River Valley Montessori of Shakopee

Southwest Metro Intermediate School District 288 is dedicated to providing exceptional educational and therapeutic services for students with diverse needs. With a core mission focused on fostering an inclusive environment, the district serves a wide range of students, including those with special education requirements, ensuring that each child receives the support necessary to thrive academically and socially. Key offerings within the district include specialized programs such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for behavioral support, Orton-Gillingham for reading intervention, and comprehensive speech and language therapy. Additionally, occupational therapy and social skills groups are integral components of the curriculum, designed to enhance students' functional abilities and interpersonal skills. The district also provides adult education and career and technical education (CTE) programs, catering to older students and adults seeking vocational training. What sets Southwest Metro Intermediate School District 288 apart is its commitment to individualized education plans (IEPs) and a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention for each student. The campus environment is designed to be nurturing and supportive, equipped with specialized technology to aid learning. Furthermore, the district offers summer programs and opportunities for community integration, allowing students to develop essential life skills in real-world settings.

10 Acre Wood Nature Preschool, located in Lakeville, Minnesota, is a nurturing and play-based educational environment designed for children aged 33 months through kindergarten. With a core mission centered on fostering a love for nature and environmental stewardship, the preschool offers both full-day and part-time enrollment options within a maximum group size of 12 students, ensuring an intimate learning atmosphere supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. The preschool's unique approach incorporates outdoor exploration across its expansive 10-acre property, which features woodlands, wetlands, and native prairie. This immersive setting allows children to engage in hands-on learning experiences that promote curiosity and discovery. The school's commitment to environmental education is reflected in its use of an environmentally-friendly converted pole barn as the main facility. What sets 10 Acre Wood apart is not only its dedicated focus on nature-based learning but also its emphasis on creating strong connections with families, fostering a community that supports each child's growth and development.

Academic Arts High School (AAHS) is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for students with diverse learning needs, particularly those aged 14 to 21 who may experience challenges such as language-based learning disabilities or are twice-exceptional. The school's core mission emphasizes the importance of personalized education, ensuring that each student receives tailored support to thrive academically and socially. At AAHS, a unique blend of project-based learning and environmental education forms the foundation of the curriculum. This innovative approach not only engages students in meaningful, hands-on experiences but also promotes critical thinking and creativity. The school employs therapeutic methodologies that prioritize social-emotional learning, helping students develop resilience and self-awareness. Regular AHA Days are dedicated to mental health, encouraging students and staff to practice mindfulness and self-care. What sets Academic Arts apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for individualized attention and strong family partnerships. The school fosters a close-knit community where parents and guardians are actively involved in their children's education. Specialized facilities and a range of extracurricular activities further enhance the learning experience, making AAHS a distinctive choice for families seeking a supportive educational environment for their children.