What is special about Ocean of Wisdom Charter School for my child's education?

As a publicly funded, tuition-free Charter School, this school will be open to all. Academics will be held to a high standard and combined with SEE Learning to foster intelligence, resilience, and compassion. Regular academic subjects will be taught by our staff of qualified educators. The school will not be a language immersion school, but will provide Tibetan instructors for optional language and cultural classes.

What age groups will be enrolled?

Initially, kindergarten through 4th grade, expanding from kindergarten to 8th grade within the first few years.

Where will the school be located? Will there be buses or transportation available?

School location will be determined with community input. We are surveying a centrally located, accessible school space. An ideal site will have larger classrooms, playground, and room for expansion. The school will receive funds to lease school space. Busing can also be a funded option.

Why is Tibetan language in a charter school critically important now?

The decline of Tibetan language and culture stems from a multitude of factors, underscoring the urgent need for preservation efforts. OWS recognizes the significance of safeguarding the vibrant Tibetan language and culture. Hence, we prioritize offering classes to all students, ensuring that these invaluable cultural treasures are not lost to extinction.

When is the school expected to open?

The school is to open in September 2026, barring any delays.

About | Ocean of Wisdom School

On This Page

Our Story Mission & Vision OWS Pillars Leadership Curriculum

About Us

Who We Are

Ocean of Wisdom School is the first public school in the United States to bring the Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning curriculum to life, serving students in K-4.

Our Story

Ocean of Wisdom School is a tuition-free public charter school founded by dedicated educators, families, and community leaders who believe children thrive when strong academics are paired with compassion, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.

Opening in Fall 2026, OWS serves K-4 students through a forward-thinking educational model that blends rigorous learning with Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning®), a globally recognized framework developed at Emory University. Our approach helps students build resilience, ethical awareness, and a deep sense of connection- to themselves, to others, and to the world around them.

We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive school community where every child feels seen, valued, and supported. Community and belonging are central to our mission. As part of that commitment, we offer the Tibetan language as an optional program, reflecting the Twin Cities’ vibrant Tibetan community- one of the largest in the nation- and addressing a meaningful gap in public education. As our school grows, we plan to expand additional language opportunities that reflect and serve our diverse community, such as Spanish, Hmong, and others.

Families are excited about Ocean of Wisdom School because we educate the whole child- nurturing confident learners, compassionate classmates, and thoughtful citizens prepared to thrive academically and socially.

Black stylized signature design reading 'Final2' with a smooth, elegant script font.

Mission

Rooted in academic excellence, we educate the whole child - heart, mind, and body - through ethical wisdom, compassion, and resilience.

Four smiling children closely grouped together indoors, showing friendship and happiness.

A group of young children sitting on the floor in a classroom, raising their hands to answer a question.

Vision

A world-class school and national model for SEELearning, nurturing compassionate, globally-minded students and leaders.

Ocean of Wisdom

Pillars

Awareness

Illustration of a green leafy branch extending from a horizontal line, resembling an underline with leaves.

Our children will cultivate inner and outer awareness - mindfulness of their thoughts, emotions, and actions, as well as attentiveness to others and the world around them.

Male teacher sitting cross-legged on the floor reading a book to a group of young children in a bright classroom.

Masked young children sitting in a classroom circle raising their hands with a masked teacher also raising her hand.

Compassion

Our children will practice empathy, kindness, and ethical awareness, connecting meaningfully with one another and our wider communities.

Engagement

Our children will actively participate, collaborate, and contribute, bringing their best selves to their community and making a positive difference every day.

Children sitting at a table focused on drawing and writing, with instructional booklets and art supplies spread out.

Leadership & Governance

Our school is governed by a diverse and dedicated Board of Directors who bring expertise in education, nonprofit management, arts & culture, and community development. Together with our leadership team and faculty, they ensure the school’s mission is lived out daily.

Learn more about our Leadership and Governance.

Curriculum

At Ocean of Wisdom School, we are committed to strong academics that nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning. Our academic program is intentionally designed to support not only what students learn, but how they learn — so they are focused, engaged, and ready to grow.

Ocean of Wisdom School is proud to use the Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning^®) curriculum as a foundation that supports academic learning and student development. Organized around three key dimensions — Awareness, Compassion, and Engagement — SEE Learning^® helps students build attention and self-awareness, develop positive learning habits, and strengthen self-regulation and relationship skills that are essential for academic success.

When students are calm, focused, and emotionally regulated, they are better able to concentrate, persist through challenges, and engage deeply with their learning.

SEE Learning^® strengthens academics by helping students:

Sustain attention and focus during lessons
Manage frustration when learning feels challenging
Develop persistence and problem-solving skills
Collaborate effectively with peers
Spend more time engaged in learning

Through trauma-informed, strengths-based practices, students gain practical tools to manage stress, navigate challenges, and feel safe and supported in the classroom. This approach creates the conditions for deeper learning, persistence, and meaningful academic engagement. The curriculum also emphasizes understanding interdependence and community, helping students grow into thoughtful, ethical learners prepared for an interconnected world.

To learn more about SEE Learning^®, visit:
https://seelearning.emory.edu/en/home

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