When New Ulm High School opened its doors, the mission was clear: treat students like young adults, capable of managing their time and shaping their own academic journeys. This bold vision aimed to create an environment where students were empowered to explore their academic interests and take ownership of their learning, rather than simply following a traditional high school path.

The school aimed to be more like a junior college by creating soft seating, concurrent enrollment, internships, and open lunch. “The idea was to treat students like young adults, capable of managing their time and pursuing their academic interests,” said Mr. Bergmann, NUHS principal when the school first opened. “It was about allowing students to take responsibility for their education, much like they would in college.”

“We knew we had to make a shift,” Bergmann said. “At the time grading systems were all about completion and behavior. There was no real emphasis on the actual learning. We needed to refocus on what students were mastering, and not just how well they did the work.”

But creating such an environment wasn’t without its challenges. When Bergmann first arrived 22 years ago, the school faced a series of hurdles, not the least of which was its academic performance. ACT, SAT, and MCA scores were at an all-time low, an alarming statistic that raised questions about the effectiveness of the school’s approach.

It was a radical change, but it worked. Over the next few years, the school moved toward a “grading for learning” philosophy, prioritizing content mastery over task completion. Teachers adjusted their methods, and students began to see tangible improvements in their academic performance. “It was about focusing on what they knew, not just what they did,” Mr Bergmann said. “That shift changed everything.”

At the same time, the world of education was changing rapidly. Advances in technology, new teaching philosophies, and shifting societal expectations made it clear that the school couldn’t stay stagnant. It had to adapt.

Perhaps one of the most significant changes came when the school embraced technology in the classroom. Initially, the plan was to provide iPads to students. However, after much deliberation and research, Mr. Van Leeuwe, a forward-thinking staff member, suggested switching to Chromebooks, a choice that would change how students interacted with their education. “It was a huge decision,” Bergmann said. “We put a lot of thought into it. We even made sure every teacher took a Google certification test before they were allowed to teach with the devices. . . a veteran teacher actually took early retirement because he did not want to take the certification.”

The decision to adopt Chromebooks was just one example of the school’s ability to stay ahead of the curve. Teachers, while initially skeptical, quickly adapted, and soon, the Chromebooks became an integral part of daily learning.

The school’s physical space also grew over time, evolving with the changing needs of the student body. Initially, the campus consisted of just a few buildings, but as the school’s popularity increased, so did the need for space. Budget cuts in the early years made expansion difficult, but the school’s administration found creative ways to accommodate more students. The decision to build a new school was a practical one, born out of necessity rather than luxury.

“Our original building couldn’t handle the number of students we had,” said Bergmann. “We had to figure out how to make space for all the new faces, and that’s when we started thinking about building a new campus.” Over time, the school expanded, adding new wings and facilities to support growing academic programs. The physical environment, once a reflection of the school’s modest beginnings, began to mirror the more sophisticated academic model that had developed over the years.

As for the future, Mr Bergmann is looking forward to the continued growth of the school. “The world changes so quickly, and we need to keep adapting to those changes,” he said. “We want to continue developing programs that meet the needs of students today while also honoring the vision we had when the school first opened.”

As we move forward, the school will focus on even more individualized learning opportunities, including increasing access to virtual learning, expanding internship programs, and offering more advanced college-level courses. It’s a vision for a future where students are prepared not just for college but for whatever path they choose after graduation.

Students, too, have played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s trajectory. Through their participation in concurrent enrollment programs, students earn college credits while still in high school and help guide the direction of new electives and academic programs. “Most of the electives we offer today were created because students asked for them,” said Bergmann. “They’ve shaped this school, and they’ll continue to shape it for years to come.”

When the school opened, one of the most revolutionary features was its focus on college-level education. While most high schools offered little to no college coursework, NUHS made it a cornerstone of its curriculum. Early on, students were encouraged to take college courses through concurrent enrollment programs, participate in internships, and visit the local CTE center. It was a bold approach that set the school apart and helped establish it as a place for forward-thinking education.

Today, as the school continues to evolve, that same spirit of innovation remains at its core. Whether it’s developing new programs, embracing technology, or giving students a greater voice in their education, the school’s commitment to providing a unique and forward-thinking learning environment has never wavered.

As the school looks toward the future, one thing is clear: the mission that guided it from the beginning to create a space where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally, continuing to shape its legacy for years to come. And as students continue to push boundaries and change, they will ensure that the school’s evolution never stops.