SES Profile
School Profile
Principal
Dean of students
School Counselor
Registrar
Who We Are
The School of Environmental Studies (SES) opened ion 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. SES is a magnet high school that immerses juniors and seniors in the study of environmental topics and issues, working with and often alongside professional in the field.
Our Learning Campus
Located on the Minnesota Zoo grounds and next to Lebanon Hills Regional Park, our campus features wooded trails and diverse wildlife. In 2019, we achieved the world's first student-led LEED Gold certification, and were recertified at the Platinum level in 2022. A 2021 student-led grant for for solar panels allows us to meet 30% of out power needs. Our building is recognized globally for its innovative open spaces that promote flexible learning, with student Pods fostering collaboration and community. We actively promote sustainable practices in our communities, from food sorting to awareness campaigns.
Students collecting water samples to understand humans’ relationship with water.
Students attending the United Nations Conference in New York due to SES’ consultative status with the UN.
Our Learning Structure
SES features an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum center around Thematic Studies, or "House," which combines English, Environmental Studies, and Social Studies into a daily three-hour class. This team-taught course explores broad themes related to the environment, allowing students to complete projects that access their real-world skills. About 25% of SES students also participate in long-term electives (ie. Band, Choir, World Languages, etc.) at their home high school or take Career Development courses at other schools. Each trimester, students engage in an Intensive Theme course for seven days, focusing on one subject in depth while other SES courses are paused.
Our Schedule
SES operates a trimester system with an alternating-day schedule of four 90-minute blocks. Students spend half their day in House, which meets daily, and choose classes for the other half. House core classes cover a wide range within each subject (ex. Social Studies 12 covers Economics, Human Geography, and Political Science. Most electives meet every other day, which Career Development courses meet daily. Students can earn up to eight credits per trimester, including on elective credit from Intensive Theme/Field Study course.
Our Students
Student join SES from across the Twin Cities Metro. Each SES student is assigned a District 196 "home high school" for accessing sports, activities, and issuing diplomas. 25% of our students qualify for financial benefits, 14% receive Special Education and 30% of our students are students of color (12% Hispanic/Latino, 8% two or more races, 6% African American, 3% American Indian, 1% Asian).
Our Faculty
SES thrives thanks to a dedicated and tight-knit community of 42 faculty and staff, with 86% holding a mater's degree or higher. The average teaching experience is 19 years, and staff have been with the distri for an average of 12 years,
Our Community
SES has strong partnerships with organizations like the Minnesota Zoo, City of Eagan, Dakota Counts Parks, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, offering valuable volunteer, research, and internship opportunities for students. Additionally, the SES Education Foundation (SESEF) supports high academic standards and experiential learning through scholarships and project grants. SES is is also one of the only two schools in the nation to have consultative status with the United Nations. Students are not lone able to collaborate with lawmakers, but are also able to attend and observe United Nations conferences in New York City.
Comprehensive Postsecondary Preparation Experience
Students at SES engage in rigorous, real-world learning that prepares them for post-secondary education. The project and inquiry-based assignments foster curiosity and deeper understanding. Collaborative projects require teamwork and effective communication, pushing students beyond their comfort zones. The alternating day block schedule requires students to manage their time similar to college and the workplace. Over 55% of students take AP, CIS, Honors, PSEO, or articulated college credit courses, with students averaging 21.8 on the ACT over the past five years, and above a 3 on AP tests. SES supports various postsecondary paths, with over 76% of students planning to attend college (55% to a 4-year college and 21% to a 2-year college). Students also benefit from participating in AVID, Mentor Seminar, or Work Experience, where they develop soft skills, gain self-awareness, and receive dedicated support for future college and careers.
Explore Honors, AP, CIS, and Career Development courses here.
Explore Intensive Theme and Field Study opportunities here.
Students engaging in a solo sit where they use observation, inquiry, and introspection to deepen their understanding.