Eden Prairie Schools: 100 Years of Inspiring Each

Since Eden Prairie’s earliest days, its residents have believed deeply in the power of community and the importance of education. 

In fact, the town board of Eden Prairie held its first meeting in a log schoolhouse on May 11, 1858 — the same day Minnesota became a state. That log schoolhouse would remain a hub of community for decades to come.

As Eden Prairie’s rolling agricultural fields bloomed into thriving centers of business and community, its schools grew as well. It wasn’t long until there were four: the Anderson, Gould, Jarrett and Wolf schools. These one-room schoolhouses eventually came and went, and the city joined others as part of a joint school district. However, in March 1924, the Eden Prairie Consolidated School welcomed students back to their hometown in the brick building at the top of School Road (now known as the Administrative Services Center). 

That new, state-of-the-art school continued to be an important gathering place for all residents, providing space for movies, voting, weddings and clothes ironing (since it was one of the first electrified buildings in Eden Prairie). And this new, consolidated school and the community supporting it laid the foundation for the Eden Prairie Schools we know and love today. That’s why throughout 2024, Eden Prairie Schools has celebrated 100 Years of Inspiring Each. 

“This is really a celebration of community,” said Superintendent Dr. Josh Swanson. “I’ve been a part of this district since 2012, and to see the continuous partnership between our schools and our community over that time has been beyond inspiring. For our 100th anniversary, we knew it was important to recognize and honor the legacy of our growth, achievement, and excellence together.” 

Growing together

Though that early Consolidated School building is still in use today, it would be far too small for 9,000 students. Luckily, thanks to the strong support of Eden Prairie residents and businesses, the district’s footprint has grown significantly since 1924.

Today’s students learn in a districtwide early childhood and preschool building; six in-person elementary schools, including a Spanish-immersion option; a renovated and expanded middle school; and a 750,000 square-foot high school equipped with classrooms and co-curricular spaces that the earliest Eagles could have hardly imagined. Students ages 18-22 with additional learning needs can continue their learning after graduation in the TASSEL Transition Program (read more on page 24), and more than 500 students from across Minnesota have joined the Eden Prairie Schools community by choosing EP Online as their educational home.

This exciting growth would not have been possible without partnership from the broader Eden Prairie community, which after more than 165 years still believes in the value of an excellent education for its children. Countless people have invested time, energy and resources to nurture our outstanding school system. Along the way, the district’s schools and students have given back, too. And becoming a destination district with strong schools has led to high home values and expanded economic opportunities throughout the area.

“For our 100th anniversary, we knew it was important to recognize and honor the legacy of our growth, achievement, and excellence together.” – Dr. Josh Swanson

Celebrating community

One hundred years of inspiring each means a lot to celebrate — and the Eden Prairie community certainly joined the party! Several special events made the occasion especially momentous.

On Feb. 13, the 100th day of school in our 100th year, staff and students got creative as they celebrated the history of our schools. To assist teachers in planning a day filled with meaningful learning experiences, the district’s Learning & Innovation team developed lessons and activities tailored for different grade levels. From math challenges to literary explorations, each activity seamlessly integrated academic concepts with the festive spirit of the 100th day to foster creativity, collaboration, and a love of learning for students. 

May 17 offered another opportunity for the community to come together at Family Fun Day. At the event, the district unveiled renovations to the Historic Gym made possible by its close partnership with the Eden Prairie Historical Society and the Historic Gym Taskforce. More than two dozen community partners added to the fun with special activities for kids, chances to sit in a fire truck or dump truck, and more. The evening ended with a debut performance of the Eden Prairie Community Choir, an intergenerational singing group formed during the district’s centennial and led by Adam Petroski, Central Middle School choir director.

Few events, though, could top the Citywide Prom held in the Historic Gym on May 18. More than 200 community members gathered for a night of revelry and reminiscing, many dressed in attire from their high school years. Attendees enjoyed food and beverages provided by local businesses and danced to live music from local band Wondercure. Former Eden Prairie High School associate principal and football coach Curt Connaughty was crowned prom royalty for his decades of contributions to Eden Prairie Schools, as was Eden Prairie Historical Society president Kathie Case for her efforts to preserve iconic spaces across the city — including the Historic Gym. The event culminated with the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools presenting a $100,000 check to the district in honor of its 100th year. 

“I’m sure past mayors and superintendents have thought, ‘Hey, this is the best the city’s ever been — we’ve arrived, it’s phenomenal,’” Eden Prairie Mayor Dr. Ron Case, who spent 33 years as an Eden Prairie Schools teacher, said at the Citywide Prom. “But I will say that today, May 18, 2024, I think is the best we’ve ever been, and I believe the best is yet to come.”

“I will say that today, May 18, 2024, I think is the best we’ve ever been, and I believe the best is yet to come.” – Dr. Ron Case

Looking ahead

The district’s 100th year started with a strong roadmap. During the 2022-23 school year, district and school leaders asked the Eden Prairie community to share its hopes for students over the next five years. Data collected from multiple surveys and in-person and digital forums showed three clear priorities for the future: authentic and personalized learning experiences, wellbeing among all students and staff, and inclusive learning environments that foster a sense of belonging. This led to the creation of the new 2023-28 strategic plan for Eden Prairie Schools, which prioritizes these three strategies.

“The timing of our strategic plan couldn’t be more perfect,” said Dr. Swanson. “Building on our community’s deeply held belief in the importance of education, and looking to our next 100 years, we’re honoring the successes of our district — and we’re constantly seeking ways to do the best we can for our students. It’s an exciting time to be an Eagle!”

Throughout the 2024-25 school year, Eden Prairie Schools will again work with our community to dream into the future of learning and determine the experiences and skills we want students to have in 10 years. This vision for learning, called Flight Plan 2035, will inform the development of future programs, services and potential facilities that support our mission of inspiring each student every day.

Help build flight plan 2035! Click here to learn more and get involved.

Reflecting on this exciting centennial year and looking to the future, Dr. Swanson said, “We have seen how Eden Prairie Schools remains a vital pillar of the Eden Prairie community. And the next century is sure to give rise to many more Eagles who contribute purposefully to their communities, the world, and each other — just like those who have gone before them. Go Eagles!”

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Building for the future

After the building that is now the Administrative Services Center opened in 1924, there was still lots to be done to create the Eden Prairie Schools we know today! The city’s school communities are incredible places for students to learn and grow.