History
In 1884, Covenant Pastor Rev. Erik August Skogsbergh had a vision for education that inspired Minnehaha Academy. He believed in the importance of quality education with Christian faith as its center. The original incorporation from 1905 stated: “The purpose of this institution shall be to furnish young men and women with the essential elements of a liberal education, and to foster the development of character under the personal influence of Christian teachers.”
Fundraising began, and people gave sacrificially, with some even mortgaging their homes to contribute. The goal was $25,000, and they exceeded that figure and broke ground on June 30, 1912. On Monday, Sept. 15, 1913, Minnehaha Academy welcomed its first class of high school students. Sixty years later, middle school was added, and ten years after that, the lower school began. The school now serves 860 students in preschool through 12th grade.
In the decades since its founding, Minnehaha Academy faced numerous challenges including economic and social changes, and most notably, the tragic natural gas explosion in 2017. It was during these challenges that God’s faithfulness was more abundantly on display, and the beauty of the Minnehaha Academy community shone in the darkness.
While the events of August 2, 2017, will never be forgotten, opportunity was borne out of tragedy. The School chose to use transformation as a springboard to the future. This plan continues to lay out the transformation that goes beyond the rebuilding of the Upper School.
Although the school has grown and adapted to meet the needs of current learners, the school’s mission remains steadfast. Students are transformed through engaging experiences where faith and learning are fully integrated: in the classroom, on the stage, on the athletic fields, and in relationships with peers and teachers.
Following God’s lead, Minnehaha Academy has successfully educated students for 108 years, grounding them in faith and wisdom. Now, we see how God is leading Minnehaha Academy into the future. This Strategic Plan establishes our long-term, 10-year vision, while focusing on key projects for the next three-to-five years that hold the promise of exciting advancements in teaching and learning, faith formation, community participation, and facilities. It is our prayer that God will bless our efforts as we seek to fulfill our vision of “Inspiring students to shine academically, spiritually, and creatively so they can live lives of purpose.”
Strategic Plan Focus Areas
Explore these focus areas to learn more about our Strategic Plan.
