Our Story
Founded in 1990 by the visionary Montessorian, Preethy Goonetilleke, Little Flowers Montessori School has been a beacon of excellence in the Montessori community for over 34 years. Preethy's journey from Sri Lanka to Minnesota, led her to create a school that embraces the true essence of Montessori education while fostering a deep connection with nature.
Preethy Goonetilleke stands out as a true rarity within the Montessori community, holding the distinction of being one of the very few individuals who have completed all three AMI Montessori trainings. Not only does she possess expertise in the Toddler (0-3), Primary (3-6), and Elementary (6-12) levels as well as a Master’s in Education, but she also serves as a lead guide in the classroom while simultaneously holding the role of head of school. This unique combination exemplifies her unwavering dedication to both the direct teaching environment and the administrative aspects of running a successful Montessori institution. By embracing this dual role, Preethy has the remarkable ability to forge deep connections with families and provide invaluable mentorship to her staff, fostering a strong sense of community within Little Flowers Montessori School. Her multifaceted approach ensures a holistic and cohesive educational experience for all involved.
Preethy Goonetilleke, born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is an esteemed Montessorian in the field of Montessori education. Growing up in the vibrant city, Preethy's early exposure to nursery school sparked her curiosity about alternative educational approaches. However, it was her neighbor's attendance at the local Montessori school that truly captivated her young mind.
Witnessing the remarkable development and intellectual abilities of her neighbor's peers, Preethy became fascinated by the Montessori training that her neighbor's aunties had undertaken. This early fascination eventually led her to embark on the journey to complete the AMI Montessori training.
In 1976, Preethy began the transformative journey of enrolling in the Primary Training at the AMI Good Shepherd Maria Montessori Training Center in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Guided by direct students of Dr. Maria Montessori herself, Preethy immersed herself in the profound teachings of the Montessori Method.
Over the course of two years, Preethy honed her skills and gained invaluable insights into the principles and practices that form the foundation of Montessori education. The wisdom imparted by the direct students of Dr. Montessori instilled in her a deep reverence for the approach and a commitment to preserving its essence.
Upon graduating from her training program, Preethy was welcomed into the Training Center School, where she started her remarkable professional journey. As a Primary Guide, she dedicated herself to nurturing the young minds entrusted to her care, fostering their natural curiosity and igniting a lifelong passion for learning.
However, Preethy's insatiable thirst for exploration and a desire to broaden her horizons led her to yearn for more. Driven by an adventurous spirit, she decided to embark on a new chapter of her life—traveling the world and immersing herself in diverse cultures and educational systems.
After accepting a job offer in Minneapolis, Preethy initially planned to complete a three-year cycle, mirroring the Montessori Method. However, the warm and welcoming community, along with the captivating natural beauty of Minnesota, captured her heart. Year after year, Preethy found herself postponing her plans to move elsewhere, guided by the love and appreciation she received from the community.
Recognizing a scarcity of authentic AMI Montessori Schools in the area, Preethy was encouraged by parents to establish her own school. In the summer of 1990, the first class of Little Flowers Montessori School convened at St. Joan of Arc Church in Minneapolis, serving as a temporary location until they found a permanent home at St. George's Episcopal Church in St. Louis Park that fall.
As the years passed, Preethy observed a lack of exposure to nature among children, which inspired her to create a unique learning environment. With her pioneering vision, she established a new location for Little Flowers Montessori School in Plymouth, featuring five acres of land. This expansion provided ample indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing children to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature. Preethy's dedication to connecting children with the natural world has remained steadfast over the decades. Today, her vision thrives as the children plant, care for, and harvest a diverse range of fruits and vegetables throughout the seasons—a true farm-to-table experience.
In her pursuit of providing the best educational experience for children, Preethy recognized the need for an AMI-trained toddler guide. The scarcity of such professionals led her to make a significant decision—to undertake the Assistance to Infancy training at the Montessori Maria Institute in London, United Kingdom, studying under the esteemed Dr. Silvana Montanaro from 1997 through 1998. Since then, Preethy has served as the Toddler Community Lead Guide.
Driven by a passion for continuous learning and development, Preethy seized the opportunity to complete the AMI Elementary training program offered by the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. Graduating in 2006, she gained a profound understanding of the elementary years and their connection to the foundation laid during the early childhood phase. This realization reinforced her belief that the Montessori Method of education is the most effective approach for nurturing the potential of children. She firmly advocates that the formative years, from birth through six years of age, are paramount in building a solid foundation for lifelong success.
