Conserve School

My daughter had the privilege of attending in fall 2010. I was blown away by everyone involved - students, teachers, staff, director - simply everyone! We need Conserve School - we need this desperately.
She had a life altering experience and went from an amazing young woman to an amazing young woman armed with insight, inspiration, determination and confidence.

I was lucky enough to attended Conserve School in the Spring of 2011. The staff is made up of supportive and passionate people. I take the classroom teachings and outdoor experiences with me everywhere I go. One semester taught me the importance of exploration, sustainability, and independence. Conserve School changed my life and the way I view the natural world. It is a perfect school for any high schooler interested in the world no matter their experiences.

Conserve School encourages their students to serve others throughout their semester of attendance! They provide opportunities for students that are unheard of elsewhere.

Last weekend I had the previlege of attending Parents Weekend. My grandaughter attends CS19. We attended classes with her, ate breakfast, lunch and dinner (which was great) and toured the campus. It is a scenic masterpiece that builds character, positivity and respect for themselves and the environment. It is a great opportunity for any young person and I would encourage everyone to look into it for their child(ren).

I’ve had two children attend Conserve School. Sending them to CS is hands down one of the best parenting decisions we’ve made. It is a spectacular school with unparalleled staff, teachers and campus. Highly recommended.

Our daughter is a student at Conserve and we love it! It is difficult having our HS student be away from us, but she is so happy and learning so much, it makes it easier for us.
We find the environment very supportive and well run.
We visited last weekend and I found the classes to be rigorous and very interesting. It was also great to see students so engaged in their own education.

We have had two of our daughters attend Conserve School and both of them had wonderful experiences. The hands on approach to the curriculum ensures that the students are actively engaged in the learning process. The emphasis on environmental stewardship is seen in all that they do and it is carried with them as they go back to their sending schools. I can't recommend this school enough!

Was an absolutely amazing experience! I am so glad I was fortunate enough to find this program and enroll. I recommend this school to anyone who cares about the environment.

Conserve School is the best! Three of my kids have gone there and they all loved their experience so much that they didn’t want to go back to their traditional school after a semester at Conserve. They not only learned about sustainability but how to live it. They are all better stewards of our planet and now always will be. Thanks Conserve!

Our role is one of restaurant, ice cream server and community gathering spot.

We have a front row seat to watch Conserve School students arrive each semester full of anticipation and some trepidation.

At the conclusion of each semester we see the students wearing the armor of earth knowledge, outdoor skills, self confidence and the desire to serve the world.

Thank you Conserve School for the impact you make on today's youth.

Conserve School is both a neighbor and a tremendous resource for our small community. The facilities are modern, beautifully designed and highly conducive to an extraordinary learning experience. The administration and staff are committed to educating future leaders, especially with an emphasis on environmental stewardship. The Northwoods of Wisconsin is one of the most scenic places on Earth. Conserve School makes me wish I was 17 again.

Conserve School provided a life-changing, top-quality semester education for my high school student. The school was a careful steward of resources - both financial and natural resources.

We sent our son here for the Fall 2018 semester, and it honestly seems to have changed his life already. He calls frequently expressing his desire to do something important with his new knowledge, and just generally seems to be turning into a Real Adult (TM) in front of our eyes.

My daughter had the amazing opportunity to be part of the Conserve School. This experience for my daughter was wonderful. She left more confident and had a greater understanding of the importance of being a part of her community. She had a unique academic experience and learned so much about herself. Conserve will always have a special place in her heart, and I will always be appreciative of experiences that Conserve afforded her.

Conserve School is a great part of our Land O Lakes community. They sponsor several library events, partner with our local charter middle school, and they even opened up their wonderful facilities and grounds to help raise funds towards new playground equipment at the local elementary school. Their support is greatly appreciated!

As a resident of Land O' Lakes, WI, I can attest to the fact that the Conserve School not only successfully carries out a valuable mission preparing young people to live by and promote environmental responsibility and activism, but also plays a tremendous role in supporting the community of Land O' Lakes in which it is located. Their support is financial as well as sharing their students to assist in many community activities. In addition, they host a variety of cultural and educational events that are available to the community.

