SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES is a Title I public high school that is part of the ROSEMOUNT-APPLE VALLEY-EAGAN school district, located in APPLE VALLEY, MN with about 397 students offering grade levels from 11th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 19 teachers, SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES has a student/teacher ratio of about 20:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (SES), located in Apple Valley, Minnesota, is a unique public magnet high school within District 196 that focuses on an interdisciplinary, project-based curriculum centered on environmental science and sustainability. Unlike traditional high schools, SES is designed to immerse students in the natural world, utilizing its unique location—adjacent to the Minnesota Zoo—as a "living laboratory." The school fosters a close-knit, collaborative community where students work in teams to tackle real-world problems, blending rigorous academic coursework with hands-on field experience.

The school’s philosophy emphasizes stewardship, critical thinking, and civic engagement, encouraging students to become active participants in their community. By integrating core subjects like English, social studies, and science through an environmental lens, the program prepares students for higher education while instilling a deep sense of environmental responsibility. Its unconventional structure, which includes flexible scheduling and personalized learning paths, is designed to empower students to take ownership of their education and develop the leadership skills necessary to address the complex ecological challenges of the future.

For more information, contact SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES at (952) 431-8750 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.