Rock Ridge Public Schools

Rock Ridge Public Schools
Address
1405 Progress Parkway Virginia , Minnesota, 55792 United States
District information
Mottoes	Fiercely United
Grades	PK–12
Established	2020
Superintendent	Dr. Noel Schmidt
Chair of the board	John Uhan
Schools	4
District ID	MN-012909
Students and staff
Students	2,406
Faculty	328
Teachers	76
Student–teacher ratio	15:1
Athletic conference	Lake Superior
District mascot	Wolverines
Colors	Green and Black
Other information
Website	rrps.org

Rock Ridge Public Schools is a public school district located in St. Louis County, Minnesota, serving the communities of Virginia and Eveleth, as well as surrounding areas. ^[1] The district, officially designated as Independent School District 2909 (ISD 2909), was formed through the consolidation of the former Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert school districts.

The district was established in 2020, with construction on a new joint high school—Rock Ridge High School—beginning that same year. ^[2] The new facility opened to students in fall 2023, marking the full unification of the high school student bodies. The district serves approximately 2,400 students across four schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Noel Schmidt. The district’s mascot is the Wolverine, and its motto is "Fiercely United." ^[3]

Schools

High school

• Rock Ridge High School (grades 7–12)

The new Rock Ridge High School is a research-based model of education that preparing students for their personal lives as well as careers. Rock Ridge High School is the only wall-to-wall career academy school north of the Twin Cities. Rock Ridge High School formed from the merger of the Eveleth-Gilbert and Virginia Schools, reimagines learning with flexible, inclusive spaces that inspire engagement, mentorship, and professional growth. Student needs are at the heart of every design choice, creating a comfortable and dynamic environment where learning comes alive.

The community businesses are now engaged in the learning process – flipping the book on how the education system works. But the broken mold does not stop there! Collaboration spaces and learning neighborhoods fill the lively halls, while state-of-the-art career and technical education labs, give students the opportunity for real experience in prospects for their future career. No rows of desks lined up in stuffy classrooms are found within the precast, metal panel, and ever-evolving weathered corten walls of this groundbreaking educational environment on the Iron Range.

Elementary schools

• Parkview Elementary School (Virginia) – grades PreK–2

Parkview Elementary School is located just north of Silver Lake in Virginia, Minnesota, and is part of the Rock Ridge Public Schools district. The school serves students in kindergarten through second grade and also houses early learning programs including School Readiness, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), and AEOA Head Start.

The campus includes green space and three playground areas used for recess and early childhood programming. In addition to core academic instruction, students receive specialist instruction in music, art, technology, and physical education. Parkview also offers Title I services to support students in need of additional academic assistance.

Parkview Elementary emphasizes foundational skill development in both academics and social-emotional learning. Instruction is delivered through a student-centered approach that encourages critical thinking, positive behavior, and early academic growth. The school’s staff works in partnership with families and the community to support student development in a safe and welcoming environment.

• Laurentian Elementary School (Eveleth) – grades PreK–6

Laurentian Elementary School is located in Eveleth, Minnesota, and serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. It is one of three elementary schools in the Rock Ridge Public Schools district. The school was constructed as part of the district’s long-range facilities plan and opened in 2020.

Laurentian offers a full range of academic instruction along with specialist classes in music, art, technology, and physical education. Early childhood programming, including School Readiness and AEOA Head Start, is also offered on-site. Title I services are available for qualifying students.

The school emphasizes inclusive and student-centered learning practices, with a focus on foundational skill-building and social development. Staff work to foster a supportive environment where students are encouraged to engage actively in their learning and contribute positively to the school community.

• North Star Elementary School (Virginia) – grades 3–6

North Star Elementary School is located in Virginia, Minnesota, and serves students in grades 3 through 6 as part of Rock Ridge Public Schools. The school opened in 2023 on the former site of Virginia Secondary School following district consolidation and facilities restructuring.

The school provides core instruction in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students also participate in specialist instruction in music, art, technology, and physical education. Title I services are available for eligible students requiring additional academic support.

North Star Elementary supports upper-elementary students in the continued development of academic and social-emotional skills, preparing them for secondary-level coursework. Staff emphasize critical thinking, independent learning, and positive behavior, working in collaboration with families and the community to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.