My son went to Conserve for a semester of his sophomore year and it changed his life and mine. The teaching staff is top notch. The facilities are excellent and the over all experience exceeded all of our expectations.

My son's experience at Conserve School was second to none. It was a life shaping experience for him.

I have worked with former students of Conserve School, both in the college classroom, as a their professor, and in the work force, as their supervisor. They have been knowledgeable, thoughtful, dedicated, and optimistic. Conserve School prepared them well.

3 teens, 3 Commissioned Conserve students, 3 semesters observing the Conserve School staff guide our children towards a greater understanding of their own capacity to lead and become their best selves in community, engage in a rigorous experiential learning academic environment, participate actively in eco-conservation strategies and to engage others to do so as well The Conserve School experience has prepared our 3 young adults, and hundreds of others, to be players of change in a fast paced, climate challenged world where the need to marry the competing needs of environmental stability and human survival presses upon us. A human and natural world powered education for our future leaders, indeed.

Our daughter has had a phenomenal learning experience at Conserve School unlike anything she has had in public school. Outdoor hands on learning has really resonated with her. She is excited about school everyday and wishes she could be here for the rest of her high school career.

This semester school in the northwoods of WI was a magical experience for my daughter her junior year of high school. She is passionate about saving the planet, and a hard working student, so the staff and curriculum challenged her and helped her grow. The school opened her eyes to the need for and the many types of conservation. She made great friends, connected with staff, did awesome work, and “found her people.” I am so glad she had this amazing opportunity.

Conserve School changed my life and gave me the experiences that inspired me to get a career and education in natural resources! It’s a program I’d highly recommend to any student interested in natural resources, recreation, environmental justice, or a general love of the outdoors and adventure.

We are absolutely thrilled that our daughter was able to experience a semester at Conserve School. What a wonderful opportunity to disconnect, convene with nature, and learn life skills that will take her into the future - all within a focused, rigorous academic environment. Her experience has made her prepared and determined to live her best life, and offer her best self to the world at large. I always knew she had it in her, but thanks to her experience at Conserve, now she know it too.

Wish there were 10 stars to add! My son is attending Fall semester as I write this. He has told me on three separate occasions, Mom, this day was the best day of my life! So, apparently, the mountaintop experience has been surpassed a few times even. My son heard of the Conserve School program when he was in third or fourth grade, and has wanted to attend ever since. In his words, getting accepted and attending is a dream come true. Thank you to Jim Lowenstein, the founder and benefactor of the endowment that made this a reality for our family!! He has shared some of his academic work with me, and it is very rigorous. I appreciate the high standards of the academics. But the real payoff is seeing my son bloom and "find his tribe", and himself in the process. How could a parent ask for more?

As a Guidance Counselor who has seen several of our students attend Conserve School, I have been so grateful for the unique and supportive educational environment that they provide. Students and faculty are brought together, learn deeply, and engage in the world and one another in a very different way. Students are inspired to do more and be more... and leave Conserve School with a passion for education and community involvement that inspires everyone around them.

A great place for students from all backgrounds to learn in the natural environment. I wish as a young man growing up in the inner city that I had this opportunity to attend Conserve School. This school should be the norm!!

As I write this, my daughter is actually spending the semester at Conserve School. She is thrilled with that school. The experience is so much more than just a semester school; it appears to be a profoundly positive one. I have never been worried for her safety there and everything there is top notch, including the educators.

Conserve School is such an amazing and life changing opportunity for high schoolers. It brings together people passionate about the environment in a variety of different ways. And then bonds them within a community that's completely new, but by the end is like family. It gives students an opportunity to advance their learning and understanding of the natural world. And provides experiences that are unparalleled for many of the students that attend because of the low cost compared to other semester schools. Without Conserve I wouldn't be the same, I wouldn't have such a passion to make the world better, I wouldn't be so confident, and I wouldn't have such a bond with nature or my Conserve family. Not many places can take a group of teenagers from all over and help them expand and form their voice and passions.

