Summit Environmental School

Summit Environmental School, located on the shores of Lake Onalaska in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a unique public elementary school that integrates environmental education into every aspect of its curriculum. As part of the La Crosse School District, the school leverages its prime location near the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge to offer students hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. By using the natural environment as a "living laboratory," the school encourages students to explore, investigate, and solve real-world problems, fostering both academic growth and a strong sense of environmental stewardship.

Beyond its focus on ecology and sustainability, Summit Environmental School emphasizes a collaborative community atmosphere and the development of the "whole child." The curriculum is designed to be highly engaging, frequently taking lessons outdoors to connect classroom concepts to the local ecosystem. By blending core academic standards with environmental literacy and outdoor exploration, the school prepares students to be curious, environmentally conscious citizens who are well-equipped to understand and respect the natural world around them.