Northern Waters Environmental School

Northern Waters Environmental School is a charter school located in the remote rural area of Hayward, Wisconsin. Serving students from grade 6 through 12, this small yet tight-knit community offers an intimate learning environment with a student body of just 42 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. The school has three full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to providing personalized attention to each student.

Northern Waters Environmental School focuses on environmental studies within its curriculum, though the academic performance indicators show there is room for improvement. With a MySchoolScout Rating of 4.3 out of 10 and ranking at #1477 among Wisconsin’s 2112 schools (placing it in the 30th percentile), the school aims to enhance its educational offerings. Specifically, 43% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 27% reach proficiency or higher in Math.

Despite these challenges, Northern Waters Environmental School is a place where students can engage deeply with nature and their community, fostering a unique approach to learning that emphasizes experiential education. The remote setting offers opportunities for outdoor exploration and hands-on environmental projects, making it an ideal choice for families interested in this type of educational experience.

With an enrollment of 42 students, Northern Waters Environmental School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

Northern Waters Environmental School is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Located in a rural area, Northern Waters Environmental School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.