A truly amazing and life changing opportunity for high schoolers

Conserve School fully lives its mission. It is a life changing semester school, creating inspired learners, environmental stewards, and deep friendships. Our son is a CS16 alum and we are so thankful for the opportunitiy of the Conserve School experience.

Conserve School does an incredible job of immersing students in nature while completing a junior year high school semester course load. The alumni I have met tell me that it's a life-changing experience and one of the best, if not the best, experiences they had during their high school careers.

Wish I could add another star to the five star rating cuz I'd give it six stars or more!! Conserve school is by far hands down an exceptional learning experience.. they nurture and truely care for the children, they have an excellent staff that truly cares about the students as they grow to be self reliant young adults. The facilities are top-notch and the bonus is the Outdoor Learning environment. It definitely had a very positive and lasting effect on our son as he ventured on his path toward adulthood while he attended Conserve. I would have no qualms about recommending Conserve to any future student interested in the Outdoor Environmental Learning experience.

The fact that this experience was open to our daughter through the financial gifts and commitment of the board to keeping it financially accessible to all students continues to astound me. We are grateful that she was able to be part of this beautiful learning environment that nurtured her spirit, mind, and body in community! Looking for ways the school can take bold steps toward reflecting demographics of young people and growing diversity. Love is school and vision and opportunity!

Conserve School is an amazing school. Our daughter is currently attending semester 15. It is the best school I have ever been to and I have been teaching 25 years in four different states. She is growing as a student and more important as a person. She is learning to be independent and gaining confidence and learning self reliance. And most important she is learning to appreciate and care for our home, planet Earth.

My daughter arrived at Conserve School as a shy, insecure teen. Over the course of 4 months, she had transformed into a confident young woman. Conserve gave her room to grow and find herself, and the support she needed along the way. The teachers and classes are top notch, but the education goes far beyond the classroom. Conserve School provides a transformative, life-changing experience for a that can be found nowhere else. Best decision that we ever made for our daughter.

Conserve School is the place to be if you are a young person who is passionate about nature. It is a stepping atom to success!

This school honestly changed my life. In highschool, I just wanted to go to boarding school for a bit, I really was not that in to nature. The thought-provoking classes and caring community swiftly crafted me into a true environmentalist and outdoors-woman for life. I had an "a-ha" moment in the AP enviro class that made me realize I was lucky enough to have the chance to learn about the environmental problems that effect literally every living thing on the planet, and that it is my duty to improve these conditions. I am incredibly devoted to the outdoors now, it is the only thing I do with my free time anymore. I can genuinely say that connecting to nature and community at conserve school changed the course of my life and made me a happier version of myself than I think I could have achieved at a regular school.

We just spent the weekend visiting our daughter at Conserve School. It is an absolutely amazing gem. It nurtures dynamic, caring young people who are passionate about the environment, with excellent teachers and a well-run, responsive, and friendly administration. And the setting is just gorgeous. It will have a lasting impact on all of the students, and so will undoubtedly impact our world.

My daughter was fortunate to be a part of CS5 the fall of 2012, and we are both truly grateful to Conserve School and the staff for this opportunity. Please feel free to read about Tessa's experience: http://www.westfargopioneer.com/news/439576-fostering-passion-protecting-environment-chambers-attends-conserve-school

Tessa is currently a junior attending Swarthmore College. Thank you Conserve School!

I was lucky enough to spend the weekend at Conserve School for parents weekend. I was able to shadow classes and the way that the staff interacted with students was so impressive to me. It's clear that they see these students as able learners, worthy of respect. Clearly the students think that of the teachers as well. It took a lot for me to leave my child here, and they acknowledged that and have done such a wonderful job in not only teaching, but inspiring the students to see themselves as capable of so much more than they may have possibly been awarded in their home schools. I know my child looks at this experience as a true blessing and after being there for the weekend, I can't imagine a better place to spend time learning about nature, conservation - and a little bit more about oneself along the way. What an amazing experience!

