Editing Cresco, Iowa (section)

=== Growth and expansion (1878–1896) ===
In 1878, an east wing was added to the building. The project was completed by 1880, with a total estimated cost of $13,000. Cresco High School's inaugural commencement ceremony took place on June 18, 1880, in Lyric Hall. The principal, L. T. Weld, delivered an address to the graduating class of six students. Although historical records from this period are somewhat limited, it is known that the high school offered a three-year course of study at the time. The curriculum was expanded to a four-year program in 1901.

The physical infrastructure of Cresco's schools continued to evolve to meet its expanding student population's needs. In 1893, a grade school building was erected on the central campus. This structure experienced a devastating fire in 1917.

In response to the growing demands of Cresco's educational landscape, the South Ward grade school was constructed in 1896. This facility underwent a comprehensive renovation in 1953.