The evolution of educational practices in Wisconsin is apparent when carefully looking at the Cambridge Public School in eastern Dane county. Built from 1905-06 after the previous school house burned, the considerably larger Cambridge Public School embraced new educational requirements and recommendations for learning environments; as such, the two-story building was state-of-the-art, included a forced-air furnace, a ventilation system, and bright, airy classrooms.

In 1938, remodeling of some spaces and the addition of a larger gymnasium and new auditorium took place. This addition reflected new theories about modern schools. With a new gymnasium, daily physical activity was encouraged, and the auditorium allowed for community involvement in school activities. Furthermore, classrooms were remodeled to support specific subjects, such as science, home economics, and the industrial arts.

The 1938 addition was also significant because of the glued-laminated timber arches used in the construction of the gymnasium. Such methods were considered experimental in this period, and were not widely used elsewhere until after World War II. Further additions to the school were added throughout the 1950s and 60s to accommodate booming enrollment, although these additions are not considered contributing to the historical significance of this nomination; however, the 1905 and 1938 structures, as state-of-the-art facilities for their time, represent the evolution of education in Wisconsin during the early-twentieth century.