Mississippi Valley Montessori

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.

Branch Out is School District 197's transition program for young adults with disabilities, based on Marie Avenue in West St. Paul. We serve students ages 18 to 22 who have not yet graduated from high school and have an IEP. Placement is an IEP team decision, and each student arrives with a graduation plan built around transition goals. Students and their teams set goals in three areas: employment and job training, independent living, and post-secondary education. Our staff includes teacher case managers, a work-based learning coordinator, a school psychologist, a speech-language pathologist, and an occupational therapy and assistive technology specialist. Guest speakers from local organizations lead seminars on budgeting, banking, employment, transportation, and housing, and students gather each month for recreation and conversation. As students near graduation, we expand the IEP team to include vocational rehabilitation services and Dakota County social service providers, so each young adult leaves with connections for work and independent living already in place. Programming ends when a student turns 22.

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.