School of Environmental Studies

School of Environmental Studies Where Minnesota’s juniors & seniors transform planet passion into real-world projects.

SES is a public eco-magnet high school beside the Minnesota Zoo—open to ISD 196 & Twin Cities students via open enrollment. Founded in 1995 through a pioneering partnership with Independent School District 196, the City of Apple Valley, and the Minnesota Zoo, the School of Environmental Studies (SES) was created to prove that small, purpose-driven learning communities ignite deeper, more authentic education. At SES, juniors and seniors immerse themselves in real-world environmental challenges—conducting field research, collaborating with scientists at the Zoo and beyond, and tackling projects that matter to Minnesota’s future. Graduates leave not only knowing essential facts, but having mastered how to learn, adapt, and lead throughout a lifetime of discovery and civic engagement.

09/11/2026
Grateful to teachers and student for an awesome first couple weeks! Shoutout to Minnesota Zoo for hosting us today!
09/09/2026

Grateful to teachers and student for an awesome first couple weeks!
Shoutout to Minnesota Zoo for hosting us today!

SES’ Green Tean learned more about our local waste. We toured SET Organics/Compost Facility and the Pine Bend Landfill i...
04/23/2026

SES’ Green Tean learned more about our local waste. We toured SET Organics/Compost Facility and the Pine Bend Landfill in Rosemount.  Thanks Dakota County!

Last week our awesome juniors wrapped up a powerful Model United Nations simulation. We are impressed at the level of pr...
04/19/2026

Last week our awesome juniors wrapped up a powerful Model United Nations simulation. We are impressed at the level of preparation juniors put into their learning, reflecting their commitment to diplomacy, collaboration, critical thinking, and global awareness.

Lego is not just for kids! 🏙️ Over the past week, SES seniors have taken on the role of urban planners in a simulation t...
04/09/2026

Lego is not just for kids! 🏙️ Over the past week, SES seniors have taken on the role of urban planners in a simulation to revitalize the New Nicollet (former K Mart) site in Minneapolis. In this urban redesign unit, each student plays a part in a development team strategizing to create their best site plan taking into consideration financial analysis, market demand, site design, existing and new stakeholders, and environmental and equity goals. Today we welcomed expert facilitators from the City of Rosemount, JLG Architects, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to give feedback on the plans. We’re so grateful to these folks for partnering with us to elevate the students’ experience!

Join SES teacher Kim Colburn-Lindell for Yoga at Birch Pond! Register with Community Ed through the link in the comment...
03/21/2026

Join SES teacher Kim Colburn-Lindell for Yoga at Birch Pond! Register with Community Ed through the link in the comments or from our story.
April-May Yoga at Birch Pond (Wed. 3:30 and 6:30)
Should be able to do outside!
Namaste!

We wrapped up Trimester Two with an unforgettable Winter Intensive Week! This year, a group of students took their learn...
03/20/2026

We wrapped up Trimester Two with an unforgettable Winter Intensive Week!
This year, a group of students took their learning across borders to Roatán, Honduras. While exploring one of the world’s most beautiful reef systems, students earned their Open Water or Advanced Open Water scuba certifications.
Beyond the dives, they also learned about the local environment and culture through meaningful interactions with the Roatán community. These students represent how SES takes learning out of the classroom!

Students from Outdoor Learning spent their class a couple weeks ago tying flies with Trout in the Classroom. They will g...
02/24/2026

Students from Outdoor Learning spent their class a couple weeks ago tying flies with Trout in the Classroom. They will get a chance to use the flies this spring while fishing and release trout they raised into the Vermillion River.

Thanks for the visit! You guys are the best and so inspiring to our students!
02/21/2026

Thanks for the visit! You guys are the best and so inspiring to our students!

For the third year in a row, the School of Environmental Studies has had us Receptionists as special guests to talk about creativity and the arts and, for the third year in a row, we were blown away by the students. They bought smart questions, enthusiasm and a sense of fun that always makes the day so special (the State Fair themed lunch was pretty great too 😊) Kids are the future and the kids are alright...I think we're in pretty good hands. Thanks again!!

❄️Throwback Thursday: Intensive Theme Edition! ❄️Today we kicked off our Winter Intensive Theme and the energy on—and of...
02/19/2026

❄️Throwback Thursday: Intensive Theme Edition! ❄️
Today we kicked off our Winter Intensive Theme and the energy on—and off—campus is already incredible! 🎉 There’s nothing like the first day of diving deep into hands-on learning, creative collaboration, and outdoor adventures.
As we begin our new short courses, we’re throwing it back to our Fall Intensive Theme classes. Check them out! 🍂

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12155 Johnny Cake Ridge Road
Apple Valley, MN
55124

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