From Bloomington Classrooms to Pro Sports: How Ramalynn Academy Helps Twin Cities Students Grow From Preschool Through Middle School

Parents across Bloomington, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities often want the same thing from a school: strong academics, a safe and supportive environment, and meaningful opportunities for children to grow with confidence.

At Ramalynn Academy, families do not have to choose between academic preparation and athletics. From preschool through middle school, students are supported in a structured Montessori environment that encourages independence, discipline, curiosity, and character development, while also giving children opportunities to stay active, compete, and develop teamwork through coed sports programs.

For many families searching for a Bloomington preschool, private elementary school, or private middle school near Minneapolis, that balance matters.

A Long-Term Approach to Growth

Ramalynn Academy serves students from preschool through 8th grade, helping children build strong academic and personal foundations from an early age.

The school’s Montessori-based primary program begins at age 3 and focuses on individualized learning, hands-on exploration, and confidence-building in a nurturing environment. As students move into elementary and middle school, they continue developing academically while also building leadership skills, responsibility, collaboration, and independence.

Families often tell us they are looking for more than academics alone. They want:

• Smaller class sizes and individualized attention
• A safe, respectful learning environment
• Strong preparation for high school and beyond
• Structure and accountability alongside creativity
• Opportunities for athletics, arts, and extracurricular growth

Ramalynn’s approach is intentionally designed to support all of those goals.

Athletics as Part of Whole-Child Development

At Ramalynn, athletics are not treated as an afterthought.

The school’s coed athletics program for students ages 6–14 helps children develop:

• Teamwork and communication
• Self-discipline and accountability
• Leadership and confidence
• Body awareness and coordination
• Decision-making and resilience

Students participate in a variety of sports throughout the year, giving them opportunities to explore different interests while staying active and engaged.

Seasonal programs include:

• Fall flag football
• Winter hockey and floor hockey
• Spring baseball
• Summer athletics and enrichment programs featuring soccer, basketball, golf, swimming, and more

For many Twin Cities families, this balanced approach feels refreshing. Children are encouraged to grow athletically without the pressure of over-specialization at a young age.

From Ramalynn to Professional Sports

One of the most inspiring parts of Ramalynn’s story is seeing former students continue their athletic journeys at the collegiate and professional levels.

These alumni stories are not about promising that every child will become a professional athlete. Instead, they reflect what can happen when students grow up in an environment that values discipline, confidence, perseverance, and long-term development.

Brady Skjei — NHL Defenseman

Former Ramalynn student Brady Skjei continued his hockey career at the University of Minnesota before advancing to the NHL, where he currently plays defense for the Nashville Predators.

Jack Hillen — Former NHL Defenseman

Jack Hillen built an eight-year NHL career that included time with the Washington Capitals, demonstrating the kind of long-term commitment and growth that begins with strong early foundations.

Jackson Yueill — MLS and U.S. Men’s National Team Midfielder

Jackson Yueill developed into a professional soccer player with the New England Revolution and has represented the United States Men’s National Team at the senior level.

Jordan Taylor — Professional Basketball Veteran

Jordan Taylor’s basketball career included professional play with the London Lions before transitioning into basketball media and broadcasting.

Nia Coffey — Minnesota Lynx Forward

Nia Coffey has built an impressive basketball career at both the collegiate and professional levels and currently plays for the Minnesota Lynx.

Nikki Nightengale — Walter Cup Champion

Nikki Nightengale helped PWHL Minnesota capture the inaugural Walter Cup championship before the franchise became the Minnesota Frost.

Jeff Tow-Arnett and Nick Tow-Arnett — Football Alumni

Jeff Tow-Arnett’s football path included time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization, while Nick Tow-Arnett continued his football career within the Seattle Seahawks system.

Why These Stories Matter to Parents

For parents, these alumni stories represent something bigger than athletics.

They demonstrate what can happen when children are known, supported, challenged, and encouraged over time.

Families today are often searching for a school where their child will not be overlooked. Many parents are concerned about overcrowded classrooms, limited individual attention, and learning environments that prioritize test scores over confidence, leadership, and personal development.

At Ramalynn, the goal is to help students become capable, independent learners who are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally for the future.

That commitment to preparation is reflected not only in extracurricular opportunities, but also in academic performance.

In 2025, Ramalynn students achieved strong Stanford 10 results, including Grade 8 math procedures scores in the 98th percentile nationally. These outcomes help reassure families that Montessori education can absolutely coexist with academic rigor, structure, and high standards.

A School Designed for Twin Cities Families

Ramalynn Academy serves families throughout Bloomington, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Eden Prairie, Lakeville, Burnsville, and surrounding Twin Cities communities.

Parents often choose Ramalynn because they want:

• Strong academics with individualized learning
• A smaller and more connected school community
• Respectful, culturally inclusive classrooms
• Teachers who truly know their child
• Consistent support from preschool through middle school
• Opportunities for athletics, leadership, and enrichment

For many families, the continuity from early childhood through adolescence provides peace of mind during important developmental years.

Montessori Education With Structure and Preparation

Some parents exploring Montessori education for the first time worry whether it will provide enough structure or academic challenge.

At Ramalynn, Montessori principles are balanced with clear expectations, accountability, and strong academic preparation.

Students are encouraged to think independently, solve problems, collaborate respectfully, and take ownership of their learning while still developing the discipline and confidence needed for future academic success.

That combination is one reason many families choose Ramalynn over larger traditional schools or more rigid educational environments.

Explore Ramalynn Academy

If you are searching for:

• A Bloomington preschool
• A private kindergarten near Minneapolis
• A private elementary school in the Twin Cities
• A middle school that values academics and athletics
• A Montessori school with structure and individualized attention

Ramalynn Academy offers a learning environment designed to support the whole child.

We invite families to explore our:

• Primary Program
• Elementary Program
• Middle School Program
• Coed Athletics Program
• Summer Programs
• Admissions Information

The best way to experience Ramalynn is to visit in person, meet our teachers, and see how students learn, grow, and build confidence every day.

Schedule a Tour

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes.

At Ramalynn Academy, we believe children thrive when they feel known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow into confident learners and compassionate leaders.

Schedule a tour today to learn how Ramalynn Academy helps Twin Cities students build strong foundations for high school, college, athletics, and life.