At Conserve School students combine traditional subject areas with the unique areas of environmental science, technology, and outdoor recreation. The program prepares all graduates to be ethical and environmentally sensitive leaders and stewards within any career choice. The ESL program is designed for students from intermediate to advanced levels. ESL instructors will not only help students develop language skills, but will assist the students to understand American culture.

Conserve School was founded by James R. Lowenstine, Chairman of the Board and President of Central Steel & Wire Company. Realizing the importance of conserving the area's natural resources, Mr. Lowenstine bequeathed his 1,200 acres of pristine woodlands in Northern Wisconsin to found a school that would teach young people the importance of stewardship and ethical environmental leadership. The school opened in August 2002.

"Inventive learning by doing" is at the heart of the school's curriculum. This holistic program blends traditional and non-traditional education with interdisciplinary, hands-on engagement and problem solving. It uses advanced technologies as a toolbox for solving and addressing existing and foreseeable environmental problems. It prepares students as future-minded, technologically adept, ethically motivated leaders with an abiding respect for both the earth's natural resources and its intrinsic value.

A typical Conserve School graduate will earn at least 24 units of credit. These include 4 credits of English; 3 credits each of Mathematics, Science, History/Social Studies, and Modern Language; 2 credits of Fine Arts; and 2.5 credits of Wellness and Health. Classes are small, typically 15 students to a section.

The campus is situated on 1,200 acres of Audubon-recognized pristine woodlands. This forested area contains seven snow-fed lakes, and 22 miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

The Lowenstine Academic Building contains 13 classrooms, 4 science laboratories, visual arts studio, performing arts center, 2 electronic learning labs, a 19,000-volume library, and the Conserve Dining Room. These spaces surround the impressive student gathering space with its two-story, 170-foot long set of windows with a lake view and skylight.

Across campus is the Technology Complex complete with cutting-edge technologies not usually found in a high school. Several courses focus on creativity. Next to the Technology Complex is the Green Machine, the campus' environmentally friendly wastewater plant. Here students learn to analyze microscopic life; test and interpret various chemicals; and understand the biological and chemical processes underlying water recycling and purification.

Each residence house contains 4 student wings and 4 house parent apartments. Each student wing has 10 individual rooms (with a shared bath for every two rooms). Each wing has a large, comfortable commons area, with a gas fireplace, ample study and lounge space, and a small kitchenette. The 10:2 student to house parent ratio promotes a homelike environment.

Many athletic activities take place in the Lowenwood Recreation Center (LRC), located on the shore of Big Donahue Lake. The LRC includes basketball, volleyball, climbing wall, and racquetball courts. It also includes a dance studio, and a fitness center (with the latest in Life Fitness equipment). Exterior storage holds the Conserve School's kayaks, canoes, sailboards, cross-country skis, snowshoes, and mountain bikes.

Tuition, Merit Scholarships and Financial Aid

Academic merit scholarships are available for all students who are qualified, and range from $1,000 to $5,000. Academic merit scholarships are awarded based upon teacher recommendations, an evaluation of the student's previous academic performance, and scores on a national standardized test such as SSAT, PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT. An Academic Scholarship Form must be completed as it is part of the scholarship consideration as well.

In addition to Academic Merit Scholarships, Conserve School awards need-based financial aid. Need is based on the difference between the cost of tuition and what you can afford to pay. Need is evaluated in conjunction with the School and Student Services (SSS) Division of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Admissions

Summer at Lowenwood - Summer Enrichment Program

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to request information, please contact us!

Visit the web site of Conserve School.