Great opprotunity! I was a student during CS1. I constantly talk about my time at Conserve and that was over 5 years ago that I attended during high school. This school has an amazing purpose and culivates community. The environmental focus is awesome and very enlightening. The school and students work hard to promote sustainbilty in all aspects. The impact this non profit has on it’s students and the environment is immeasurable. I will keep the experiences and knowledge and relationships I created here for the rest of my life. I will continue to cultivate the same environmental values and principles in my life and persue to educate others.

Conserve School changed my life. It absolutely inspired me to be my best self and follow a passionate path as an environmental steward. I will be forever grateful to all the staff and wonderful people I met during my time at conserve.

A terrific experience for a high schooler. My child has gained confidence along with new friends, a great education in a beautiful setting and a focus on what environmental discipline she wants to study in college.

Conserve School is a place where high schoolers who have nature in their heart can be true to themselves. I had the pleasure of observing an English class, history class and art class. Not only are the teachers experts in their content areas, but they are also masters in the art of teaching. All of the staff work together to create a climate of warmth and caring as well as academic challenge. My daughter attended Conserve school and I agree with the motto, "One semester can make a world of difference."

My experience at Conseve School in Semester 1, Summer 2010 was truly life changing. To be surrounded by beautiful Northern Wisconsin forests and lakes, and also some of the most inspiring students and staff alike, shaped me into a better advocate for nature, and a better person in general. Exploration Week at Conserve school consisted of a week backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains, but almost every other course during my semester there enveloped the outdoors in some way, whether reading about Shackleton in history class, or discussing lichen in AP environmental science; I learned more at Conserve in 4 months than most of my other 3 years in high school.

Just visited my grandson and I was so impressed with the academic and extracurricular programs at this one of a kind School. This is a dedicated community of students and staff where learning and making this a better world are paramount.

Our daughter spent a semester at Conserve school and it was the best experience of her life. Not only it helped her to become more independent but it gave her all the skills and tools she needed to become a true environmental stewardship.
She now runs a Green Club at her school and leads a number of initiatives to protect our environment and to help others in need.
We are ever so grateful to everyone who made this experience possible and in particular all her teachers who shared their vision and talent with her.

I was a student at Conserve in 2014 and absolutely loved my experience. I would not be where I am today if I had not pursued this opportunity and I am very grateful to the amazing faculty and staff for the experiences they provided. I miss it every single day! It is the perfect school for students interested in environmental science, sustainability and outdoor education. Thank you!

I attended Conserve in their first semester as a semester school, (CS1) and had the best time of my life. The staff, facilities, curriculum, and campus grounds are utterly fantastic. We read from Lewis and Clark's journals as we crafted our own dugout canoe, we cross-country skiied, we canoed into the Sylvania Wilderness during Exploration Week, and we learned to T-Rescue our classmates should our canoes or kayaks capsize. We climbed trees and read from wilderness writers within their branches. We aided in the collection of an endangered trout species for Wisconsin's fisheries, became wilderness first aid certified, maintained trails and linedanced. We learned about beekeeping, tracked wolves with a local biologist, wrote stories about the creatures lurking within Lowenwood's depths. We watched the stars pass overhead on clear nights, we made intimate friendships and learned more about the world than we could have imagined. Conserve is an incredible place and I want to thank them for the opportunities, worldview, adventures and experiences they have given me. I will carry the memories and skills I gained here with me for the rest of my life. Thank you.

My daughter is currently a student at Conserve School. I just returned from parent weekend and I’m still smiling. Conserve School is truly extraordinary. As a parent I was nervous about sending my daughter to another state and placing her under the care and direction of those I barely knew, however, I am beyond thankful that we took that leap of faith. The curriculum, environment, staff and students are all exceptional. The facilities and grounds are serenely optimal for learning. I spent three days on campus and I was struck with how impressive all of the students are. The students are engaging, creative, filled with a desire to learn, positive and extremely supportive of one another. Our daughter is beaming with happiness at Conserve School. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Conserve School founder James Lowenstine (and subsequent board of trustees) whose vision and generosity have allowed our daughter to have this experience.

Both of my daughters spent a semester at Conserve School. It was a fantastic experience for them; excellent teachers and classes in a beautiful setting.

