Irondale High School, located at 2425 Long Lake Road in New Brighton, Minnesota, is a public secondary institution serving grades 9 through 12. Established in 1967, it operates under the Mounds View Public Schools district. The school’s colors are maroon and gold, and their mascot is the Knight. As of the 2023–2024 academic year, Irondale High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,732 students.
Academic Programs and Achievements
Irondale High School is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked the school #3,322 nationally and #60 among Minnesota high schools. The school offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and participates in the University of Minnesota’s College in the Schools program, providing students with opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school.
A notable initiative is the Early College program, introduced in the 2012–2013 school year in collaboration with Anoka-Ramsey Community College. This program allows students to graduate with both a high school diploma and up to one and a half years towards a degree and/or a minor. The program garnered national attention, prompting a visit from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who praised Minnesota’s efforts to advance education.
Extracurricular Activities
Irondale High School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, fostering student engagement beyond the classroom. These include various sports such as football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and more. Additionally, students can participate in activities like band, choir, drama, dance club, e-sports, hackysack club, marching band, math team, mock trial, National Honor Society, orchestra, quiz bowl, robotics, speech, and trap shooting.
The school’s robotics team, KnightKrawler (Team 2052), has achieved notable success in the FIRST Robotics Competition. In 2016, they were finalists in the Carson Division at the FIRST Championship in St. Louis and won the Chairman’s Award at the Minnesota 10,000 Lakes Regional.
Music and Performing Arts
Irondale’s marching band has a history of competitive success. The band was the first Minnesota state champion at the 2005 Youth in Music Band Championships held annually at U.S. Bank Stadium. In 2010, the Irondale Marching Knights took first place in the AA class at the St. Louis Bands of America super regional. They were also declared Minnesota Class AAA state champion at the 2024 Youth in Music Band Championships.
The winter drumline has also achieved significant accolades, being named the Minnesota Percussion Association’s State Champion multiple times, including in 1996, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. At the 2003 Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships, the drumline earned the Scholastic Open class Bronze Medal. In 2018, they were the Scholastic A class Silver Medalists, and in 2023, they secured the Scholastic A Class Gold Medal, becoming the first Minnesota group to win percussion gold at WGI.
Notable Alumni
Irondale High School has produced several distinguished alumni, including:
- Lisa Bender: Democratic politician from Minneapolis.
- Scott Bjugstad: Former Olympic and NHL forward (1984–1992).
- Members of the band Information Society: Kurt Harland Larson, Paul Robb, and James Cassidy.
- Kate Knuth: Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives (2007–2013).
- Road Warrior Animal (Joe Laurinaitis): Member of the professional wrestling tag team The Road Warriors.
- Lee A. Piché: Roman Catholic bishop.
- Randy Rasmussen: Former member of the Minnesota Vikings.
- Premal Shah: Co-founder and president of Kiva.org.
- Amanda Lee: First female demonstration pilot with the Blue Angels fighter jet flight demonstration squadron.
Community and District
Irondale High School is part of the Mounds View Public Schools district, which serves several communities, including Arden Hills, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, Shoreview, and Vadnais Heights. The district operates 13 schools and has a reputation for academic excellence, with students performing 1–3 grade levels higher than their peers in Minnesota.
The school’s location in New Brighton places it in a suburban area approximately ten miles north of downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul, providing students with access to a variety of cultural and educational opportunities in the Twin Cities.
Conclusion
Irondale High School stands as a beacon of academic and extracurricular excellence in New Brighton, Minnesota. With a rich history of achievements in academics, athletics, and the arts, the school continues to foster a community of empathetic, knowledgeable, and socially responsible individuals, preparing students to become leaders of tomorrow.