Former high schools

• Virginia High School – formerly Virginia Secondary, served grades 7–12 until closing in 2023. The building was demolished and replaced with North Star Elementary. ^[4]
• Eveleth-Gilbert High School – served grades 7–12 before closing in 2023 as part of the consolidation. ^[5]

History

The formation of Rock Ridge Public Schools began with a consolidation effort between the Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert Public Schools districts. The initiative was formally approved in 2020, creating a new unified district under the designation Independent School District 2909 (ISD 2909). The name “Rock Ridge” was selected as a nod to the region’s mining heritage and the area's natural geography. ^[6] Groundbreaking for the new Rock Ridge High School took place on August 5, 2020. ^[7] Designed to serve grades 7 through 12, the high school officially opened to students in the fall of 2023, consolidating secondary students from the former Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert high schools into one building. According to Superintendent Dr. Noel Schmidt, the new facility would be “the most impressive school north of St. Cloud.” ^[8] The 2022–2023 school year marked the final year for both Virginia Secondary and Eveleth-Gilbert High School. Following their closure, both buildings were demolished. Virginia Secondary was replaced with the newly constructed North Star Elementary School, which now serves students in grades 3 through 6.

In preparation for the district merger, several athletic programs were unified beginning in 2021, including track and field, swimming, tennis, girls' golf, and girls' hockey. Full athletic consolidation occurred with the opening of Rock Ridge High School, along with the debut of the new Wolverine mascot and district branding.

Academics

Rock Ridge High School offers a comprehensive curriculum for students in grades 7 through 12, with an emphasis on college and career readiness. The school provides a wide range of core academic subjects, electives, and advanced coursework to support student growth and post-secondary planning. ^[9]

College in the Schools (CIS)

Through a partnership with Minnesota North College and Lake Superior College, Rock Ridge students can earn college credit while attending high school by enrolling in College in the Schools (CIS) courses. These courses are taught by approved high school faculty and meet the same standards as those offered on college campuses. ^[10]

Notable CIS offerings include:

• **College Composition I & II (ENGL 1231/1232)** – 7 total college credits
• **Calculus I (MATH 1311)** – 5 college credits
• **Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II (BIOL 2371/2372)** – 8 total college credits
• **American History to 1877 / Since 1877 (HIST 1211/1212)**
• **Certified Nursing Assistant (NAHA 1100)**
• **Emergency Medical Responder (EMSV 1400) and Basic Life Support (ALHE 1400)** – taken as a paired course

Courses span subjects such as English, social studies, math, science, the arts, child development, and healthcare. Most courses require a minimum GPA and/or placement test scores for eligibility. Successful completion provides both high school and transferable college credit.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Rock Ridge High School also offers several Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students can earn college credit by achieving qualifying scores on AP exams administered by the College Board. AP offerings include:

• **AP Biology**
• **AP General Psychology**
• **AP Economics** (Grade 12 only)
• **AP U.S. Government & Politics** (Grade 12 only) ^[11]

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

Eligible juniors and seniors may also enroll directly in college courses through Minnesota’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program. Students may attend courses at local institutions tuition-free while earning both high school and college credit. ^[12]

Career & Technical Education

Rock Ridge High School emphasizes career preparation through its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which are organized into three primary career academies. These academies provide students with specialized coursework, hands-on learning, and direct pathways to post-secondary education or employment. ^[13]

• Business, Information Technology, Communications, & Arts – This academy prepares students for careers in business, digital media, performing arts, graphic design, and communication. Emphasis is placed on entrepreneurship, creativity, and the development of practical skills using state-of-the-art technology.

• Natural Resources, Engineering, Manufacturing, Architecture, & Construction – Students in this academy explore fields such as sustainable energy, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and architectural design. Coursework is combined with real-world experience through industry partnerships, internships, and certifications.

• Health Science & Human Services – This pathway focuses on nursing, emergency medicine, psychology, public service, and social work. Students engage in internships, job shadowing, and service-learning in collaboration with local healthcare providers and community organizations.

All three academies are designed to connect students with mentorship opportunities, dual-credit courses, and industry-recognized credentials aligned with their career goals.

Technology Integration

Rock Ridge High School operates under a 1:1 technology initiative, providing every student with a Chromebook. Instructional technology is embedded throughout the curriculum to enhance digital literacy and support in-class and remote learning. ^[14]

Academic Outcomes

Standardized test scores at Rock Ridge typically meet or exceed state averages, and the district maintains a graduation rate above 90%. ^[15] Graduates pursue a variety of pathways, including four-year universities, community and technical colleges, apprenticeships, and military service.

