[UPDATE: August 2022]

Ready...set...explore! The doors to the Leipold Johnson Early Childhood Center officially opened on a sunny afternoon in late August. Listen as Dr. Coffman discusses the vision, commitment, and hard work required to open a new building during a pandemic.

[UPDATE: March, 2021]

Construction on Schedule, Leipold Johnson Early Childhood Center Set to Open this Fall

What started as an idea and slowly grew into a vision now has windows, red bricks, and cubbies. Everyone here on campus – particularly our youngest students currently going to the class in the existing Early School wing – have enjoyed watching the construction progress this year. We are happy to report that everything is on schedule and the new Leipold Johnson Early Childhood Center will be set to open this coming fall!

[UPDATE: May, 2020]

Prairie Names New Building: Introducing the Leipold Johnson Early Childhood Center

Imogene P. Johnson, Prairie's founder, always had a special affinity for the school's youngest learners. We're excited to announce her family's decision to honor her unwavering belief in the importance of a high quality preschool experience with a lead gift that will see the new building be forever known as the Leipold Johnson Early Childhood Center.

[March 2020]

Continuing our founder's vision, Prairie unveils plans for our latest adventure.

At the 2020 State of the School address, Dr. Nat Coffman announced Prairie's plans for a brand-new, 12,500 square foot Early School building.

The new facility will allow Prairie to meet a steadily increasing demand from parents who want their child to experience the benefits of a play-based, best practices curriculum in a setting that is both beautiful and functional. Simply put, the new ES building will be a place where kids can have ample room to play and run, create, learn, and socialize.

The impact of the new building will be felt campus-wide, as every division – Primary, Middle, and Upper – will gain access to new and existing spaces currently occupied by the Early School.

Gene Johnson relished the chance to dream about adventure while marveling at mankind’s capacity to learn and explore. Perhaps no place on our campus is filled with more wide-eyed curiosity, more adventurous play and eager learning, than our Early School.

This is Prairie's next great adventure. Join us as we grow...

Bigger, Better, Together.

Questions? Contact Callie Atanasoff, Director of Philanthropy and Engagement at 262.725.2531.