The Rhinelander Environmental Stewardship Academy (RESA) is an environmental program for 6th through 8th grade students.

RESA combines leadership, academic skill-building and fun!  RESA believes the community is the classroom, by providing place-based education opportunities.  Students will visit and work with organizations such as Treehaven Environmental Learning Center and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Students are challenged to support their opinions with research, and are encouraged to take ownership of their learning.

RESA is a part of the School District of Rhinelander, and is currently based at the Northwoods Community Secondary School (NCSS).

If you have any questions, please contact Principal Teri Phalin at (715) 365-6662.

RESA is focused on applied, field-based learning.

Our classroom is the great outdoors, and students learn science by participating in field research; learn math by analyzing the data they collect; learn language arts by producing a newsletter each month, writing research results, and by making oral presentations each quarter. Students learn the importance of place and social studies through the study of the local history and settlement patterns of Northern Wisconsin.

We believe in place-based and project-based education so students are fully involved in their learning, can relate information across disciplines, and directly see the products of their labor. Not only is the time outdoors good exercise, it is a great motivator and teaches lifelong skills. All specialized equipment, including mountain bikes, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and canoes, are provided for free. About the only thing required is an occasional bag lunch, a change of clothes and a good attitude.