The History of Park High School

In 1886, a schoolhouse was built in St. Paul Park. In the early days, many students would complete school by the age of 10. However, as time went on, education became more important, and by 1914, the St. Paul Park School became an accredited high school. By 1919, the first yearbook (then called an "annual") was published. At that time, there were three faculty members, and the senior class consisted of five girls and two boys.

By 1936, the old red-brick schoolhouse had seen better days, so voters approved a $47,000 bond to build a larger, more modern St. Paul Park grade and high school at the same location. This new building featured 17 rooms, window shades, a library, and even a gymnasium.

Twenty-seven years later, the community approved a multi-million-dollar bond referendum to construct a new high school while converting the old building into Park Junior High (which later closed in the early 1980s due to declining enrollment). There were disagreements over where the new high school should be built, but officials ultimately chose a centralized location off 80th Street in Cottage Grove. Park High School officially opened for classes in 1965. This fully air-conditioned facility included a swimming pool, science labs, and over 60 classrooms.

Over the years, Park High School underwent many changes, including multiple building additions and the construction of a football stadium in the mid-1970s. In 1975, Woodbury High School opened in the district, and seniors living in the new school’s boundaries were given the choice to graduate from either Woodbury or Park High.

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In 1994, the school’s mascot was changed from the "Indians" to the "Wolfpack" after Native American groups nationwide lobbied against the use of indigenous names for sports teams.

Today, Park High School stands bigger than ever, with a large activity center, over 1,800 students, and a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Thanks to its long history, it also boasts a strong and passionate alumni community.