A safe place where children get organically inspired to learn through nature, mindfulness, and nurturing hearts.
We're enrolling students for the upcoming school year in Brainerd Lakes Area!
Organic Roots Schoolhouse is a non-public, Forest School for school age children 5 years old to 10 years old.
My Story & Mission
Welcome to Organic Roots Schoolhouse
I’m Kirsten Rude, the founder of Organic Roots Schoolhouse, but before that, I was a public elementary school teacher for almost eight years. I taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade in Central Minnesota, where I poured my heart into my students—supporting them, guiding them, and wanting more for them. More movement. More creativity. More hands-on discovery. More time outdoors. But in a traditional school setting, I kept hitting the same walls—rigid schedules, standardized lessons, and not enough time to truly meet children where they were. I saw bright, curious kids dim under pressure, losing their natural spark for learning.
That’s when I knew I had to create something different.
In 2020, my family made a dream move to 34 acres of red pines along the Crow Wing River. Living in nature, we felt what I had always known—nature restores, inspires, and nurtures in a way that no classroom ever could. Organic Roots Schoolhouse was born from that belief.
At Organic Roots Schoolhouse, children don’t just sit at desks; they move, play, explore, and lead their own learning. Here’s why Forest School is a game-changer for elementary-aged children:
Learning Becomes an Adventure – Instead of memorizing facts, children experience learning through hands-on exploration in the natural world. Math, science, and literacy come alive through real-world problem-solving.
Confidence & Resilience Grow – Climbing trees, building forts, and navigating the outdoors teach perseverance, adaptability, and self-reliance—skills that last a lifetime.
Creativity & Curiosity Flourish – Unstructured play and nature-based projects spark imagination, critical thinking, and a deep love for learning.
Mind & Body Thrive – Movement is not an afterthought; it’s essential. Fresh air, open spaces, and hands-on tasks help children focus, regulate emotions, and develop lifelong well-being habits.
Real-Life Skills Matter – From gardening and cooking to problem-solving and teamwork, children gain practical knowledge that empowers them in everyday life.
Organic Roots Schoolhouse is a safe place where children are organically inspired to learn through nature, mindfulness, and nurturing hearts. It’s a place where children are encouraged to be exactly who they are—curious explorers, deep thinkers, and joyful learners.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to follow our journey, explore enrollment for your child, or even sponsor a student. After all, as Penny Whitehouse said, "Don’t just tell children about the world. Show them."
Meet Our Assistant Teacher: Kasi Jo
At Organic Roots Schoolhouse, we believe that the best educators are those who don’t just teach—they inspire, guide, and lead by example. That’s exactly who Kasi Jo is.
Kasi Jo is a natural teacher, bringing a rich variety of real-world skills that perfectly complement our hands-on, nature-based learning approach. With a background in homesteading, carpentry, and hands-on building, she understands the value of practical, meaningful learning. She doesn’t just teach children about the world—she shows them how to build it, create it, and live in harmony with it.
As a mother of two, Kasi Jo deeply understands the importance of nurturing the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially. She has a holistic and natural mindset, making her a perfect fit for our school’s mission. With her humble, friendly demeanor and strong leadership qualities, she creates an environment where children feel safe, encouraged, and inspired to explore.
One of Kasi Jo’s greatest strengths is her ability to see the bigger picture in education. She knows firsthand that children thrive in a nontraditional school setting—where they have the freedom to learn at their own pace, explore their natural curiosities, and develop independence. She has witnessed the profound benefits of hands-on, experience-based learning, and she is passionate about guiding children through the journey of discovering their strengths, problem-solving through real-world challenges, and building confidence in themselves.
Whether she’s leading a group project, teaching children how to use tools, or helping them discover new skills in the outdoors, Kasi Jo is an invaluable part of our school community. Her passion for authentic, child-led education shines through in everything she does, and we are so grateful to have her on our team!
