Where is SES located?

The School of Environmental Studies (SES) is located in Apple Valley, Minnesota adjacent to the Minnesota Zoo.

The School of Environmental Studies (SES)
12155 Johnny Cake Road
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-8750

Is SES a public or private school?

SES is an optional public school for 200 junior and senior high school students in ISD 196 and allows open enrollment from the greater Twin Cities area. Students must apply but there is no extra charge for attending.

How do I apply?

All students must complete application to attend SES. One hundred students will be selected in a competitive process based on their application.  Those not chosen will automatically be entered into a lottery where an additional one hundred students will be selected.

School of Environmental Studies Application:

http://www.district196.org/ses/forms/Application.PDF

What type of curriculum is used at SES?

Classes at SES are taught with an interdisciplinary curriculum.  Science, English and Social Studies classes are combined into one class called House.  These three classes are intertwined to show students real world applications to what they are learning- all with a focus on the environment. Grades are given for journaling, paper writing and projects in House.  Foreign language, art, math and other electives are taught in separate classes. Classes not offered at SES can be taken at the student’s home high school, which is where the student attended before coming to SES or the school assigned if coming from outside District 196.

Is transportation provided?

Transportation is provided before and after school to the home high school. During the school day, students either drive themselves or carpool with other students to and from their home high schools.

What are Intensive Theme Elective Classes?

For one week each trimester, students choose one class to intensely explore a particular subject.

Many classes are taught onsite, but others include traveling to places in Minnesota, across the United States and to other countries.  Costs for these classes vary and are the responsibility of the student.  Scholarships are available for those who qualify.

How do colleges view SES?

College representatives look favorably upon SES graduates.  The uniquely challenging and independent learning environment at SES provides excellent preparation for college bound students.