Chanhassen High School is a centerpiece of the rapidly growing Chanhassen suburban community. Overlooking natural wetlands, the rolling site is terraced to fit a 2,000 student school, 650-seat theater, 2,200-seat gymnasium and competition fields while honoring natural site features.

At the heart of the school is the central commons that serves as a "great room" to the arts, athletics and academic areas of the building. The academic area is organized into thematic teams of 500 students, encircling the central media center, special needs classrooms and student common spaces. Science labs are grouped near all academic teams with broad south-facing views and natural light. Art and industrial tech studios are located conveniently for student teams on the lower “walk-out” level to provide outdoor work spaces.

The performing arts center includes a 650-seat auditorium, black-box theater and music rooms accessed from the central commons. The 2,200-seat competition gymnasium has spectator access from the central commons and the gym floor levels. The school also contains a range of competition fields and north practice gymnasium.