Catherine Kohorst
Ruby Ackerly standing outside of Wayzata High School
No matter what time of the year it is, Wayzata’s High School principal, Mr. Gengler is focused on new ways to make school better for students. Wayzata has held a top spot in Minnesota’s high school ranking again and again. A school powered by dedicated staff and a strong community, working to ensure every student has the best experience.
This past Monday I sat down with Mr. Gengler in order to learn more about what our staff does for our school to continue to put us on top. During our interview I found that the staff focuses on six essential questions. Those questions are: Why do we exist?, How do we behave?, What do we do?, How will we succeed?, What is most important right now?, and Who must do what?.
With this their goals are to focus on student experiences and what they can do to lead us down the right path. Whether that is college, trade school, military and more. Their goal is to give students what they need to succeed.
In Gengler’s mind, a ranking does not define how a school is, that it is just a number. To him it is important to improve from years before and to create a healthy environment for kids to do their work in school.
The U.S. News and World Report has Wayzata High School ranked third in traditional public high schools. They rank based on state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved, student performance, graduation rate, college readiness, and college curriculum breadth. They put all of these together in order to provide a ranking per school.
On the other hand, Niche, who ranks differently based on analyzing data from the U.S. Department of Education, surveys from students and parents and more. They rank Wayzata number one. Wayzata tends to fall around the same ranking as schools like Edina High School and Minnetonka High School along with more.
When asked what sets our school apart from the rest, Mr. Gengler stated, “our great staff, our community of parents and students and overall a student body who wants to perform well in school.” Students who are highly motivated and supportive parents help create greater academic success.
My second question wondered about the school’s goals moving forward. His response was, “to have non-predictable data on factors that kids can not control.” These factors are race, class, gender, and ability. He also said he wants students to have a healthier high school experience and to expand more on career preparation like school to work application. For example more compass programs provided through the school.
These opportunities are aimed to help students be well equipped for success. No matter what path a student chooses, Wayzata’s staff wants to ensure kids will be ready for whatever has to come.
Wayzata also likes to focus on the portrait of a Wayzata graduate, the seven characteristics are shown on the left. These build essential skills that they can use the rest of their lives. Bringing these into each classroom helps set goals to reach that will prepare students for their chosen career.
Mr. Gengler shared their faculty slide show and gave more examples of focusing on preparing students for their future. Wayzata’s goals to prepare students is in 2014 the percentage of Graduates needing developmental/remedial classes during their first two years of college was 13% but in 2017 it was 9% and in 2023 it was less than 5% which is a drastic change.
This is shown again for FRP graduate graduates, needing developmental/remedial classes during their first two years of college was 30%, in 2017 it was 19% and in 2023 it was 6% which again is a huge change. This means Wayzata is preparing students better for college now. This is very beneficial for the students so they can jump into college better and can focus on their majors than general classes.
Reflecting on my time at Wayzata, I feel there has been a positive change from freshman year in 2022 to now senior year in 2025 to 2026. I feel more connected with the staff and they have taken time to get to know me more. These personal connections and adjustments to rules have had a significant change in my high school career.
Being able to come from a top ranked high school has been a blessing and anyone who attends Wayzata should be thankful for the amazing education these students receive. The work staff and faculty put inside and out of school hours is one of the many reasons why Wayzata students leave more prepared for their career each year.
Not only does the ranking show the reflection of our school community but also the hard work Wayzata’s staff puts in each year. It shows a commitment from a school, community, and student body to reach for academic excellence. As each student takes ownership of their own education, teachers treat students as individuals in their own journey. In the 2025-2026 school year Wayzata continues to develop a successful learning experience in hope of achieving students goals before they graduate.
Overall regardless of Wayzata’s High School ranking in Minnesota, Mr. Gengler and the rest of the staff focuses on creating a healthy environment for students to succeed in high school and a path to their future. Wayzata High School truly cares for their students and wants to see them succeed to their full potential.