The new Menominee Nation High School is an inspiring blend of cultural heritage, modern design, and educational innovation.

As you enter the school, the welcoming commons area immediately sets the tone for a vibrant learning environment while also immersing you in Menominee culture. Here, a symbolic flock of birds is strung from the ceiling, representing the journey of students as they grow and learn. The birds face west, following the path of the sun, and among them is a prominent blue bird, symbolizing the individuality of each student within the community. The commons also features metal art pieces representing the Menominee’s five clans—the wolf, crane, eagle, bear, and moose—attached to a wood feature wall.

The commons seamlessly connects to the welcome center and the innovation center, both of which feature operable glass walls that can be opened to create larger spaces for community events and gatherings. The building’s design also incorporates elements that reflect the Menominee community’s connection to the nearby Wolf River. A meandering river-like design and a gold line representing the path of the sun are inlaid into the building’s floor, beginning at the main entrance.

The school has three academic wings stemming from a circle intersection with a symbolic tree surrounded by built-in bench seats. Each wing is dedicated to different core subjects and features flexible classrooms that can be reconfigured to suit various teaching and learning styles. Collaboration rooms are strategically placed throughout the corridors, providing additional group work and interactive learning spaces. The science wing features a large corridor graphic that highlights aquaponics, forestry, chemistry, and the Wolf River.

The high school is not just a place for traditional academic learning; it also focuses on preserving and promoting Menominee culture. The school features dedicated classrooms and labs for traditional Menominee arts, language, aquaponics, agriculture, and animal harvesting. Signage throughout the building includes both English and Menominee languages, supporting the community’s efforts to preserve their language.

Physical education and athletics are well-supported, with an attached field house that includes a three-station gymnasium, a large fitness center, and locker rooms. The athletics side of the school features inspiring wall graphics celebrating past Menominee high school athletes and other notable Native American athletes.

Sustainability is a core value of the Menominee tribe, and this is reflected in the building’s geothermal heating and cooling system. This system reduces the school’s carbon footprint and contributes to significant energy savings. Large glass windows allow natural light to flood into almost every room, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

The Menominee Nation High School is more than just a place for academic learning; it is a community resource designed to foster a sense of belonging and pride among students and staff. With its innovative design, sustainable features, and state-of-the-art facilities, the school will inspire future generations of Menominee students to embrace learning and take pride in their heritage.