Inspired by nature. Guided by heart.
Kirsten
I’m Kirsten Rude, founder of Organic Roots Schoolhouse. Before starting this journey, I spent nearly eight years teaching in public schools. I loved my students deeply, but I kept wishing for more for them—more movement, more creativity, more nature, and more room to learn in ways that felt alive. Traditional classrooms, with their rigid schedules and pressure, often dimmed the natural spark I saw in children.
So I created something different.
When my family moved to 34 acres of red pines along the Crow Wing River, I felt what I had always known to be true—nature heals, inspires, and invites children to learn with their whole selves. Organic Roots Schoolhouse grew from that belief.
Here, learning happens through exploration, problem-solving, and hands-on experiences. Children climb, build, create, imagine, and follow their curiosities. They gain confidence, resilience, and real-life skills. They move their bodies, regulate their emotions, and learn in a way that honors who they are.
Organic Roots Schoolhouse is a place where learning grows naturally—rooted in nature, supported by mindfulness, and nurtured with heart.
If this resonates with your family, I invite you to follow our journey, explore enrollment, or consider sponsoring a student. As Penny Whitehouse said, “Don’t just tell children about the world. Show them.”
Kasi Jo
At Organic Roots Schoolhouse, we believe the best educators don’t just teach—they inspire, model, and create meaningful experiences. That’s exactly who Kasi Jo is.
Kasi Jo brings a wealth of real-world skills to our school, from homesteading and carpentry to hands-on building and problem-solving. Her practical knowledge fits seamlessly with our nature-based, project-driven approach. She doesn’t simply talk about learning—she helps children live it.
As a mother of two, she understands the importance of nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. Her calm presence, natural mindset, and steady leadership help create an environment where children feel safe, encouraged, and free to explore.
Kasi Jo sees the bigger picture of education. She knows that children thrive when they can move, create, explore at their own pace, and follow their natural curiosities. She deeply values hands-on learning and is passionate about guiding students as they discover their strengths and build confidence through real-world experiences.
Whether she’s leading a project, teaching tool use, or helping children uncover new skills outdoors, Kasi Jo is an essential part of our school community. Her passion for authentic, child-led learning shines through in everything she does, and we’re grateful to have her on our team.
