Minnetonka High School

Minnetonka High School
Main entrance
Location
Minnetonka
,
Minnesota

United States

44°54′33″N 93°30′41″W / 44.9090907°N 93.5112960°W / 44.9090907; -93.5112960[1]
Information
TypePublic
Teaching staff
192.30 (FTE)[3]
Enrollment3,482 (2023–2024)[3]
Student to teacher ratio
18.11[3]
ColorsBlue and white[4]    
NicknameSkippers[4]
Websitewww.minnetonkaschools.org/schools/high-school/mhs

Minnetonka High School is a four-year public high school in Minnetonka, Minnesota, United States, a western suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The school's enrollment area comprises western Minnetonka, northern Chanhassen, Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Woodland, northern Victoria, and northern Eden Prairie. The school serves ninth through twelfth grade, and is Minnetonka School District's only high school.[5]

Newsweek ranked the school 123rd on its list of America's Top High Schools.[6] Niche ranked it 3rd among Minnesota public high schools.[7]

History

Minnetonka High School was built in 1952, when the now defunct Excelsior and Deephaven High Schools merged.[8] In 1963, the silo (home to numerous science classrooms) was built, and in 2000 the Arts Center was added. Previous mascots included a octopus and a duck.[8]

In 2022, the Minnetonka School Board approved construction of a new building for the Vantage and Momentum programs.[9][10]

Demographics

Minnetonka High School has the second-largest enrollment of any Minnesota high school, behind neighboring Lake Conference rival Wayzata High School. As of 2026, the school has a student population of 3,482 that is 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% Native American, 5% black, 5.6% Hispanic, 6.3% multiracial, 7.6% Asian, and 75.1% white.[11] Minnetonka School District's catchment area has a population of 53,000 and is characterized as a bedroom community. It is predominantly white, with a strong Scandinavian influence,[12] and is considered one of the state's most affluent areas.[13]

Specialty programs

The school offers several different advanced programs for students interested in pre-professional, trades, scientific, and writing tracks.

Founded in 2012, the VANTAGE program is an advanced professional studies program that offers career tracks in business analytics, design and marketing, global business, global sustainability, health sciences, international relations, multimedia communications, public policy, user experience design, and education.[14] Groups of students partner with businesses in the region to work on problems those business are dealing with.[15] The program includes one‑on‑one mentorship by local professionals.[14]

The Momentum program began in the 2020–21 school year and offers courses in aviation, automotive, construction, and design. Students work on their own projects, gain on-site field experience, and learn skills in fields such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.[16][17] Aviation students can fly with instructors during discovery flights and use flight simulators to learn basic skills.[18]

Minnetonka Research is a scientific research program that began in 2016 and allows students to conduct their own independent research projects.[19] It connects students with mentors from industry and universities. Since 2017, the school has hosted Research Symposiums, where often more than 40 students present their work.[20] Past students' projects have qualified for the Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair, the Northern Central Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, and the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.[21]

The Writing Center is a school program where students get help with writing. It is staffed by trained student coaches and teachers who work one-on-one with students, and has held events, such as "Off the Page", to show writing in different jobs.[22][23] Former students occasionally return to help students with assignments, including work for the International Baccalaureate program.[24]

Athletics

Minnetonka High School is part of the Lake Conference in the Minnesota State High School League.[25] The school mascot is a Skipper.[4]

State Championships
SeasonSportNumber of ChampionshipsYear
FallTennis, Girls41974, 1975, 2021, 2022 [26]
Soccer, Girls32001, 2013, 2018
Cross Country Running, Girls41981, 1982, 1991, 2004
Volleyball, Girls11976
Football12004
Marching Band12016
Swimming and Diving, Girls41975, 1976, 2012, 2021
WinterAlpine Skiing, Boys61996, 1998, 2000, 2012, 2017, 2018
Alpine Skiing, Girls51987, 1993, 2011, 2013, 2014
Wrestling11974
Hockey, Girls32011, 2012, 2013
Hockey, Boys22018, 2023
Swimming and Diving, Boys111978, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2011, 2017, 2018
Basketball, Boys41965, 1998, 2008, 2024
Basketball, Girls22016, 2024
Cheerleading, Girls272009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 [27]
SpringTennis, Boys31974, 2016, 2017 [28][29]
Softball, Girls21999, 2000
Lacrosse, Boys12009
Track and Field, Boys21976, 2012
Track and Field, Girls81983, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1992, 2013, 2014, 2018
Rugby union, Boys32004, 2005, 2018
Adapted Bowling32006, 2007, 2008
Total101

Feeder schools

  • Elementary schools[5]
    • Clear Springs Elementary
    • Deephaven Elementary School
    • Excelsior Elementary School
    • Groveland Elementary
    • Minnewashta Elementary School
    • Scenic Heights Elementary
  • Middle schools[5]
    • Minnetonka Middle School East
    • Minnetonka Middle School West

