Disorganized. Unprofessional. Unsafe! Not worth the money they want. I drove my wife and our grandkids to the open house they had. This was near Brainerd though not Pequot Lakes. We looked at the grounds and they seemed very unsafe. The lady was very scattered and unorganized and couldn't answer simple questions. She kept saying "Good question" but then stammered on about the answer. The kids are wild and while I get that is part of the freedom from a public school, there should be some kind of supervision or organization! Services: Child care and elementary school classes. Outdoor classes and outdoor time with school classes. Price: Very expensive! My wife has paid for our grandchildren in a number of event, classes, and programs. Some are one time and some year long. This is very expensive when compared to all of them. They wanted sixty dollars a day, or fifty dollars a day! Of course we are looking for a school alternative for our daughter (her children)-- and wanted to help pay for it but for 2 that's insane. I just don't see the value of what is offered to the money they want for it. They don't even offer lunch. Quality: I would say the quality was OK. They have a building which is nice enough, but they seem messy. Atmosphere: This seems dangerous. The open water and kids crossing it without supervision. The shared driveway and numerous people on the property. It just seems like a lot of people come and go. Accessibility: Not suitable for someone with physical limitations. Walkers or wheelchairs are impossible here. Maybe crutches would be ok. There definitely was NO thought for that. Overall: Not worth the money. I think it would be fine every so often like once a month if you stayed there to help watch the kids. But it's not something that seems like it will last long. I mean didn't she move every year so far since she's been open? So probably won't even be here that long. read more

My experience with Ms Rude and her "school" was a very negative one. We attended some summer camp events she put on (if you call it that- kids at a park all day.) She seems like a nice person and truly humble and all that, it is a fake persona. Her Facebook posts are contrived and paint the picture you want to see, not what is really taking place. First off, posting pictures of kids online, is normally OK but she posts their locations, and she is the only one teacher for the whole group, what happens when she has to use the bathroom, who is watching this group out in the woods? Think on that. Her new location is on a rental property lot, I drove through there at her open house. The "learning area" is a lean-to with metal shards in the dirt floor, and the "bathroom" portajohn is hidden on the other side of the building, the people renting the house will be there until the winter. So the kids will be outside full time until then? Does this sound constructive to you? My family decided against enrolling, her workbook style teaching I can do myself- and the risks of unsupervised injury or assault are too great. For us, personally. The overall assessment is presented for you because I know she is being untruthful and misrepresentative. I encourage any parent to spend at least a full day or two reviewing the school critically then make your decision. Don't base your decision on a fake persona and playing outside. read more

Free and wild! We love the unorganized style that lets the kids imagination run wild! They do what they want when they want and they like the low amount of book work! Kirsten is the only teacher there which is fine because that teaches the kids independence - they monitor themselves when she is busy or away. They run the show! We pack our lunches (although the kids seem to eat them right away in the morning lmao since they choose what to do when) and Kirsten lets them have 1 snack. The cost is high compared to the areas other playgroups, but that's fine because she lets you go once in awhile if you want, so no commitment! Which is also nice because the kids meet new people every month! This is a great drop in play group that offers a bit of "school" topics, definitely a wild place!! read more

We have followed along with Organic Roots since the start on social media, then attending their child-led fundraisers at their previous location and I was sold! My newly 6 year old son has attended for about 11 months and it feels like home! He was bored at preschool last year and this was just what he needed. At the end of the day he can't stop talking about the hiking, friends, how tired he is (), specific topics he's learning, wanting to learn how to read, enjoying partner math outdoors, multi-age group projects and some seriously amazing fields trips! The staff are like family, warm, kind, hardworking but still able to laugh and I can't give them enough props! I'm so grateful for OR in our community!!! read more

We love everything about this school and miss Kirsten is the sweetest person and my girls adore her as do I! My kids enjoy Organic Roots so much and have learned so many things! I love that they were even able to learn CPR/medical and fire safety. They come home with new knowledge each and every week, so it keeps things fresh and interesting for growing minds :) I especially enjoy that they teach our children to not only enjoy nature but to leave no trace and help our fellow organisms along the way. 100/10 Please know that this is an honest review from a parent of children that attend Organic Roots. read more

My kids loved the positive learning environment, the teachers, and made great connections with friends. As a parent I found success in each of my kiddo's academics, because Kirsten was able to tailor a learning plan that fit both where each kiddo is at for THEM, but also allow them the space to learn at their own pace as well as provide multiple tools and approaches to reinforce learning based on their learning styles as well. Plus my kids spend a decent amount of time outdoors, which is what is humans are supposed to do! read more