Prairie was designed by architect Charles Montooth, an apprentice to American visionary Frank Lloyd Wright. Mr. Monthooth was a longtime stalwart at Taliesin Associated Architects, the firm founded to carry on Wright’s vision following his death in 1959.

Initially, Imogene Johnson, Prairie’s founder, had planned to house Prairie inside the famous (and architecturally unique) Sidley Mansion on Washington Avenue in Racine. However, after assessing the property – and with enrollment numbers on the climb – school leaders decided the space wasn’t functional as school.

Mrs. Johnson pivoted. And the Prairie we know and love today was born.

After purchasing the Wind Point plot of land where the campus resides – a plot that was, quite literally, a Prairie – Johnson began interviewing architects. Montooth’s designs immediately stood out. From day one, Johnson and her team sought something creative and unique. They were not interested in a traditional box-like building with box-like rooms. It’s no surprise, then, that Montooth’s plan, which incorporated a number of circles and included flowing curves spread across the campus, went over so well.

Prairie’s initial building opened in 1965, Montooth’s innovative vision a resounding success. The influential architect would go on to design and oversee ten subsequent additions to Prairie’s campus, including the 25,000-square foot Johnson Athletic Center built in 2004.

Everything at Prairie is done with intention. So is the case with campus design. All classrooms were created with a view – a connection – to the outside world. Every day, our students work in bright, well-lit environments where natural light streams through windows and skylights. We believe nature and light are natural sources of energy and creativity, and when you learn in a warm environment designed to stir the imagination and foster ingenuity, the desire to create comes quite naturally.

Our campus sits on sixty picturesque acres filled with gardens – including our beloved Giving Garden located at the heart of campus – berms, trees, and waterways. On any given day students can look outside to see deer, ducks, owls, geese, hawks, and even eagles exploring the terrain.

Mrs. Johnson’s dream of an original school came true. With its trademark red brick, flat roofs, and wooden trim, Prairie blends seamlessly with our natural surroundings. Just like the community of faculty and students residing within Mr. Monthooth’s flowing walls, our campus is truly one-of-a-kind.