MN DNR School

Forest Certification

St. Croix Montessori School is proud to hold the prestigious Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) School Forest Certification. This recognition underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and hands-on, nature-based learning, aligning perfectly with the Montessori philosophy of fostering curiosity, independence, and a connection to the natural world.

The MN DNR School Forest Program partners with schools to manage and utilize forested areas for educational purposes. Certified School Forests are designated outdoor classrooms where students can explore, learn, and engage with nature through interdisciplinary studies. St. Croix Montessori’s forest is part of this statewide program, providing our community with unique opportunities to integrate environmental education into our curriculum.

Our MN DNR School Forest Certification is more than just a designation—it’s a reflection of our dedication to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.

How You Can Get Involved

We welcome families and community members to join us in supporting our School Forest. You can participate by volunteering for trail maintenance or forest management projects, attending outdoor events and workshops, sharing expertise in forestry or environmental science, or donating to support the upkeep and enhancement of the forest.

How Does Our School Forest Benefit the St. Croix Montessori Community?

  • Our School Forest serves as an extension of our classrooms, offering hands-on experiences in science, ecology, geography, and more. Students can study ecosystems, conduct experiments, and observe wildlife in their natural habitat, fostering a deeper understanding of the environment.

  • Time spent in the forest allows children to develop a profound respect for nature. This connection nurtures mindfulness, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility for preserving our planet.

  • As part of the MN DNR School Forest Program, we join a network of schools across the state dedicated to environmental education. This connection brings resources, workshops, and community collaboration to our school.

  • Through guided projects and activities, students learn the importance of sustainable practices and conservation. They actively participate in the care and management of our forest, cultivating skills and values that last a lifetime.

  • Research shows that time spent outdoors boosts physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. Our students benefit from daily interactions with nature, fostering well-rounded development.

  • "It is amazing to watch a roomful of children working collaboratively, excitedly, and peacefully in a self-driven way rather than through grades and tests or needing to have a full roomful of students working on the same thing at the same time. Many people may be hesitant to believe that the children would be motivated in this way but you step into the classroom and see it, and it's incredible."

    2021

  • "We absolutely love St. Croix Montessori School! The location is amazing with a working farm, several acres of land, and in the winter, an ice rink! In addition to excellent academics, the school focuses on his social and emotional development."

    2020

  • "SCMS is a special place. I could go on and on with positive things to say about our experience. The teachers and staff are incredible. They really love the kids and they are really knowledgeable about how to help the children thrive in their development. The facilities are a really neat setting for the kids to get a variety of experiences outside the classroom as well with the various playgrounds, walking paths, as well as animals on the property. I highly, highly recommend SCMS!"

    2022

  • "The school and parent community have been warm and welcoming and we love socializing with the staff and other parents at the numerous activities throughout the year including farm chores, coffee shop, ice cream socials, trunk or treat, spring/fall workday and the annual charity auction."

    2021

  • "Our children have attended St Croix Montessori the last several years, and we couldn't be happier. The staff is absolutely amazing and our kids are thriving there. We love the child-led learning, focus on the whole child (social, physical, emotional, cognitive), and strong sense of community & collaboration. We know our children are maximizing their potential through the self-directed learning with hands-on materials at their own pace with no bounds to what they can learn."

    2021

  • "I can't say enough good things about SCMS. I love the Montessori philosophy and SCMS does it wonderfully. Watching my son find his confidence and love for learning has been nothing short of incredible. He's gained valuable life skills that I don't believe he would have received in a traditional environment."

    2018

  • "St. Croix provided our son with the tools to plan his time, utilize his resources and work constructively within a community. He had a wonderful experience learning in a multi age setting and was well prepared for the next step."

    2018

  • "This is an AMI School where they do not take shortcuts to teach in a true Montessori style complete with all the needed tools and environment. The staff, parents, and students are committed and you can see it every day in the children's faces. We are proud to be part of this amazing community."

    2016

We invite you to visit us and experience the St. Croix Montessori difference. Together, we can inspire a generation of lifelong learners.