Why Lake Country School

We are an independent Montessori school that serves children from early childhood through adolescence. With two campuses, we offer students learning environments in the heart of Minneapolis as well as rural Wisconsin. Our multi-age classrooms let students focus on independent and experiential academic self-paced learning. We limit technology in favor of natural and tactile classroom materials and prioritize real world experiences throughout all grades.

Montessori guides inspire the children through lessons to small groups and individuals. When not involved in a lesson, the children work at their own pace on the tasks or activities they have chosen. The classroom is characterized by a steady buzz of activity— some children working collaboratively, others independently, older children coaching younger ones, all as the teacher presents to a small group, is in conference with an individual, or observes and records the flow of work in the room.

Children are free to move about the room and select from materials that are appropriate for their stage of development. They may choose to work at a table, on a rug on the floor, or in a reading loft. They are trusted to take care of the materials, to work diligently, and to be considerate of others. The classroom communities operate according to the basic rules of respect to oneself, to others, to the work, and to the environment. Conflict is seen as an opportunity to practice peaceful resolution.

Situated on 160 acres in Dunn County, Wisconsin is our Rural Campus, the Land School, which was founded in 1996 as an extension of our Minneapolis campus. Aligned with Montessori principles, this dual-campus model places emphasis on self-directed, nature-based learning.

The Land School offers a unique environment for agricultural education through day visits, overnight experiences for Elementary students, and a three-week Farm Stay for adolescents. Our Land School staff visit our Children’s House program multiple times throughout the school year bringing the farm to life in their classrooms. 

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Each year, about 40% of the graduating class attend their neighborhood public school. The other 60% enroll at independent or charter schools. We hear from local high schools that LCS graduates are well prepared and actively engaged.

High schools most often attended by LCS graduates include: Blake, Breck, DeLaSalle, Great River, South, Southwest, St. Paul Academy, and Washburn.

Over 95% of LCS graduates go on to attend and graduate from colleges and universities. Colleges often attended by LCS graduates include: American University, Carleton College, Colorado College, Georgetown University, Grinnell College, Lewis & Clark College, Macalester College, Northeastern University, Oberlin College, St. Olaf College, University of Minnesota, and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Not at all. Because the Montessori method is concerned with the development of each child as an individual, most children thrive in a Montessori environment. LCS is committed to fostering an environment where students are supported at every step of their academic, physical, social and emotional journey.

New students are welcomed to Lake Country School at any stage in their education. Because the Montessori environment is prepared to meet the developmental needs of children, most transfer students adjust quickly and appreciate the Montessori environment at Lake Country. Guides are mindful of students who are new to the school and take the opportunity to encourage the classroom community to be helpful and welcoming to their new peer.

After-school bus service is provided by Minneapolis Public Schools and is available only in the afternoon for Elementary and Junior High students residing in Minneapolis who live further than a half to one mile (depending on age) from LCS. 

Once a year, third through eighth grade students take a nationally normed standardized test. LCS administers the Measures of Academic Progress, MAP test. Results are shared with parents. Parents have the option of having their child refrain from standardized testing.

Lake Country School is committed to an economically diverse student body and welcomes the opportunity to provide financial support where needed to partner with families. LCS makes tuition assistance awards to approximately 30% of the student body, meeting 70% of a family's proven need.

Tuition & fees

Tuition Assistance