dfffffffffffffffffffff dffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

fffffffffffff dffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

dffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

dffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

dffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

dffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffBy the beginning of the 20th century, there were growing

concerns of low literacy in Rapid City. In 1915, most residents had only been given a basic
education; about 10% of the population had graduated high school, and only 158 people in the
entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple school buildings have been built on
the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in 1923, is the only building that has
survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high school until 1969. [8] The first school
building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second Empire structure that served as Rapid City's
first high school until it burned down in 1917. A second campus building was added in 1913;
[4]
 President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills during the summer of 1927 and established his
temporary offices there as his "Summer White House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to
run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later, it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his
honor.[4] Washington Elementary School population had graduated high school, and only 158
people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple school buildings have
been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in 1923, is the only building
that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high school until 1969. [8] The
first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second Empire structure that served as
Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A second campus building was added
in 1913;[4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills during the summer of 1927 and
established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White House". Coolidge wrote his "I do
not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later, it was renamed to Coolidge High
School in his honor.[4] Washington Elementary School was added to the complex about 1918. [10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new population had graduated high
school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple
school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in
1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high
school until 1969.[8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second
Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A
second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills
during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White
House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later,
it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary School was
added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new population had graduated high
school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple
school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in
1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high
school until 1969.[8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second
Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A
second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills
during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White
House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later,
it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary School was
added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new population had graduated high
school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple
school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in
1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high
school until 1969.[8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second
Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A
second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills
during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White
House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later,
it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary School was
added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new population had graduated high
school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple
school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in
1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high
school until 1969.[8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second
Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A
second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills
during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White
House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later,
it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary School was
added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new population had graduated high
school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple
school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in
1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high
school until 1969.[8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second
Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A
second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills
during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White
House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later,
it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary School was
added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new population had graduated high
school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple
school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in
1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high
school until 1969.[8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second
Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A
second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills
during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White
House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later,
it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary School was
added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new population had graduated high
school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple
school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in
1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high
school until 1969.[8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second
Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A
second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills
during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White
House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later,
it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary School was
added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new population had graduated high
school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple
school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in
1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high
school until 1969.[8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second
Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A
second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills
during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White
House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later,
it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary School was
added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new population had graduated high
school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple
school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in
1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high
school until 1969.[8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second
Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A
second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills
during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White
House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later,
it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary School was
added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new population had graduated high
school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple
school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in
1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high
school until 1969.[8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second
Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A
second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills
during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White
House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later,
it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary School was
added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new population had graduated high
school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college degrees.[8] Multiple
school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the remaining one, built in
1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid City's only public high
school until 1969.[8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-story Second
Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in 1917. A
second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the Black Hills
during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his "Summer White
House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and two years later,
it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary School was
added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new was added to the complex about
1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new boys' gymnasium was built in 1967.
[4]

When Stevens High School opened after Thanksgiving 1969, half of the high school students
transferred there from the old school, now renamed Rapid City Central High School. [8] However,
by this time, the original school complex was aging and could no longer support high school
functions, and the city decided to build a new secondary school elsewhere. The new Central High
School was completed and opened on Mount Rushmore Road North in 1976, and classes at the
old school stopped temporarily while it was renovated to be used again as a junior high. It
reopened as Dakota Junior High School (later renamed Dakota Middle School). [4]
During the school day on December 4, 1970, a fire broke out in Washington Elementary School;
although no one was injured, the building was completely destroyed. [10] The fire also damaged the
neighboring Coolidge Building, and both it and Washington Elemenary School were demolished
in 1971.[11] This left the 1923 Rapid City High School as the last remaining classroom building on
the site.[4]
In 2011, the city made the decision to close Dakota Middle School and reopen the campus again
as Rapid City High School to relieve overcrowding at the two public high schools. A new junior
high school was constructed in Rapid Valley. The school's auditorium reopened to the public as
the Performing Arts Center of Rapid City.[5]