Notable alumni

References

  1. ↑ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Minnetonka High School
  2. ↑ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Minnetonka High School
  3. 1 2 3 "Minnetonka High". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 "Minnetonka High School". MaxPreps.com. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 "Map of Minnetonka School District" (PDF). MN Department of Education. June 5, 2026. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
  6. ↑ "America's Top High Schools 2016". Newsweek. August 11, 2016.
  7. ↑ "2025 Best Public High Schools in Minnesota". Niche. Archived from the original on July 3, 2025. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  8. 1 2 Mazarguil, Mari (September 29, 2016). "50s to Today: A Brief History of Minnetonka High School". Minnetonka Breezes. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  9. ↑ Miller, Kristen (November 16, 2021). "Minnetonka School Board approves construction of new Momentum/Vantage building". hometownsource.com. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  10. ↑ Jenkins, Jason (May 27, 2022). "Minnetonka School Board approves construction bid for new building". Sun Sailor. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Student Population at Minnetonka Senior High School". Niche.
  12. ↑ https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/2743252
  13. ↑ "Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of Minnetonka Public Schools" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on November 19, 2011. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
  14. 1 2 McDaniels, Hanna (August 1, 2023). "How Minnetonka High School Builds Students Up". Lake Minnetonka Magazine. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  15. ↑ Raghavendran, Beena (September 24, 2015). "Vantage program gives Minnetonka students a career head start". The Minnesota Star Tribute. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  16. ↑ Kwon, Se (February 8, 2024). "Minnetonka High School's skilled trades program gets students ready for real world". FOX 9. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Igniting Young Minds: Minnetonka Public Schools' Momentum Program visits Feldmann Imports". June 6, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  18. ↑ Heneghan, Madeline (March 1, 2024). "Minnetonka High School Students Reach for the Sky". Lake Minnetonka Magazine. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  19. ↑ Davy, Meghan (May 21, 2017). "Minnetonka: Research symposium scheduled at Minnetonka High School". Twin Cities. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  20. ↑ Edmondson, Jeff (June 1, 2017). "Minnetonka High School students present their research". kare11.com. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  21. ↑ "Minnetonka Research Students Shine at Spring Science Fairs". minnetonkaschools.org. May 16, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  22. ↑ Davy, Meghan (March 14, 2017). "Off the Page: Minnetonka Writing Center marks 10 years". SWNewsMedia.com. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  23. ↑ Callen, Elizabeth (August 1, 2017). "Students Help Their Peers Foster a Love of Writing at Minnetonka High School | Lake Minnetonka". Lake Minnetonka Magazine. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  24. ↑ Glander, Becky (January 2, 2012). "Grads Visit MHS Writing Center to Work with IB Students". Minnetonka, MN Patch. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  25. ↑ "Minnetonka High School | Schools | MSHSL". www.mshsl.org. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
  26. ↑ "Minnetonka captures Class AA Girls Tennis crown | News | MSHSL".
  27. ↑ "Past State Placements". MCCA. Minnesota Cheerleading Coaches Association.
  28. ↑ "Minnetonka wins first boys' tennis state title since 1974". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  29. ↑ Paulsen, Jim (June 8, 2017). "Minnetonka repeats as Class 2A boys' tennis champions". Star Tribune. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  30. ↑ Giles, Kevin (January 12, 2001). "Nancy Parsons, actress best known for her role in the 'Porky's' movies". Star Tribune. Minnesota, Minneapolis. p. 31. Retrieved May 23, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ↑ "Award Honorees: Lee Blessing '67". Minnetonka Alumni Association. September 24, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  32. ↑ "Award Honorees: Ann Reed '73". Minnetonka Alumni Association. September 24, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  33. ↑ "With job on the line, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm to meet with top Republican on Friday". Twin Cities. November 19, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  34. ↑ Tribune, Briana Bierschbach Star. "At the head of state Health Department, Jan Malcolm is 'Minnesota's Dr. Fauci'". Star Tribune. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  35. ↑ "SCSU Hall of Famer Nord passes away". St. Cloud State Huskies.
  36. ↑ "Tom Staggs". Archived from the original on February 23, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  37. ↑ "U.S. Senate confirms Selfridge as Obama's chief of protocol". Star Tribune. May 6, 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  38. ↑ "Dmitry Chaplin: From Minnetonka High to "Dancing With the Stars" (specifically, with Mya)". Twin Cities Daily Planet. November 25, 2009. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  39. ↑ "Jake Gardiner". hockeyDB.com. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  40. ↑ "Beau Allen". Wisconsin Badgers. University of Wisconsin. Archived from the original on April 17, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
  41. ↑ "Minnetonka graduate to star in 'Wicked' on Broadway". Twin Cities. September 5, 2018. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  42. ↑ "Sidney Morin - Women's Hockey". UMD Athletics. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
  43. ↑ "Matthew Wilkinson places second in 3,000-meter steeplechase at U.S. trials". Star Tribune. June 24, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  44. ↑ Robinson, Tom (December 9, 2018). "Sioux City's Bobby Brink Getting Used to Big Tournaments". USA Hockey. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  45. ↑ "Ryan Lambert Amateur, College & Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  46. ↑ "Minnetonka's Rory Guilday selected Class AA Herb Brooks Award winner". mshsl.org. April 3, 2021. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2026.
  47. ↑ Mizutani, Dane (June 22, 2018). "The first Minnesotan taken in the NHL draft? Hopkins native K'Andre Miller". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  48. ↑ Riemenschneider, Chris (November 10, 2019). "Hüsker Dü and Replacements sound tech, Garage D'Or operator Terry Katzman dies". Star Tribune. Minneapolis-St. Paul. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
This page is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.