Rock Ridge High School Named 2025 James D. MacConnell Award Finalist
Rock Ridge High School has been named one of four finalists for the 2025 James D. MacConnell Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE). This recognition reflects the success of the project’s ambitious, community-driven planning and design process, and its commitment to educational excellence, student well-being, and long-term regional resilience.
Presented annually, the James D. MacConnell Award acknowledges comprehensive educational facility projects that demonstrate exceptional planning, respond to the district goals, reflect the needs of the broader community, and promote active, student-centered learning. To be recognized as a finalist is a meaningful acknowledgment of the deep collaboration between Rock Ridge Public Schools, Cuningham, and partner firm DSGW Architecture.
Rock Ridge High School
Located in Minnesota’s Iron Range, Rock Ridge High School was developed through the consolidation of the Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert school districts. This unification—driven by shared values and a commitment to improved educational outcomes—enabled a new district to emerge with a clear mission: to provide a globally competitive, equitable, and future-ready education. The first of three new schools for the district, Rock Ridge High School reflects this mission through a design that emphasizes 21st-century skill development, introduces integrated career pathway programs, and connects students to the region’s natural and cultural landscape.
"[Rock Ridge High School] has been an incredible winner for the community. We want our kids to grow up here, find jobs in the area, and then stay on the range. This is the future of this community."
Dr. Noel Schmidt
Superintendent, Rock Ridge Public Schools
The planning process, grounded in over 200 community meetings and extensive engagement with students, staff, and stakeholders, shaped a facility that reflects both educational best practices and the aspirations of its community. The resulting design includes multi-level learning neighborhoods, flexible academic environments, and inclusive spaces such as all-gender restrooms. A central Innovation Commons spans three levels, creating a dynamic core for collaboration, interdisciplinary exploration, and visibility into specialized programs such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, and culinary arts.
Rock Ridge High School demonstrates how learning environments can strengthen community identity, respond to local and global challenges, and empower the next generation of learners. Cuningham extends our congratulations to Rock Ridge Public Schools and all partners involved in this milestone achievement, and we look forward to celebrating alongside fellow finalists at the LearningSCAPES Conference later this year.