Extracurricular activities

Rock Ridge High School offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that support student growth in athletics, academics, arts, leadership, and career development. These programs reflect both the legacy of the Eveleth-Gilbert and Virginia school communities and the unified vision of Rock Ridge Public Schools.

Athletics

Rock Ridge High School competes in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and is a member of the Lake Superior Conference. Athletic programming spans all three seasons and includes co-ops with neighboring districts such as Mesabi East High School for select sports. ^[16]

• Fall Sports
  • Football
  • Volleyball
  • Girls’ Tennis
  • Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country
  • Girls’ Swimming
  • Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer
  • Fall Trap

• Winter Sports
  • Dance Team
  • Alpine Skiing
  • Nordic Skiing
  • Wrestling
  • Girls’ Basketball
  • Boys’ Basketball
  • Girls’ Hockey
  • Boys’ Hockey (Coach: Matt Niskanen)
  • Boys’ Swimming & Diving

• Spring Sports
  • Baseball
  • Softball
  • Boys’ and Girls’ Track & Field
  • Boys’ and Girls’ Golf
  • Boys’ Tennis
  • Spring Trap

The boys’ and girls’ hockey programs play at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia. The Rock Ridge boys' hockey team began official competition in 2021–2022 and includes players from cooperative agreements with Mountain Iron-Buhl and Mesabi East.

Clubs and activities

Rock Ridge High School supports more than 30 student-led clubs and organizations spanning enrichment, STEM, service, the arts, and cultural engagement. Club offerings include:

• Enrichment
  • Art Club
  • Board Games
  • Book Club
  • Campus Life
  • Chess Club
  • Knowledge Bowl (JH, JV, Varsity)
  • Speech Team
  • Yearbook

• STEM
  • Broadcasting Team
  • Construction Club
  • Engineering Club
  • Math League (Senior High)

• Service and Leadership
  • Clubs United
  • Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)
  • Youth in Action (YIA)
  • Junior Class
  • Leo’s Club
  • National Honor Society
  • Senior Class
  • Student Council
  • WEB Transition Team
  • Wolverine Pride

• Performing Arts
  • A Capella Choir
  • Kantorei
  • Bel Canto
  • Wind Ensemble
  • Concert Band
  • Orchestra
  • Drama Guild
  • Fiddle Club
  • Flags and Rifles
  • Jazz Band
  • Marching Band
  • Music Listening Team
  • One Act Play
  • Pep Band
  • Fall Musical
  • Spring Musical

• World and Culture
  • Anishinaabe Club
  • Meditation and Mindfulness
  • World Language Club

• Recreation
  • eSports
  • Poms
  • Prom Committee

• Career and Professional
  • DECA

Club offerings vary annually based on student interest and staff advisor availability. Students may also participate in regional competitions and leadership conferences through organizations such as DECA, Math League, and Knowledge Bowl.

State championships

Rock Ridge High School officially began MSHSL-sanctioned competition under its unified name in the 2021–2022 school year. Prior to that, the legacy schools—Eveleth-Gilbert, Virginia, and Gilbert—earned numerous team and individual state titles across multiple sports, most notably in hockey, swimming, and golf.

