Explore SES
Welcome to the School of Environmental Studies!
The School of Environmental Studies (SES) is a public environmental magnet school for high school juniors and seniors.
Opened in 1995 as a unique partnership between District 196, the City of Apple Valley, and the State of Minnesota (Minnesota Zoo), SES is a response to the well-documented need to create smaller, more effective learning communities providing authentic learning experiences.
Imagine yourself at a school where you are challenged to grow academically within the school and in environments outside of the school. Imagine a small school where the entire staff is available to help you develop your strengths and strengthen your shortcomings. Imagine what you could bring to a school filled with great individuals working together to understand how people come to live in their many environments
SES immerses its students in the study of environmental topics and issues working with and often alongside professionals in the field. Students graduate from SES knowing how to learn as well as what to learn and are well prepared for a lifetime of participation and education.
Learning in Action
This is easily the best school I've ever been to. It feels like the teachers and the system in general are working with me for once, instead of against me, which is an amazing feeling.
Hazel, Class of 2026
I just finished my internship with the city and I was asked to come back next summer. I got more experience with fisheries, stormwater, and invasive species management, and expanded my ArcGIS skills. I definitely feel like I got ahead of the game because of SES.
Joaquin, SES graduate
I would have never become the editor of my college paper if it wasn't for SES.
Daniel, SES graduate
SES gave me the tools to be successful in college through unique educational experiences and challenging curriculum.
lisa, SES graduate
It's a school that is based on earth's environments that quietly educates its students more about the human environment and what that means to grow as a person on this planet.Isaac, SES graduate
SES provided an immersive learning experience where I found a new passion for learning through an environment of mutual respect, exploration and engagement across teachers, staff and students.trevor, SES graduate
School of Environmental Studies Foundation
The School of Environmental Studies Education Foundation (SESEF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)community group of volunteers who find many ways to support SES. Established in 1999, the foundation encourages high academic standards, experiential learning, and excellence in teaching by providing scholarships and grants for new and innovative projects that, due to budget limitations, the school is unable to fund.
The mission of the SESEF is to stimulate innovation, opportunity, and advocacy for the School of Environmental Studies community and the positive contributions it makes to the world.