Architecture[edit]
Rapid City High School is a four-story, steel-framed, Beaux-Arts-style building on a concrete
foundation. Its ground floor exterior is encased in Kasota limestone, while the upper levels are all
red brickwork with more decorative limestone molded dentils. The parapet rising above its flat
roof is topped with simple limestone blocks; just below this parapet sits a metal cornice. The
lower three stories were part of the original structure in 1923, and the fourth floor was not added
until 1948. The main entrance on Columbus Street projects out slightly from the rest of the
building, with access provided by a set of concrete stairs. "Rapid City High School" is engraved in
the limestone veneer above the front entryway. This entrance is flanked by two metal lampposts
on either side. The entire area of the building is 1,314,384 sq ft (122,110.3 m2). Two courtyards
divide the separate wings of the buildings; they were originally covered by skylights, but these
were removed in 1977.[4]
The auditorium dates back to 1937. The stage measures 25 ft (7.6 m) deep and 72 ft (22 m) long.
Two sets of stairs lead from the auditorium to the stage, and a small gallery houses the stage's
light and curtain mechanisms. The interior is intricately designed; a proscenium arch rises 40 ft
(12 m) above the stage. The upper part of the auditorium and the ceiling include intricate molding
that camouflage the steel support joists. When originally constructed, it could house 1,402
audience members.[4]

Notable alumni
By the beginning of the 20th century, there were growing concerns of low literacy in Rapid City. In
1915, most residents had only been given a basic education; about 10% of the population had
graduated high school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college
degrees.[8] Multiple school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the
remaining one, built in 1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid
City's only public high school until 1969. [8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-
story Second Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in
1917. A second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the
Black Hills during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his
"Summer White House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and
two years later, it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary
School was added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quic period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to the Great
Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the help of
the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by Northwestern
Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its name
reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for high
school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the period, it served as the
campus's junior high school. Due to the Great Depression, the central and western wings were
not completed until May 1937 with the help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only
two buildings designed by Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads.
The expanded school—its name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular
vote—officially opened for high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were
moved to the Coolidge Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the period, it
served as the campus's junior high school. Due to the Great Depression, the central and western
wings were not completed until May 1937 with the help of the Public Works Administration. It was
one of only two buildings designed by Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly
constructed roads. The expanded school—its name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a
city-wide popular vote—officially opened for high school students for the fall semester, and junior
high classes were moved to the Coolidge Building. Several outbuildings and additions were
added in the period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to the Great Depression,
the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the help of the Public
Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by Northwestern Engineering
Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its name reverted back to
Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for high school students for
the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge Building. Several
outbuildings and additions were added in the period, it served as the campus's junior high school.
Due to the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937
with the help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the period, it served as the
campus's junior high school. Due to the Great Depression, the central and western wings were
not completed until May 1937 with the help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only
two buildings designed by Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads.
The expanded school—its name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular
vote—officially opened for high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were
moved to the Coolidge Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the period, it
served as the campus's junior high school. Due to the Great Depression, the central and western
wings were not completed until May 1937 with the help of the Public Works Administration. It was
one of only two buildings designed by Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly
constructed roads. The expanded school—its name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a
city-wide popular vote—officially opened for high school students for the fall semester, and junior
high classes were moved to the Coolidge Building. Several outbuildings and additions were
added in the period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to the Great Depression,
the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the help of the Public
Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by Northwestern Engineering
Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its name reverted back to
Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for high school students for
the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge Building. Several
outbuildings and additions were added in the period, it served as the campus's junior high school.
Due to the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937
with the help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the kly expanding and needed more
classroom space, the Rapid City School District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new
school complex. This new building was to be constructed in three phases; the first phase,
consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until December 1923. During this period, it served
as the campus's junior high school. Due to the Great Depression, the central and western wings
were not completed until May 1937 with the help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of
only two buildings designed by Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed
roads. The expanded school—its name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide
popular vote—officially opened for high school students for the fall semester, and junior high
classes were moved to the Coolidge Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in
the following decades. A workshop building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new
boys' gymnasium was built in 1967.[4]
When Stevens High School opened after Thanksgiving 1969, half of the high school students
transferred there from the old school, now renamed Rapid City Central High School. [8] However,
by this time, the original school complex was aging and could no longer support high school
functions, and the city decided to build a new secondary school elsewhere. The new Central High
School was completed and opened on Mount Rushmore Road North in 1976, and classes at the
old school stopped temporarily while it was renovated to be used again as a junior high. It
reopened as Dakota Junior High School (later renamed Dakota Middle School). [4]
During the school day on December 4, 1970, a fire broke out in Washington Elementary School;
although no one was injured, the building was completely destroyed. [10] The fire also damaged the
neighboring Coolidge Building, and both it and Washington Elemenary School were demolished
in 1971.[11] This left the 1923 Rapid City High School as the last remaining classroom building on
the site.[4]
In 2011, the city made the decision to close Dakota Middle School and reopen the campus again
as Rapid City High School to relieve overcrowding at the two public high schools. A new junior
high school was constructed in Rapid Valley. The school's auditorium reopened to the public as
the Performing Arts Center of Rapid City.[5]