My daughter was recommended to this semester school by Tremont Institute in the Great Smoky Mountains. She had an incredible experience. She lived in a part of the country she had never been to before. She came away with an even stronger desire to protect the environment and history. She has since gone to a college with similar goals. This non profit allowed my child the experience of a lifetime that we could not have afforded to give her. Our planet's future needs schools like this. The classes, volunteering, and outdoor activities are remarkable. In the role below, I chose expert, as I am not only a parent, but also a professional Interpretive Naturalist.

The defining experience of my life. It has led me to pursue a career in environmental biology, taken me to Africa to study wildlife and planted a passion for the outdoors in my soul. I miss it everyday, 4 years later. Lowenwood and Conserve School is nothing short of magical.

Conserve inspired me to make a change in the world and gave me hope for the future. It is truly the most amazing high school experience and it will impact everything I do. I made friends throughout the country and created memories beyond compare. Thanks for everything Conserve!

Conserve school transformed my life! It was a truly amazing experiance where I learned so much about myself and Mother Earth. Every student should have the opportunity to be part of a community that cares so deeply about education and the earth. The connection between the two is inseparable.

Great school to engage kids. The teacher are passionate about what they are teaching and the students as well.

I have always loved and respected nature and have tried to instill this passion in raising my children to be good stewards of the land they have been given. Our traditional school system offers little to continue this type of education. The Conserve school has an incredible environmentally based education program. Not only are their academics second to none they use it in a way to educate students in regards to the responsibility as stewards of this great Earth of ours, and have fun doing it!! I highly recommend this school to anyone who is interested in an outstanding educational experience.

My daughter is a student at Conserve, and the experience has far exceeded my expectations. The education, the opportunities, and the quality of the staff are exceptional. She has had such fun and grown so much ... I am so grateful Conserve exists.

Our sixteen year old daughter is currently a student at Conserve working on her junior year high school curriculum with a focus on the environment. She is absolutely loving her immersion experience at this boarding school. She is no stranger to environmental studies as all her academic schooling has followed this specialized focus. She reports to us that the caliber of teachers, the experiential classrooms and the dedication of the staff at Conserve is unparalleled. We rely on our daughter to report on the teachings of the school but as parents we can report that the school is very well run with an exceptional staff. All aspects of the school are top notch. We had never visited the school before we flew from CA to drop our daughter off, having applied on friends recommendations. Upon our arrival we were truly stunned at the beauty and care given to this place and the warmth and competency of all those who run the school. We think that this opportunity for students is an amazingly well kept secret that all should know about.

Tremendous educational opportunity for high school students with abiding lessons about stewardship and leadership to serve them and their communities their whole lives long.

My daughter has only been at Conserve School for a few weeks, but already she is developing a whole new outlook on nature, school and life in general. Conserve School provides an incredible, life-changing, transformative semester, and I'm thrilled that my daughter has the chance to participate in this amazing opportunity.

My daughter started her semester at Conserve School a few weeks ago. This school offers an incredible opportunity for young people from all over the country to learn about environmental stewardship together with others who share their interests. Everything about the enrollment process has been handled with such care and thoughtfulness. It's very obvious that the faculty and staff are dedicated to the students and the mission of this school. I feel confident that this will be one of the most amazing experiences of her life. It already is.

Outstanding exceptional learning experience for high school Juniors. Changed my daughters life!

Going to this school was the best decision I have ever made. The people I met and the things I learned there inspired me to continue to life in a sustainable, adventurous, and inspired way. I love Conserve School and I am so grateful to them for introducing me to people who will be in my life forever.

My son was lucky enough to spend a semester at Conserve School. Highlights for him included engaging classwork; teachers, teaching fellows, students, and staff he came to care for deeply; and a lasting bond with the Northwoods. Guided and supported by a strong community, he learned so much during his time at Conserve--about himself and others as well as about academics and conservation. Conserve is an exceptional school created and nurtured by exceptional people.

My son had a most amazing experience at the Conserve School! Truly a life changing journey for the kids... from the great teaching staff and exceptional curriculum to building camaraderie with other students and learning personal responsibility in a safe and supportive environment!