Year	Sport/Activity	Event/Division	Champion(s)	School
1945	Boys’ Ice Hockey	Team	–	Eveleth
1948	Boys’ Ice Hockey	Team	–	Eveleth
1949	One Act Play	Team	–	Eveleth
1949	Boys’ Ice Hockey	Team	–	Eveleth
1950	One Act Play	Team	–	Eveleth
1950	Boys’ Ice Hockey	Team	–	Eveleth
1951	Boys’ Ice Hockey	Team	–	Eveleth
1951	Boys’ Basketball	Team	–	Gilbert
1952	One Act Play	Team	–	Eveleth
1954	One Act Play	Team	–	Eveleth
1956	One Act Play	Team	–	Eveleth
1972	Girls’ Track and Field	Softball Throw (discontinued)	Rose Spehar	Virginia
1973	Football	Team	–	Eveleth-Gilbert
1976	Boys’ Golf	Team	–	Virginia
1976	Boys’ Golf	Individual	Richie Peterson	Virginia
1980	Boys’ Tennis	Doubles	Tom Shustarich & Mark Maroste	Virginia
1989	Girls’ Tennis	Team	–	Virginia
1989	Boys’ Tennis	Doubles	Matt Berg & Jon Schibel	Virginia
1993	Boys’ Ice Hockey	Team	–	Eveleth-Gilbert
1998	Boys’ Ice Hockey	Team	–	Eveleth-Gilbert
2000	Wrestling	103 lbs	Jesreal Keith	Virginia
2005	One Act Play	Team	–	Eveleth-Gilbert
2006	One Act Play	Team	–	Eveleth-Gilbert
2007	Boys’ Golf	Team	–	Virginia
2007	Boys’ Golf	Individual	Casey Hill	Virginia
2008	Boys’ Swimming	200 Free / 500 Free	Luke Strumbell (state record)	Eveleth-Gilbert
2008	Boys’ Swimming	50 Free / 100 Free	Zach Strumbell	Eveleth-Gilbert
2008	One Act Play	Team	–	Eveleth-Gilbert
2014	Boys’ Alpine Skiing	Team	–	Virginia
2014	Boys’ Golf	Individual	Andrew Sederlund	Virginia
2020	Girls’ Swimming	100 Butterfly / 100 Breaststroke	Lauryn Devich	Virginia
2020	One Act Play	Team	–	Rock Ridge
2021	Boys’ Track	1600 Meter Run	Cameron Stocke	Rock Ridge
2023	Boys’ Track	800 Meter Run / 1600 Meter Run	Cameron Stocke	Rock Ridge
N/A	Girls’ Swimming	Team (15 total titles, 12 consecutive 1930–41)	Multiple	Virginia

Note: Virginia holds the Minnesota State High School League record for most consecutive team championships in girls' swimming with 12 titles from 1930 to 1941.

Notable alumni

Although Rock Ridge High School was established in 2023, its legacy schools—Eveleth High School, Eveleth-Gilbert High School, Gilbert High School, and Virginia High School—produced a number of prominent alumni across sports, government, arts, and science.

Sports

Hockey (Eveleth)

• Frank Brimsek – NHL Hall of Famer, Boston Bruins, “Mr. Zero”
• John Mariucci – NHL player, Olympic coach, and longtime University of Minnesota coach
• John Mayasich – Olympic gold medalist (1960) and one of the most decorated U.S. amateur players
• Mark Pavelich – 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic team member
• Mike Karakas – First American-born and trained NHL goaltender
• Pete LoPresti – NHL goaltender, Minnesota North Stars and Edmonton Oilers
• Sam LoPresti – NHL goaltender, Chicago Black Hawks
• Andre Gambucci – Silver medalist, 1952 Winter Olympics
• John Matchefts – Silver medalist, 1956 Winter Olympics
• Tom Yurkovich – U.S. Olympian, 1964 Winter Games
• Doug Palazzari – NHL player and former executive director of USA Hockey
• Rudy Ahlin, Joe Papike, Paul Schaefer, Al Suomi – NHL players

Other Sports

• George Abramson – NFL player (Eveleth)
• Tony Storti – Head football coach, Montana State University (Eveleth)
• Jesreal Keith – MSHSL state wrestling champion, 103 lbs (Eveleth-Gilbert)
• Luke Strumbell – MSHSL swimming champion, state record holder in 200 freestyle (Eveleth-Gilbert)
• Zach Strumbell – MSHSL swimming champion, 50 and 100 freestyle (Eveleth-Gilbert)
• Jack Ferrazzi – State record holder in swimming and track (Eveleth)
• Matt Perushek – World Junior Curling Champion (Eveleth)
• Phil Drobnick – Head coach, 2010 U.S. Olympic curling team (Eveleth)
• Bernie Kukar – NFL official (Gilbert)
• Jeff Isaacson – Olympic curler (Gilbert)

Politics and public service

• Nick Begich – U.S. Representative from Alaska (Eveleth)
• John T. Bernard – U.S. Representative from Minnesota (Eveleth)
• Fred Agnich – Member, Texas House of Representatives (Eveleth)
• Joseph Begich – Member, Minnesota House of Representatives (Eveleth)
• Tom Rukavina – Longtime Iron Range state legislator (Virginia)
• Tom Bakk – Former Majority Leader, Minnesota Senate (Virginia)
• Myron H. Bright – Federal judge (Eveleth)
• Arthur Cirilli – Wisconsin State Senator (Eveleth)
• Robert W. Mattson Sr. – Minnesota Attorney General (Virginia)
• Robert W. Mattson Jr. – Minnesota State Auditor (Virginia)
• Jason Metsa – Minnesota House of Representatives (Virginia)
• William R. Ojala – Minnesota House of Representatives (Eveleth)
• Leonard C. Ward – Major General, U.S. Army (Virginia)
• Major General Gary M. Batinich – U.S. Air Force Reserve Mobilization Assistant (Eveleth)
• Bishop Peter Muhich – Catholic bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota (Eveleth)