Architecture[edit]
Rapid City High School is a four-story, steel-framed, Beaux-Arts-style building on a concrete
foundation. Its ground floor exterior is encased in Kasota limestone, while the upper levels are all
red brickwork with more decorative limestone molded dentils. The parapet rising above its flat
roof is topped with simple limestone blocks; just below this parapet sits a metal cornice. The
lower three stories were part of the original structure in 1923, and the fourth floor was not added
until 1948. The main entrance on Columbus Street projects out slightly from the rest of the
building, with access provided by a set of concrete stairs. "Rapid City High School" is engraved in
the limestone veneer above the front entryway. This entrance is flanked by two metal lampposts
on either side. The entire area of the building is 1,314,384 sq ft (122,110.3 m2). Two courtyards
divide the separate wings of the buildings; they were originally covered by skylights, but these
were removed in 1977.[4]
The auditorium dates back to 1937. The stage measures 25 ft (7.6 m) deep and 72 ft (22 m) long.
Two sets of stairs lead from the auditorium to the stage, and a small gallery houses the stage's
light and curtain mechanisms. The interior is intricately designed; a proscenium arch rises 40 ft
(12 m) above the stage. The upper part of the auditorium and the ceiling include intricate molding
that camouflage the steel support joists. When originally constructed, it could house 1,402
audience members.[4]

Notable alumni
By the beginning of the 20th century, there were growing concerns of low literacy in Rapid City. In
1915, most residents had only been given a basic education; about 10% of the population had
graduated high school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college
degrees.[8] Multiple school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the
remaining one, built in 1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid
City's only public high school until 1969. [8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-
story Second Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in
1917. A second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the
Black Hills during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his
"Summer White House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and
two years later, it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary
School was added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new boys' gymnasium was built in 1967.
[4]

When Stevens High School opened after Thanksgiving 1969, half of the high school students
transferred there from the old school, now renamed Rapid City Central High School. [8] However,
by this time, the original school complex was aging and could no longer support high school
functions, and the city decided to build a new secondary school elsewhere. The new Central High
School was completed and opened on Mount Rushmore Road North in 1976, and classes at the
old school stopped temporarily while it was renovated to be used again as a junior high. It
reopened as Dakota Junior High School (later renamed Dakota Middle School). [4]
During the school day on December 4, 1970, a fire broke out in Washington Elementary School;
although no one was injured, the building was completely destroyed. [10] The fire also damaged the
neighboring Coolidge Building, and both it and Washington Elemenary School were demolished
in 1971.[11] This left the 1923 Rapid City High School as the last remaining classroom building on
the site.[4]
In 2011, the city made the decision to close Dakota Middle School and reopen the campus again
as Rapid City High School to relieve overcrowding at the two public high schools. A new junior
high school was constructed in Rapid Valley. The school's auditorium reopened to the public as
the Performing Arts Center of Rapid City.[5]

Architecture[edit]
Rapid City High School is a four-story, steel-framed, Beaux-Arts-style building on a concrete
foundation. Its ground floor exterior is encased in Kasota limestone, while the upper levels are all
red brickwork with more decorative limestone molded dentils. The parapet rising above its flat
roof is topped with simple limestone blocks; just below this parapet sits a metal cornice. The
lower three stories were part of the original structure in 1923, and the fourth floor was not added
until 1948. The main entrance on Columbus Street projects out slightly from the rest of the
building, with access provided by a set of concrete stairs. "Rapid City High School" is engraved in
the limestone veneer above the front entryway. This entrance is flanked by two metal lampposts
on either side. The entire area of the building is 1,314,384 sq ft (122,110.3 m2). Two courtyards
divide the separate wings of the buildings; they were originally covered by skylights, but these
were removed in 1977.[4]
The auditorium dates back to 1937. The stage measures 25 ft (7.6 m) deep and 72 ft (22 m) long.
Two sets of stairs lead from the auditorium to the stage, and a small gallery houses the stage's
light and curtain mechanisms. The interior is intricately designed; a proscenium arch rises 40 ft
(12 m) above the stage. The upper part of the auditorium and the ceiling include intricate molding
that camouflage the steel support joists. When originally constructed, it could house 1,402
audience members.[4]

