Celebrating 25 Years!

1997-98

MCDS opens its doors with 22 students. Sandra Gilmor, head of school, welcomes students on the first day in Martinsville.

1998-99

Enrollment reaches over 50 students. Micheal Veitch, head of school, leads assembly (called “flag”) in our new home on River Road.

1999-2000

MCDS expands to middle school with both fifth and sixth grades. First major theatre production: Snow White (in Spanish). Enrollment reaches over 100 students.

2001-02

A $3 million renovation project converts 64 sleeping rooms of the former Yahara Center into 17 classrooms.

2002-03

MCDS Middle School is completed through eighth grade. Older students enjoy the tradition of a canoe trip on the last day of school.

2003-04

MCDS High School begins, with the addition of ninth grade, under Head of School Adam de Pencier. Enrollment reaches over 200 students.

2004-05

MCDS mascot changed from “Quest” knight to the mythical prairie hawk. First MCDS exchange students to sister school in Ecuador.

2005-06

New classroom addition and gymnasium opens. MCDS earns ISACS accreditation.

2006-07

Head of School Luke Felker awards first MCDS diplomas to the six students in the graduating class of 2007. First MCDS exchange students to sister school in Japan.

2007-08

MCDS becomes first and only Dane County school offering the IB Diploma Programme.

2008-09

First Jazz Showcase, beloved winter tradition featuring MCDS bands and guest musicians. First high school varsity team: cross country.

2009-10

First IB Diplomas are awarded to graduates in the Class of 2010. MCDS hosts first IB Art Gallery, which later includes all-school Fine Arts Festival.

2010-11

MCDS joins Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). Prairie Hawk Merit Scholarship is launched.

2011-12

MCDS Prairie Hawk mascot is named “Rocky” (acronym for Respect, Opportunity, Courage, Kindness, and Yearning) through a student naming contest. Alumni Association launched.

2012-13

Onward magazine launches. Enrollment reaches over 300 students.

2013-14

First Rocky’s Fun Run. First “Hands On” Community Service Day.

2014-15

Enrollment reaches over 400 students by mid-year. Twelve varsity sports now offered with soccer starting in Kindergarten.

2015-16

Head of School Ben Hebebrand expands student services and begins adding department chairs for all academic departments. $6.7 million Spreading Our Wings capital campaign launches.

2016-17

New academic center opens with 15 new classrooms. New spaces include makerspace lab, lower school library & tinkerspace, and college advising center. Fight song “Onward MCDS” is launched.

2017-18

Enrollment reaches over 450. First book published by an MCDS alum.

2018-19

New lower school playground with basketball court opens.

2019-20

Interim Head of School Devon Davis opens “Hub” as new dining and collaboration space.

2020-21

Head of School Mark Brooks introduces unique Flexible by Choice program that gets school through the first year of the pandemic.

2021-22

MCDS begins 25th school year with its largest senior class of 40 and over 200 alumni. Go Hawks!