Forest Bluff School

"As a student at Forest Bluff I overlooked the value that (guided) independent study provided me and shrugged it off as an insignificant difference from the "block" scheduling used at traditional schools. More than a decade later, I can easily identify the Montessori alumni from my other peers: they're the colleague that improve existing protocols, take initiative wholeheartedly and lead others with passion and empathy. Forest Bluff allowed for me to see my career as an opportunity for growth rather than an unceasing "to-do" list. I'd recommend this school to anyone that wants to provide their children with an educational experience that fosters creativity and character. Go take a tour and find out how the Forest Bluff curriculum continues to guide students to impactful futures! You won't be disappointed."

"As an alumna Forest Bluff, I would highly recommend the school to prospective parents. I attended from age 3 through graduation from the Secondary Level at age 14 and could not have had a better experience as a student. Forest Bluff is a truly special place that is led by some of the world's leading experts in the Montessori education field. From a young age, all the way through graduation, students are taught how to think creatively, how to manage their time as efficiently as possible, how to collaborate well with others, and how to solve difficult problems. The teachers are an incredible group of educators and their hands-on teaching approach in the classroom serves to instill a lifelong love of learning across the student base. Simply put, the Forest Bluff approach made learning fun! I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such a wonderful institution and I will continue to use the skills that I developed during my time at Forest Bluff for the rest of my life."

"Forest Bluff has had an unparalleled impact on my life—from my interactions, to my self-motivated learning, to the connection I feel toward the outdoors. I just finished my first freshman quarter at Northwestern University and was reflecting only days ago on how my time at FBS not only enhanced my education and social skills, but also gave me lasting and, hopefully, lifelong friendships. Something about growing up and attending school in a close-knit environment free of technology, substance-abuse, and other common but degrading elements of middle school fostered an invaluable sense of friendship and camaraderie in its purest form. Forest Bluff has given me so many life-changing experiences, like a night sleeping outside with no tent, gazing up at a star-filled sky on a frigid Minnesota night, or the chance to pursue academic topics of my choosing—The Fall of Rome and Great Lakes Contamination to name a few. I’m truly grateful for the experiences I’ve had at Forest Bluff School."

"Forest Bluff School has been an incredibly positive and supportive educational community for families. It has exceeded our expectations. Forest Bluff is a clear model of education - intention, love, and a deep understanding of how best to support the developmental characteristics and needs of children throughout their growth and maturation is practiced in every aspect of the school community. We see the benefits to our child and family every day, and this praise is echoed by generations of alumni. Our child is engaged intellectually, socially, and emotionally, provided a balance of structure and space to challenge himself, and a community of students who respect one another and spark creativity. Forest Bluff instills a lifelong love of learning. The dedicated, skilled teachers support our child in developing self-motivation, resilience, respect for hard work and the contributions of others, problem-solving skills, empathy, and curiosity - in short, life skills for a productive, rewarding future! Our family is grateful for the experiences and knowledge we have gained through joining Forest Bluff."

"Forest Bluff is a truly special place. I attended from age 3 to age 14, and am constantly reminded of how unique my educational experience was. Creativity, self-sufficiency, and both collaboration and independence were a part of every day life as a student. To say Forest Bluff instills a love of learning in its students is honestly an understatement; I was so happy and excited to go to school every day, including voluntary summer school (something my friends from other schools were very confused by). This instilled love of learning came from Forest Bluff’s commitment to the Montessori method, and thanks to the dedicated, caring, passionate teachers who put it to use in the classroom. My time at Forest Bluff molded me in indispensable ways, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to attend such an extraordinary school."