Southwest High School provides an exciting, nurturing learning environment for all students. We provide educational opportunities to enable our students to establish a foundation of strengths and talents that empower them to be their best and move forward to meet their dreams. We strive to instill excellence in academics, arts and athletics.

The Southwest staff aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people. We challenge students to be active in their school and communities. We encourage students to learn how to learn and put their ideas and ideals into plans and programs. Our diverse educational community supports students to be competitive in a global market and responsible for maintaining a healthy and productive environment.

School Tour
Tours of our school may be arranged. 
Please visit our school website at: southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us

Academic Focus Areas: (Click here for more information)

•  International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP)
•  International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP)

Community Partnerships:

• Genesys Works
• Guthrie Theater
• Pangaea World Theater
• Perpich Center for Arts Education
• Walker Art Center

College Partnerships:

• Hennepin County Technical College
• Normandale Community College
• Minneapolis Community & Technical College
• St. Paul College

Dual Credit Opportunities/Articulations:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• Career & Technical Education (CTE)
• College in the Schools (CIS)
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP)
• Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

Post-Graduate Plans (class of 2011):

• 68% to four-year colleges and universities
• 21% to two-year colleges
• 11% to military service/work/other

Scholarships:

• 8 National Merit Scholars
• 8 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists
• 11 National Merit commended
• 8 Wallin Scholarship recipients
• 42 additional recipients of scholarships unique to the Southwest community

English Learner (EL) Supports:

• English language support classes
• Sheltered courses: math, social studies

Citywide Special Education Programs: (Click here for more information)

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing
• Life Skills

Other Student Support Programs:

• Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID): a post-secondary college readiness system designed to increase school-wide learning and performance
• Check and Connect: school engagement program with a focus on mentoring and attendance
• Project Success: youth development organization

Awards/Kudos:

• The Washington Post ranked Southwest number one in the state of Minnesota, 2011
• Newsweek Magazine ranked Southwest number one in the state of Minnesota, 2010
• 1st place in State Chess Championship
• State qualifier in speech
• 5 National Board Certified teachers
• Annual community service project locally and internationally
• Largest math team in state competition

Unique Extra Curricular Opportunities:

• Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Groups
• Dance Performances
• Film, Art, Design
• High Tech Boys/Girls Society
• Link Crew
• Musical Theater, Theatre, Student Productions
• Newspaper, Yearbook, Mosaic
• Performance Choir, Show Choir
• Speech/Debate, Quiz Bowl, Math Team, Chess Team