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Why Choose Lake Country School?

At Lake Country School, we guide children toward the intrinsic desire to explore and learn in order to embark into the world afterward with confidence and independence and the knowledge that they have the tools they need to succeed.

 

  • We believe in self-paced, experiential learning environments, including outdoor educational environments.
  • We emphasize social-emotional literacy. 
  • We strive to cultivate a love of learning in every student.
  • We provide opportunities for creative collaboration, helping to foster strong interpersonal skills and peace.
  • We strive to cultivate community and a sense of belonging in every family

Who We Are

Lake Country School places children at the center of a transformative education. Students learn through meaningful, collaborative, and challenging work. We partner with families to nurture capable, connected, and compassionate individuals. Our graduates are self-aware, confident lifelong learners who make purposeful contributions to their communities.

Elementary Students Collaborating

Since its founding in 1976 LCS has been firmly rooted in AMI Montessori principles and philosophy. LCS has been a leader in Montessori education in Minnesota for nearly 50 years. LCS is a non-profit organization and accredited independent school with highly trained and experienced faculty who love to guide children in stretching themselves to learn and grow—from preparing food for a snack to reading independently to completing their first three-week stay at our farm campus.

A man smiling with greenery in the background

 "LCS trusts students and their natural drive to learn, develop, and grow. These beliefs are balanced with an expectation of responsibility, kindness, and hard work. We guide children and adolescents in their development to be their best selves through healthy challenges and engaging learning experiences. Students learn about identity, how to acknowledge harm, and work through conflict toward justice." 

—Ben Moudry, Head of School

Where We Are

Urban Campus

Nestled in the Kingfield neighborhood in South Minneapolis is where you will find Lake Country School's (LCS) urban campus. LCS was founded in 1976 by Pat and Larry Schaefer with grant funding from the O’Shaughnessy Foundation, starting out in Downtown Minneapolis and moving to its current location in 1980. An addition was completed in 2021 adding an atrium and administrative offices.

Rural Campus

Lake Country School's Land School is located in Dunn County, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1996 as an extension of the school's Montessori program, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning in a natural setting. On 160 acres of diverse landscapes, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, the Land School offers a unique environment for ecological and agricultural education.