I am so blessed that my daughter is having the opportunity to attend this school. The whole process has been wonderful from applying to attending.

Conserve School provides a unique opportunity for like minded students to be immersed in environmental studies blended with traditional subjects. Students spend a great deal of time in the outdoors on a beautiful campus that boasts incredible lakes, hardwood forests, and biking, hiking and skiing trails that the students explore during all of the seasons in the north woods. The friendly and knowledgeable teachers are dynamic and invested in making the most of the semester long experience they have with the students. I tell everyone I can about Conserve School, for us, this is the ideal way to educate a child!

Wish I could go back in time and be a teen just to attend this amazing school. My son had an amazing semester, learning and experiencing things that will stay with him his entire life.

Amazing opportunity for kids to be completely immersed in a nature/education setting.

Amazing opportunties for all lucky enough to attend this one-of-a-kind semester school!

This school was a perfect fit for our son, a part of CS8. He made friends to last a lifetime, studied with teachers who are passionate and care about each student, and lived in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I talk about Conserve School with people every chance I get because every student should be so lucky!

Conserve school was the best thing that ever happened to me. It showed me that life is full of choices and opportunities, that I could do what I love and discover my passions. I met 59 wonderful friends from all over the country and learned things I could never learn in a regular school. Our classes consisted of experiencial learning on our enormous campus. I wouldn't trade my experience there for anything. I would highly recommend this school to any high schooler with a passion for the environment. The teachers are amazing and so are the students and the beautiful nature, of course!

Attending Conserve School was the best decision I've ever made, by far! The rare and amazing thing about Conserve is living and growing in a place where everyone shares common passions and curiosities. This allows Conserve to not only teach students to be environmental stewards, but stewards of themselves as well by providing an independent (yet supervised) lifestyle filled with positive-learning experiences. Here students can not only learn to love nature even more than they already do, but also learn important lessons about themselves and their relationships with others.

Conserve School provided my daughter with the opportunity of a lifetime during CS9! The quality of instruction is stellar and the sense of community vibrant. Conserve's invaluable lessons in environmental stewardship are delivered in theory and practice through an inspiring and exhilarating blend of science, exploration, art, and reflection.

Conserve School provides a world-class environmental education experience at a cost that is almost too low to believe (thanks to the generosity of their donors and trustees). They make learning fun, exciting, and effective for their students.

This school was one of the greatest experiences I could have wished for!

Education as it was meant to be ... an experience for students that promotes deeper learning in one of the most beautiful settings on earth.

I was a student during CS9 and I had an amazing experience. I learned so much about conservation and got to meet a lot of amazing people. It's great to know that I have friends from all over the country and even in Germany from only 16 weeks. I would highly recommend going to this school if you love he outdoors and are interested in a non-traditional way of schooling!

My son was a student at Conserve school. Class CS8. I cannot say enough good things about this school. It changed my son's life for the better. Not only is the education top notch, but the social experience is invaluable. From day 1 , they encouraged the kids to be child-like not childish. They encourage and respect individuality, respect and love for the outdoors. I would encourage anyone with a child who likes to learn outside of the classroom, needs some independence, and wants to make life long friends, to apply to Conserve.

I was one of the students from CS1 and I am so glad that I decided to go. Not only did the experience help me prepare for college life, but I also was encouraged to pursue a degree in Biology. Now I am a member of my college's chapter of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society and I am proud to admit that conserve helped influence my academic interests. I would highly recommend Conserve School to high school students who love the outdoors.

Conserve School takes the tinder inside smart, caring highschool students; and during one semester that tinder becomes a bonfire. They're saying, "One semester can make a world of difference," really is true. It changes the lives of the students who will then go on and change the world. Best opportunity ever.

This experience changed my life and shaped me as a person. I am forever grateful.

The best 4 months of my life. It changed the way I see myself and the world around me and opened my eyes to a new way of life.

