We are thrilled to announce Dr. Aimee Fearing as our new Vice President of Education. Aimee joins New Horizon Academy as a distinguished educational leader with over 20 years of experience. Most recently, she served as the Director of Early Learning and Engagement at Fridley Public Schools. Aimee is excited to continue her career at New Horizon Academy as a visionary leader, skilled practitioner, and enthusiastic advocate for early childhood education.
Over the course of her career, Aimee has grown from teacher to principal to Chief Academic Officer of Minneapolis Public Schools, one of Minnesota’s largest school districts. Her experience includes oversight of K-12 education as well as early childhood programs, including preschool, early childhood family education, screening, teen parent services, and adult education. Through this work, Aimee has come to deeply understand the vital role early learning plays in a child’s development, with a particular focus on social-emotional growth and interpersonal skills.
Aimee holds a master’s degree in education from Hamline University, where she focused on using emotional intelligence to improve academic outcomes for high-needs students. She also earned a doctorate in education from Hamline University, with research centered on the significance of reflective practice in teaching.
We are excited to welcome Aimee to the New Horizon Academy family and look forward to the impact her deep expertise and unwavering passion for early education will have on our community.
The Rochester, Minnesota New Horizon Academy is conveniently located on the Northwest side of Rochester, off County Road 22 and Valleyhigh Drive. Our Rochester daycare opened in 2008, is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and holds a four-star rating from Minnesota Parent Aware. Our Rochester childcare center has three infant daycare rooms, three toddler daycare rooms, three preschool rooms, and one pre-kindergarten room. All of our childcare classrooms utilize an age-appropriate curriculum, which incorporates reading, STEAM, social-emotional learning, and more. We utilize age-appropriate learning modules to prepare children for kindergarten and life beyond! We’d love to meet your family and show you our beautiful daycare classrooms. Schedule a tour at New Horizon Academy Rochester today!
Awards and Accolades
I studied Early Childhood Education at Winona State University. I live in Eyota with my husband and two dogs, and a few of my hobbies include reading, music, and crafting.
Education – BS in Early Childhood Education
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 10+
What do you like about early childhood?
I love making connections with the children and families in our care, and watching the children learn and grow.
What makes your school unique?
Our school has a family feel!
What is your favorite children’s book?
“Are You My Mother?” by P.D. Eastman
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I have always had a passion for early childhood education. My mom ran an in-home childcare while I was growing up, which is where my love for children began. I worked in a School-Age Care (SACC) program in high school, studied Elementary Education in college, and started working at a childcare center at the age of 18.
Education – Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 9+
What do you like about early childhood?
I love interacting with the children and watching them reach important milestones. I enjoy the process of learning through play and seeing how children adapt to the world around them.
What makes your school unique?
Our Rochester school has many unique qualities as we are constantly evolving and growing. We all share a strong passion for wanting our students to succeed. We have long-term teachers, close relationships among staff, and strive to build lasting relationships with the families we serve.
What is your favorite children’s book?
“Llama Llama Red Pajama” series by Anna Dewdney
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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
I couldn’t be happier with my experience at New Horizon Academy Rochester. We started my son in the infant program and he is now in preschool. Every step of the way there were caring and kind teachers that encouraged my son to grow and made him feel special. New Horizon Academy provides a safe and happy place for all kids to discover who they are and how they interact with the world. The price is a little high but you totally get what you pay for. Not having to make lunches and snacks everyday saves me so much time in the mornings. I would recommend New Horizon Academy to any new families looking for a safe place for their little ones.
We’ve had such a great experience with New Horizon Academy. It’s clear that the team truly cares about each child and takes the time to get to know them individually. The environment is warm, safe, and welcoming, and the teachers are kind, patient, and genuinely passionate about what they do. My daughter has grown so much both socially and academically since starting here. I feel peace of mind knowing she is prepared for kindergarten. I couldn’t ask for a better place for my child to learn and grow. I highly recommend this daycare to any family looking for a nurturing and dependable place for their little one.
Since we started our son at 7 weeks old, I have been thoroughly impressed with this daycare. The staff truly make me feel welcome, and that my son is being cared for. The teachers put love and attention into their classrooms, creating a safe and enriching environment for the children. I love the app they use to communicate checkpoints throughout the day; I truly feel like I never miss a beat. The management team is phenomenal and work hard to ensure that all families feel welcome and communicated with. I love the additional family involvement that is planned each month too!
I love New Horizon Academy! The teachers in Rochester are the best. Although it may be pricey, it is not the most expensive daycare in Rochester. I feel my kids are ahead of their peers that do not attend daycare. I always recommend New Horizon Academy when friends ask me where to go.
