Why Families Choose CKA

More Than Child Care. A Foundation for Life.

Choosing child care is about more than finding a safe place for your child to spend the day. It’s about finding a community that celebrates milestones with you, cheers your child on, and becomes an extension of your family. That’s what Creative Kids Academy has proudly provided Minnesota families since 2009. Through exceptional teachers, hands-on learning, and a culture built on kindness, encouragement, and genuine relationships, we help children grow with confidence while supporting families every step of the way.

From first smiles in our infant classrooms to kindergarten readiness, school-age adventures, and every milestone in between, we’re honored to be part of your family’s journey.

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Families celebrating together at a Creative Kids Academy family event
Quick Facts

At a Glance

13 Convenient Minnesota Locations

Locally & Family Owned and Operated

NAEYC Accredited Centers

4-Star Parent Aware

Consistently Recognized as a Top Workplace

Serving Children 6 Weeks–12 Years

Our Greatest Strength

Great Teachers Make the Difference

Every meaningful experience your child has starts with an exceptional teacher.

Our educators do far more than supervise children. They inspire curiosity, build confidence, celebrate accomplishments, and create meaningful relationships that help children feel safe and supported every day.

We believe that when teachers feel valued, respected, and supported, children benefit. That’s why we invest in professional development, foster a positive workplace culture, and are proud to have earned local and national Top Workplace recognition year after year.

Toddlers exploring sensory footprint painting with their teacher

“Every single employee cares about my daughter and knows her by name.”

— CKA Centerville Parent

“CKA hires and retains educators who are truly passionate about the children they care for.”

— CKA Parent

“The teachers are amazing at balancing curriculum, fun, and life skills.”

— CKA Parent

Curriculum & Learning

Learning That Inspires

Children learn best by doing. Our Learning Beyond Paper curriculum encourages children to ask questions, solve problems, explore new ideas, and discover the joy of learning through hands-on experiences.

Every stage of childhood brings exciting new opportunities to learn. Our curriculum supports each child’s development while building the confidence, independence, and kindergarten readiness skills they need for the future.

Explore Our Programs

CKA staff dressed as superheroes posing in front of the Creative Kids Academy sign

“Our girls are more socialized and learning in leaps and bounds. Their development since joining CKA is mind-blowing to watch.”

— CKA Centerville Parent

“All three of our kids have attended, and they leave beyond ready for kindergarten.”

— CKA Orono Parent

“Every day our preschooler comes home excited to tell us what she learned—a new song, a science discovery, or a story about a friend.”

— CKA Orono Parent

Our Standards

Commitment to Excellence

Every family deserves to feel confident in the care and education their child receives. That’s why we’re committed to maintaining the highest standards in everything we do, from the teachers we hire and the classrooms we create to the partnerships we build with families. Our commitment to quality is reflected through:

NAEYC Accredited Centers
4-Star Parent Aware Ratings
Highly trained teachers and ongoing professional development
Secure buildings and comprehensive safety practices
Daily communication and updates through the Procare app
Strong partnerships with families

Every decision we make is guided by one goal: providing the highest quality care and education possible. That commitment has earned Creative Kids Academy recognition both locally and nationally for the quality of our programs, workplace culture, and dedication to children and families.

Star Tribune Top 200 Workplaces award
Education Top Workplaces award
Employee Appreciation award
Professional Development award
Elk River Chamber of Commerce award
Employee Well-Being award
NAEYC Accredited logo
Parent Aware 4-Star Rating
Children learning karate as part of CKA's enrichment programs
Enrichment Programs

Enrichment That Every Child Can Enjoy

We believe meaningful enrichment shouldn’t be reserved for families who can pay extra, because every child deserves the opportunity to learn, create, and grow. That’s why all of our enrichment programs are sponsored by Creative Kids Academy at no extra cost. Through enrichment, children have opportunities to explore new interests, discover hidden talents, and build confidence through experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom.

Spanish • Music • Science • Theatre • Karate • Dancercise

(Offerings vary by location.)

“Dancersise has been amazing for my oldest daughter. She’s typically shy and we noticed that she has taken interest in dance. We have signed her up for classes and this is one of her favorite activities now!”

— Julia, CKA Centerville

Programs for Every Stage

Growing With Your Child

One of the things families love most about Creative Kids Academy is that children can continue learning and growing with us through every stage of childhood.

From first smiles in our infant classrooms to kindergarten readiness, before- and after-school care, and exciting summer adventures, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.

InfantsToddlersPreschoolPre-KSchool Age

Watching children grow over the years, and celebrating every milestone along the way, is one of the greatest privileges of what we do.

A CKA preschool graduate with her teacher celebrating graduation

“Our children have grown from the infant and toddler rooms up through preschool and school age. They LOVE going every day, and we trust the staff immensely.”

— CKA Elk River Parent

“My child who is almost four has been here since he was an infant, and my older child came here in elementary school — it’s been a very long time with CKA.”

— CKA Mounds View Parent

Our Community

More Than a School. A Community You’re Proud to Call Home.

The relationships built at Creative Kids Academy often last far beyond the classroom.

Families become friends. Teachers become trusted partners. Children grow up surrounded by people who celebrate their successes, encourage them through challenges, and cheer them on every step of the way.

It’s why so many families describe Creative Kids Academy with one simple word:

Family.

Families and children enjoying a Thanksgiving feast together at Creative Kids Academy

“This center truly feels like a family, and it was an easy choice to send our third baby there.”

— CKA Centerville Parent

“CKA is our village. To know we can rely on you all as our support system and to know you all care about him, means more to us than we could ever say.”

— CKA Coon Rapids Parent

Experience the Creative Kids Academy Difference

Every child deserves a place where they feel safe, encouraged, challenged, and celebrated. Every family deserves a partner who shares in the excitement of first steps, first friendships, new discoveries, and lifelong learning.

We’d love the opportunity to show you why thousands of Minnesota families have chosen Creative Kids Academy.