I knew Conserve would change me for the better, as soon as I arrived. Since returning home I have done great things that I would not have been able to do without the skills Conserve taught me, such as starting a composting program at my High School and improving my relationships with friends, family, and teachers. Conserve will always have a special place in my heart, for when I was there, I also learned how to love and be loved.

though conserve school offers a superb opportunity for highschoolers away from home for a semester, the support necessary for adolescents to thrive isn't available, and asking for help when dealing with stress isn't encouraged. Conserve has the potential to be incredible, but leaves out student voices and concerns when the semester is in session.

Conserve School equipped me with the necessary tools to be an advocate for change by helping me to find my "wilderness voice."

I was a student at Conserve a few semesters ago and I can't really put into words how much the experience meant to me. Many other people here have said this, but it did really change my life.

Conserve School is an amazing program I had the opportunity to attend. It opened my eyes to new experiences such as, kayaking, rock climbing, and wood chopping and opened my mind up to new perspectives shared by my peers. If given the chance I would wholeheartedly attend the program again and I would highly recommend Conserve School to anyone who is interested in learning not only about the environmental impact humans have on the earth but also about a sense of place and person.

The Conserve school not only does a great job teaching fundamentals but also teaching giving back to communities. Land O'Lakes is fortunate to have had the students help in many ways from putting up fall decorations to helping with events or just attending events. It has been a great boon to Land O'Lakes to have the Conserve school located in our community. Add that they are supports of our area non-profit arts education Land O'Lakes Area Artisans (LOLA).

One of the best semester school you could imagine, minus the fact that a semester is only sixteen weeks. Learning is super fun and engaging, with a strong environmental theme. A great place for any student to learn.

I am an alum of the semester program at Conserve School, and could not recommend the organization more. The mission of fostering young environmental stewards is expertly and compassionately carried out by the qualified staff and administrators. I felt nurtured as a student, and had opportunities of a lifetime to adventure into the wilderness, deepen in my own relationship to nature, and learn from amazing teachers.

Conserve School broadened my horizons and changed my life. I hope to see it continuing its mission well into the future.

Absolutely the best school I ever attended. It turned me from a self-serving city kid to a globally minded, environmentally conscious young adult. AMAZING teachers.

I was a student at Conserve School in the fall of 2012. Attending Conserve was the best decision I've ever made! Over the four months I was there I learned incredible things from both teachers and students, had incredible experiences, and made many lasting friendships. Whether I was solo camping, hiking in the porcupine mountains, laying on the sledding hill, doing homework in the LAB, or sitting in class (which was often outside on the incredible campus) I loved every second of my time there and would absolutely recommend Conserve to any perspective student. Coming from a small public school I was incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to learn alongside such amazing peers! Having students and teaches who actually WANTED to be the and wanted to learn all of the things in the curriculum made all the difference in having a great experience and learning new things. On top of that, all of the students and teachers have had great experiences outside of school and there was always something interesting to hear or new to learn about those around you.

Our son recently attended the Spring semester. His experience was life changing. He left his sending private school with a very high GPA and very involved in high school sports and a very busy schedule for a complete change of pace and life in the north woods. As a sophomore, we worried he would be able to handle life on his own and manage his own schedule. He did that and more. The academics were challenging, but in such a unique way. Each day was an "experience" rather than just going to school. He couldn't wait to tell us about how they re-enacted whatever book they were reading, or about a science experiment or writing assignment. This in itself was such a change from his sending school where he rarely spoke about school in general. Here, he was excited to share his experiences. The staff became family and his new friends are truly life-long ones. He learned, matured and realized that he can be on his own and be successful and as a parent this is one of those prideful moments where you can look back and say you must have done something right. The experience changed his life and we can't recommend it enough!

I was a student here and it was a life changing experience, people don't always realize what a major difference a place like this can have on a person. You meet so many new people and get to know them on a personal level, like family. The opportunities to give back to the local community and have a world wide impact on others is the best feeling in the world. There is nothing bad that could be said about Conserve School and I highly recommend considering this school.

Ours on had a life-defining experience here. It will lead him to be a conservation champion for the rest of his life. This is what a high school experience should include for all students. Learning to love to learn is not something everyone gets to do.

