Minnetonka High School

Demographics

Minnetonka High School has the second-largest enrollment of any Minnesota high school, behind neighboring Lake Conference rival Wayzata High School. , it has a student population of 3,482 that is 0.2% Native American 6% Hispanic, 4.2% black, 6.2% Asian, and 77.6% white. 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, and is considered one of the state's most affluent areas.

Specialty programs

The Vantage program is an advanced professional studies program founded in 2012 that offers students hands‑on learning in career paths such as business analytics, design and marketing, global business, global sustainability, health sciences, international relations, multimedia communications, public policy, user experience design, and education. It places students in real‑world projects developed with business partners, giving them experience similar to workplace problem‑solving. The program includes one‑on‑one mentorship by local professionals and partner projects that connect students with businesses.

The Momentum program began in the 2020–21 school year. It focuses on design and other skilled trades, offering courses in aviation, automotive, construction, and design. Students take part in hands‑on projects, including building items like an ice house using skills in wood, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. The program also provides field experience such as on-site visits to learn how a dealership operates. Aviation students can fly with instructors during discovery flights and use flight simulators to learn basic skills. In 2022, the Minnetonka School Board approved construction of a new building for the Vantage and Momentum programs.

Minnetonka Research is an advanced science program that began in 2016 and allows students to conduct independent research projects. It connects students with mentors from industry and universities to support their work. In 2017, the school held its first Research Symposium, where more than 40 students presented their work.

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 on papers and other writing tasks. The center opened with support from the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation as a place for students to receive writing help during the school day. It has held events, such as "Off the Page", to show writing in different jobs and share writing with the school community. Former students occasionally return to help students with assignments, including work for the International Baccalaureate program.

Tonka Online is a program that offers online classes taught by the school's teachers to give students flexible ways to complete their courses.

Athletics

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

Notable alumni

• Beau Allen (2010), NFL player
• Eric Bischoff (1973), entrepreneur, television producer, professional wrestling booker, and podcast host
• Lee Blessing (1967), playwright
• Bobby Brink, professional hockey player
• Jim Brower (1991), MLB pitcher
• Dmitry Chaplin (2000), dancer and choreographer
• Steve Comer (1972), MLB pitcher
• Jake Gardiner (2008), professional hockey player
• Justin Holl, professional hockey player
• Haley Kalil (2010), Sports Illustrated swimsuit model
• Terry Katzman, producer, sound engineer, archivist, and record-store owner
• Will Leer (2003), professional runner
• Vinni Lettieri, professional hockey player
• Jan Malcolm, Health Commissioner of Minnesota
• Ryan McCartan (2011), actor and singer
• K'Andre Miller, professional hockey player
• John Mark Nelson (2012), songwriter and producer
• Keith Nord (1975), American football defensive back in the National Football League
• Nancy Parsons (1960), actress
• Peter A. Selfridge (1989), public servant who served as the United States Chief of Protocol from 2014 to 2017
• Thomas O. Staggs (1978), Chief Operating Officer, The Walt Disney Company
• David Wheaton (1988), professional tennis player
• Arick Wierson (1990), film and television producer
• Matthew Wilkinson (2017), professional runner

Feeder schools

• Elementary School
  • Clear Springs Elementary
  • Deephaven Elementary School
  • Excelsior Elementary School
  • Groveland Elementary
  • Minnewashta Elementary School
  • Scenic Heights Elementary
• Middle School
  • Minnetonka Middle School East
  • Minnetonka Middle School West

References

References

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19. (November 20, 2007). "MHS opens writing center".
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27. (June 8, 2017). "Minnetonka repeats as Class 2A boys' tennis champions".
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31. (2021-11-19). "With job on the line, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm to meet with top Republican on Friday".
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