, healthy habits, and appreciation. Sharing meals together strengthens our community and helps children feel at home.
A Culture of Care, Cleanliness, and Connection
We take care seriously—care for our children, care for our space, and care for each other. Cleanliness is held to the highest standard, not just because of licensing or health protocols, but because our families deserve a safe and pristine environment.
Parents often comment on how warm, clean, and welcoming our center feels. From the cheerful artwork on the walls to the organized learning stations to the natural light streaming in, every element has been designed with intention.
We also maintain close relationships with families. Communication is constant and honest. We honor the trust placed in us and see ourselves as partners in your child’s development. Many of our families say that Curious Minds feels like an extension of their own home—and that’s exactly what we aim for.
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A Place Where We Love Kids
At the end of the day, what truly defines Curious Minds Early Learning Center is simple: We love kids. We believe in their potential, their creativity, their resilience, and their right to be heard, respected, and cherished.
We laugh with them, guide them, challenge them, and celebrate every milestone. We get to know their quirks, their favorite stories, their biggest fears, and their wildest dreams. And we never forget that behind every small face is a big future.