Our 16 year old son just finished a semester at Conserve School. I can say without a doubt it was the best experience he could have had. I have nothing but great things to say about every aspect of the school, from the teachers, curriculum, dorms, cafeteria - you name it - they are fantastic. Our son came home a more mature, responsible and considerate person. They very much emphasize respect for everyone as well as nature. I know our son made life-long friends at Conserve. It was the absolute best experience I could have wished for him. I would encourage any child who is not challenged by a normal classroom to apply. I truly believe our son would have ended his education after high school if it wasn't for Conserve. Now he is very much looking toward the future. I can't thank this school enough! A+++

Conserve School (CS5 in 2012) was one of the best experiences of my entire highschool career. When I arrived at the school I was so very refreshed by all of the people who surrounded me. Because of my homeschooling background I was already accustomed to people thinking outside of the box, but the teachers and the students that I met at Conserve were above and beyond this. I felt so invigorated and inspired by the people around me. But while I believe that it's the people who make an experience the surrounding environment is not to be overlooked at all. I spent hours outside wandering around the lakes, sitting and talking, rolling down the sledding hill, taking pictures of the fall colors and the glistening ice on the lakes, reading in the climbing tree, stargazing at night, and so much more. Rolling out of bed in the morning to go to classes was totally worth it. EVERYTHING I did at Conserve was hands-on-feet-in and I loved every second, but it was the people I met. I still keep in touch with the friends I've made and I've even visited some of them!

The semester was indeed life changing according to the box that I just checked and that's an understatement. I can't imagine not experiencing the things that I did at Conserve. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I decided to go to Conserve School because I wanted to have an adventure. The sweeping campus, with its middle-of-nowhere feel, glistening lakes, and soaring trees was connected by trails that could lead you anywhere. I spent most of my time falling asleep in bogs or running wildly over the single-track trails.
However, what really stands out about Conserve is the people, the people that come from all over and have so many different life experiences - yet have one thing in common : a loving open-mindedness. These people actually made me think - after being the smartest person in the room my whole freshman year, i now felt my mind being stimulated in so many exciting ways by people that were so much more clever than me.
Everyone asks how it was, and i always respond with ,"It changed my life."

Attending Conserve School was probably the best decision I have ever made. The experience made me more independent, outgoing, adventurous, inspired, and passionate about the environment. From start to finish, I had an incredible time - I wish I could go back, but I'm happy other students are having this opportunity. Conserve alums will always be connected in an unexplainable way that can only be described through experience. I recommend this to anyone who even remotely loves being outdoors, has a passion for conserving the environment, and wants to broaden his or her horizons.

I attended Conserve School in the spring semester of my Sophomore year. It was an absolutely incredible experience. Before, I had barely any outdoor or wilderness experience. I had an incredible time learning wilderness skills, meeting new friends, and gaining self-confidence. I truly had a life-changing experience. I still keep in touch with all of my friends and trail partners, and I hope to run into them on the trail someday!

Conserve School melds encouragement of personal growth, an environmentally-focused education, and a great local to become comfortable with the wilderness. I attended Conserve in the spring of my junior year of high school. I arrived knowing some, but not much, about outdoor exploration. The Field Instruction class (for gym credit) taught me how to hang a bear bag, the importance of filtering water, and how to pack a frame backpack to protect your back and be able to fit everything you need. At the beginning of the semester, I was nervous about the prospect of going on camping solos-- 24 hours alone in the wilderness-- but after almost three months of preparation, I felt completely comfortable living on my own.

My favorite thing about Conserve School is that although it feels like we're just there to dance through the forest and sing songs, we were still able to receive the education we needed to progress our high school career. I learned a lot more than in the traditional setting of my local high school, and I enjoyed learning more. The topics we covered were interesting and applicable. It never felt like I was wasting my time when I was in class.

The friends I made at Conserve are the closest and best friends I've ever had. I was able to grow at Conserve, and the family I made there was able to grow with me. Leaving campus after graduation on the last day was so hard. But now, I had friends across the US, and the friendships I made will last me the rest of my life.

One semester really can make a world of difference in the Northwoods. I can't recommend it enough.