OUR MISSION

Our mission is to utilize the natural resources, history, arts, and civic stewardship of the community as a foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, art, and other curriculum subjects.  

River Grove’s place­-based learning environments are student­-centered, designed by teachers, and reinforced and supported by the local community.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

At River Grove, our teaching team is responsible for the learning program. They have the autonomy to develop curriculum and evaluation strategies to meet their students’ needs. Staff collaborate to integrate all subject areas, including art, music, and physical education. Regular field experiences, community experts, special education staff and our school counselor support our unique curriculum.

A Place Where Children Thrive

Research shows that time spent outdoors increases cognitive abilities in people of all ages. Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods cites a growing body of research indicating that regular and authentic experiences in nature are essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. Nature can improve creativity by up to 50 percent. Forest walks can decrease stress hormones by as much as 16 percent, allowing the brain to disengage and restore its capacity for directional attention. (Williams, F. “This is Your Brain on Nature.” National Geographic. January, 2017.)

“River Grove remains one of the Minnesota Guild’s most positive, affirming, and successful schools; this was most recently exemplified by your receiving of a five year renewal contract, only the second full contract ever offered by the Guild. Many schools do not receive a full five year contract given the high bar of illustrating positive performance in terms of academics, governance, school operations, and financial responsibility. The uniqueness of River Grove’s mission and place-based student support model, and your school community’s ability to meet its original mission and vision over the span of five years, demonstrates the commitment you have to your students, families and the community.”

– Jim Zacchini, Executive Director of the Minnesota Guild (River Grove’s Charter School Authorizer)

Interested in learning more about our school?

Thank you for your interest in our school! Fill out this form and we will be in touch with whatever information you are looking for!