The top reported proficiency rate is 82% in Math. The lowest is 57% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Monticello Nature Based Education
Monticello Nature Based Education is a regular public elementary school within the Monticello Public School District, serving kindergarten through fifth grade. The school’s name signals a curricular emphasis on outdoor or environmental learning, though no specific program details were available in the data provided. Its grade configuration is unusual: enrollment data shows students only in kindergarten, fourth grade, and fifth grade, with no students in grades one through three. A parent looking at this school would want to confirm how the school is structured and whether it is a full elementary or a specialized program serving only certain grade levels.
The student body is small and predominantly white, with a small share of students who are Hispanic, Black, or of two or more races. About a third of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a measure of economic need that aligns with a moderate level of family financial challenge. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not recorded, so families with children in those categories may want to ask the school directly about supports.
Academically, the school performed well on state assessments in the most recent year, with notable variation by grade and subject. In math, fifth graders showed a very high rate of proficiency, and fourth graders also performed well, though at a lower level. In reading, fifth graders again posted strong results, while fourth graders had a lower proficiency rate. Science results for fifth graders were above the midpoint but below the high marks seen in math and reading for that grade. Overall, the school’s combined proficiency index placed it in the top quarter of schools relative to other districts in Wright County, indicating that across tested subjects and grades, student achievement is on the higher end compared with local peers. Because only a single year of test data was available, there is no trend to assess; the school may be new or recently reconfigured.
The school is part of the Monticello Public School District, which has been experiencing declining enrollment in recent years. The district approved a budget alignment plan for the 2025-2026 school year that reflects fewer students and adjusts programs, staffing, and services accordingly. A revised formula for compensatory funding, which directs resources to disadvantaged students, was also adopted. These district-wide financial pressures could affect school-level resources, and families may want to inquire how they might influence class sizes, enrichment, or support services at the nature-based school.
Monticello itself is a growing community in Wright County along the Mississippi River, with a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors near Interstate 94, and extensive parks and trails. The city has seen retail and industrial development in recent decades, and its population has been increasing. The school is located on Briarwood Avenue NE, in a residential area of the city. Housing values in the area are near the state average, and rents are moderate relative to incomes, making the community broadly accessible for families.
For a family evaluating Monticello Nature Based Education, the school’s strong proficiency results in upper elementary math and reading are a clear strength, though the dip in fourth-grade reading is worth exploring with the school. The unusual grade configuration and missing data on special populations mean that any parent considering this school should verify which grades are actually served and how the school meets the needs of students with IEPs or language support. The nature-oriented theme may appeal to families seeking an outdoor or place-based learning approach, but the absence of program detail means that direct conversation with the school is necessary to understand how that emphasis is put into practice.
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