Plymouth, MN (June 29, 2020) — New Horizon Academy has been named one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. A complete list of those selected is available at StarTribune.com/topworkplaces2020 and will also be published in the Star Tribune Top Workplaces special section on Sunday, June 28.
Produced by the same team that compiles the 29-year-old Star Tribune 100 report of the best-performing public companies in Minnesota, Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health and satisfaction. The analysis included responses from over 76,000 employees at Minnesota public, private and nonprofit organizations.
The results of the Star Tribune Top Workplaces are based on survey information collected by Energage, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention.
“New Horizon Academy is honored to be selected as one of Top Workplaces in Minnesota,” said Chief Executive Officer, Chad Dunkley. “It is a testament to the company’s values of respect, integrity, excellence, innovation, leadership, and teamwork. We are proud of our teachers and it is a privilege to provide a workplace that allows them to grow and thrive, and enjoy coming to work. Our teachers do the world’s most important work, and we are excited to continue our growth and success with our most valuable assets – our people.”
Star Tribune Publisher Michael J. Klingensmith said, “The companies in the Star Tribune Top Workplaces deserve high praise for creating the very best work environments in the state of Minnesota. My congratulations to each of these exceptional companies.”
New Horizon Academy is a family-owned and operated company that has been providing high quality care and education to young children for more than 45 years. While focusing on developing a healthy sense of self in each child, New Horizon Academy also strives to provide your child with the necessary skills to succeed not only in school, but in life.
To qualify for the Star Tribune Top Workplaces, a company must have more than 50 employees in Minnesota. Nearly 3,000 companies were invited to participate. Rankings were composite scores calculated purely on the basis of employee responses.
Our brand-new school in West Des Moines, Iowa is now open for enrollment! Since opening in November 2024, our dedicated teachers and early childhood professionals have been committed to providing high-quality daycare and preschool programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. We are conveniently located off I-80 and Jordan Creek Parkway, doubling as a corporate-sponsored childcare location on the ITA Group campus. We offer quality childcare, preschool, and early learning programs to ITA Group employees and the public. Each of our childcare programs is designed to nurture and prepare children for kindergarten, by using a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates STEAM, reading, social-emotional learning, motor development, and more. We are actively pursuing NAEYC accreditation, which requires a minimum of one year in operation. In the meantime, our school is committed to ensuring that our infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-k programs align with the highest standards of quality and care. Schedule a tour at our new West Des Moines daycare center to explore our brand-new facilities and see our programs in action!
Awards and Accolades
Enroll before 6/26/26 and receive a 25% off your child’s first 12 weeks!
*Newly enrolled families only. West Des Moines ITA Group location only. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Not valid for summer-only enrollment. Offer must be requested by the first day of enrollment and may only be used during the first twelve weeks. Must pay registration fee in full and start attending by 6/26/26. Account must be paid in full at all times, or promotion will become invalid. Based on availability.
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I graduated from Iowa State University and had the amazing opportunity to work at the Children’s Lab School on campus there. I have worked as an infant and toddler teacher for most of my early childhood education career. Before working at New Horizon Academy, I was a Childcare Evaluation and Coaching Specialist in St. Louis, Missouri. When I am not working with kids, you can find me spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking and playing with my cats.
Education – B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 7+
What do you like about early childhood?
My favorite thing about early childhood is that it’s one of the only jobs where play and hugs are not only encouraged but required!
What makes your school unique?
My school is unique because we have a lot of families that work upstairs for ITA Group so we get to do lots of fun family events. The parents are always visiting and getting to know the other students and teachers in their child’s class.
What is your favorite children’s book?
“Stellaluna” by Janell Cannon
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I have worked in childcare for over 10 years and have a passion for early childhood education. I have worked with non-profits like Save the Children Action Network to advocate for young children and their educators. I am currently working towards my master’s in early childhood education. I have two beautiful children of my own, who are the foundation for my love of childcare and my commitment to supporting the development of young learners.
Education – Child Development Associate (CDA) in Early Childhood Education
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 10+
What do you like about early childhood?
I enjoy watching children develop and begin to show the first glimpses of their personalities.
What makes your school unique?
We offer high-quality education along with enriching enhancements.
What is your favorite children’s book?
“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein
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“It’s a great opportunity for people who are creative and love to be lifelong learners.”
Jessi G., Senior Conscious Discipline Specialist
“I’ve built so many relationships with families and children at New Horizon Academy.”
Emilia S., Teacher
“All decisions are made to benefit the children, employees, or parents.”
Kami T., District Manager
“New Horizon Academy pays for your education!”
Tracey D., Assistant Director
We absolutely love New Horizon Academy! Our experience has been nothing short of exceptional. Our 5-year-old son is excited to come to work with me, and I love having the flexibility to pop in for lunch anytime. The communication from the staff is fantastic—they keep us in the loop with updates and photos throughout the day, which not only helps us stay connected but also sparks conversations at home. His teachers have been such a blessing and he’s learning so much—it’s clear to see how happy and engaged he is. It’s truly a place where he is thriving, and we are so grateful for all that they do!
We absolutely love New Horizon Academy! The teachers, directors, and staff are not only incredibly caring and attentive but also genuinely invested in our daughter’s development. With the great communication technology they provide, we feel like we aren’t missing out on what our daughter is learning and experiencing each day. We feel completely at ease knowing our daughter is in such a safe, nurturing environment. Our family wholeheartedly recommends this daycare to any parent looking for a reliable and supportive center!
I couldn’t be more thrilled with New Horizon Academy! The brand-new building is not only beautiful, but also thoughtfully designed with every detail in mind. The staff is incredibly caring, attentive, and always communicative. With their great staff to child ratio, they truly strive to make my child’s experience the best it can be, and it’s clear that they love what they do. I especially appreciate the technology they use to keep me updated throughout the day on what my child is doing – it brings me peace of mind knowing they’re being well cared for. The educational programming is fantastic, and I love that they prioritize fresh air and outdoor walks for my little one, even at such a young age. It’s clear that they focus on the well-being of every child, and I feel confident that my baby is in great hands.
Having on-site childcare has been a wonderful benefit to our family! The facility is outstanding, with amazing teachers, and I enjoy receiving updates throughout the day. The convenience of popping in for lunch or a quick visit is an added bonus, and our son loves ‘going to work’ with mom.