Arts, media, and literature

Authors (Eveleth)

• Mary Ellen Mancina-Batinich – *Italian Voices*
• Brenda (Warren) Brown Elliott – *Courage Times Three*
• George Erickson – *True North*, *Time Traveling with Science and Saints*
• Russell Hill – *Mesabi Pioneers*
• Mary Lou Nemanic – *One Day for Democracy*
• Kay Nolte Smith – *Elegy for a Soprano*, *Mindspell*, and others

Performers and Arts

• John Berquist – Folk musician and songwriter (Eveleth)
• James Greco – Principal trumpet, Minneapolis Symphony (Eveleth)
• Rich Mattson – Musician, *Rich Mattson & the Northstars* (Eveleth)
• Craig Ebel – Polka Hall of Fame inductee (Eveleth)
• Luke Gulbranson – Model and actor (Eveleth)
• Rev. Frank Perkovich – Known for the "Polka Mass" (Eveleth)
• Chris Pratt – Actor, *Guardians of the Galaxy*, *Parks and Recreation* (Virginia)
• Craig Hella Johnson – Grammy-winning conductor and composer (Virginia)
• Sharra Wagner – Clarinetist (Eveleth)

Broadcasting and Publishing

• Steve Cannon – WCCO radio host (Eveleth)
• Carl “Cully” Bloomquist – Founder of WEVE Radio (Eveleth)
• Harlin Quist – Publisher (Virginia)
• Sanford I. Berman – Speech communication scholar and author (Virginia)

Business, science, and other fields

• Verner E. Suomi – "Father of Satellite Meteorology" and NASA scientist (Eveleth)
• Edward J. Bonach – CEO, CNO Financial Group (Eveleth)
• Robert Mondavi – Founder of Mondavi Wines, Napa Valley (Virginia)
• W. J. Byron – Inventor of locomotive lubrication system (Eveleth)
• Willard Harvey – U.S. Army veteran under Gen. Patton (Eveleth)
• Julia Jerome – Secretary to actor William Holden (Eveleth)
• Dominic J. Elioff – Philosopher and educator (Virginia)
• Aaron Halfaker – Wikipedia researcher and data scientist (Virginia)
• Orrin Harold Griggs – Lawyer and mining executive (Virginia)

References

1. "District Boundaries and Program Locations" (PDF). December 4, 2024.
2. Nelson, Joe (January 24, 2020). "Historic Minnesota hockey schools consolidate to form new team". Bring Me The News. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
3. "Three Iron Range communities celebrate the groundbreaking of new high school". Duluth News Tribune. August 5, 2020. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
4. Sauer, Mark (September 7, 2023). "Virginia High School Demolition". Mesabi Tribune. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
5. Sauer, Mark (June 10, 2024). "Eveleth-Gilbert High School Demolition". Mesabi Tribune. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
6. Reusse, Patrick (January 25, 2020). "Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert to consolidate into Rock Ridge, and make Mel Brooks proud". Star Tribune. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
7. Whitefoot, Adelle (August 5, 2020). "Three Iron Range communities celebrate the groundbreaking of new high school". Duluth News Tribune. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
8. "Rock Ridge School Board discusses building update and design progress". Mesabi Tribune. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
9. "Rock Ridge High School Course Registration Guide". Rock Ridge Public Schools. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
10. "College in the Schools". Rock Ridge Public Schools. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
11. "Advanced Placement Program". Rock Ridge Public Schools. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
12. "Guidance Office / PSEO Information". Rock Ridge Public Schools. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
13. "Career Path Academies". Rock Ridge Public Schools. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
14. "Technology Department". Rock Ridge Public Schools. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
15. "Minnesota Report Card - Rock Ridge ISD 2909". Minnesota Department of Education. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
16. "Athletics". Rock Ridge Public Schools. Retrieved May 20, 2025.

External links

• Rock Ridge Public Schools