Notable alumni
By the beginning of the 20th century, there were growing concerns of low literacy in Rapid City. In
1915, most residents had only been given a basic education; about 10% of the population had
graduated high school, and only 158 people in the entirety of Pennington County held college
degrees.[8] Multiple school buildings have been built on the present-day school site, but the
remaining one, built in 1923, is the only building that has survived. This complex served as Rapid
City's only public high school until 1969. [8] The first school building here was built in 1882, a three-
story Second Empire structure that served as Rapid City's first high school until it burned down in
1917. A second campus building was added in 1913; [4] President Calvin Coolidge visited the
Black Hills during the summer of 1927 and established his temporary offices there as his
"Summer White House". Coolidge wrote his "I do not choose to run" speech at this building,[9] and
two years later, it was renamed to Coolidge High School in his honor. [4] Washington Elementary
School was added to the complex about 1918.[10]
As Rapid City was quickly expanding and needed more classroom space, the Rapid City School
District hired Perkins & McWayne to design a new school complex. This new building was to be
constructed in three phases; the first phase, consisting of the east wing, lasted from 1922 until
December 1923. During this period, it served as the campus's junior high school. Due to
the Great Depression, the central and western wings were not completed until May 1937 with the
help of the Public Works Administration. It was one of only two buildings designed by
Northwestern Engineering Company, which mainly constructed roads. The expanded school—its
name reverted back to Rapid City High School by a city-wide popular vote—officially opened for
high school students for the fall semester, and junior high classes were moved to the Coolidge
Building. Several outbuildings and additions were added in the following decades. A workshop
building was added to the southwest side in 1953, and a new boys' gymnasium was built in 1967.
[4]

When Stevens High School opened after Thanksgiving 1969, half of the high school students
transferred there from the old school, now renamed Rapid City Central High School. [8] However,
by this time, the original school complex was aging and could no longer support high school
functions, and the city decided to build a new secondary school elsewhere. The new Central High
School was completed and opened on Mount Rushmore Road North in 1976, and classes at the
old school stopped temporarily while it was renovated to be used again as a junior high. It
reopened as Dakota Junior High School (later renamed Dakota Middle School). [4]
During the school day on December 4, 1970, a fire broke out in Washington Elementary School;
although no one was injured, the building was completely destroyed. [10] The fire also damaged the
neighboring Coolidge Building, and both it and Washington Elemenary School were demolished
in 1971.[11] This left the 1923 Rapid City High School as the last remaining classroom building on
the site.[4]
In 2011, the city made the decision to close Dakota Middle School and reopen the campus again
as Rapid City High School to relieve overcrowding at the two public high schools. A new junior
high school was constructed in Rapid Valley. The school's auditorium reopened to the public as
the Performing Arts Center of Rapid City.[5]

Architecture[edit]
Rapid City High School is a four-story, steel-framed, Beaux-Arts-style building on a concrete
foundation. Its ground floor exterior is encased in Kasota limestone, while the upper levels are all
red brickwork with more decorative limestone molded dentils. The parapet rising above its flat
roof is topped with simple limestone blocks; just below this parapet sits a metal cornice. The
lower three stories were part of the original structure in 1923, and the fourth floor was not added
until 1948. The main entrance on Columbus Street projects out slightly from the rest of the
building, with access provided by a set of concrete stairs. "Rapid City High School" is engraved in
the limestone veneer above the front entryway. This entrance is flanked by two metal lampposts
on either side. The entire area of the building is 1,314,384 sq ft (122,110.3 m2). Two courtyards
divide the separate wings of the buildings; they were originally covered by skylights, but these
were removed in 1977.[4]
The auditorium dates back to 1937. The stage measures 25 ft (7.6 m) deep and 72 ft (22 m) long.
Two sets of stairs lead from the auditorium to the stage, and a small gallery houses the stage's
light and curtain mechanisms. The interior is intricately designed; a proscenium arch rises 40 ft
(12 m) above the stage. The upper part of the auditorium and the ceiling include intricate molding
that camouflage the steel support joists. When originally constructed, it could house 1,402
audience members.[4]

Notable alumni
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