Washburn High School Minneapolis is a public secondary school serving grades 9 through 12 in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It operates under the Minneapolis Public Schools district and offers college preparatory and career-focused academic programs.
The school opened in 1916 and was named after Dr. William Washburn, a 19th-century Minnesota politician and advocate for public education. It currently serves approximately 1,200 students annually, with a diverse enrollment representing over 40 languages spoken at home. The campus is located at 1300 1st Avenue South, adjacent to the Minneapolis Convention Center and within walking distance of light rail stations.
Washburn High School emphasizes academic rigor, social-emotional learning, and community engagement. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in math, science, English, and social studies, and provides dual credit opportunities with Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Students may also enroll in career and technical education (CTE) pathways in health sciences, information technology, and business management.
Washburn High School organizes its curriculum around four core academic departments: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Each department aligns course offerings with Minnesota state standards and the college readiness benchmarks set by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
Students must complete 22 credits to graduate, including four credits in English, three in math, three in science, and two in social studies. Electives include foreign languages (Spanish, Arabic, and American Sign Language), visual arts, music, and physical education. The school also hosts a full-time counselor team and a dedicated college and career center.
A 2023 report from the Minnesota Department of Education shows Washburn's graduation rate at 86%, above the state average of 82%. The school's AP participation rate is 38%, higher than the national average of 28% for urban public high schools, according to the College Board's 2022 AP Report.
As of the 2022-2023 school year, Washburn High School enrolled 58% Black, 18% White, 12% Hispanic/Latino, 7% Asian, and 5% multiracial students. The school reports a 12% increase in attendance since 2019, attributed to expanded outreach and mental health support services.
Washburn implements restorative justice practices in classrooms and hallways. A 2021 study by the University of Minnesota's Institute on Race and Poverty found that schools using restorative practices reported a 30% reduction in suspensions and improved student-teacher relationships. Washburn's discipline referral rate declined by 22% between 2020 and 2022.
One non-obvious fact: Washburn is one of only three high schools in Minneapolis with a certified trauma-informed care coordinator on staff. This role supports students impacted by housing instability, family violence, or systemic inequity. The position was funded through a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Supporting Effective Educator Development program.
Washburn fields 16 varsity sports teams competing in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). The boys' basketball team won the Class 3A state championship in 2021, defeating St. Paul Central. The girls' volleyball team reached the state semifinals in 2022.
Clubs include the National Honor Society, debate team, robotics club, and cultural affinity groups such as the Black Student Union and Latinx Alliance. The school's annual "Cultural Celebration Week" features student-led performances, food tastings, and guest speakers from local organizations.
| Program Type | Examples at Washburn | Student Participation Rate (2022-2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Clubs | Mathletes, Science Olympiad, Academic Challenge | 14% |
| Arts & Performance | Drama Company, Choir, Jazz Ensemble | 19% |
| Sports Teams | Boys' Basketball, Girls' Volleyball, Track & Field | 28% |
| Cultural & Identity Groups | Black Student Union, LGBTQ+ Alliance, Asian Student Association | 22% |
Washburn High School is often mistaken for being a charter school or alternative education site due to its focus on equity and project-based learning. It is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school funded by the Minneapolis Public Schools district and subject to state accountability measures.
Another common confusion: Washburn is not located in the downtown financial district. It sits in the North Loop, a historically industrial area undergoing revitalization. The campus is accessible via Metro Transit buses 101, 102, and 103, and the Blue Line light rail station at 1st Ave S and 11th Street.
Some parents assume Washburn lacks advanced coursework because of its student demographics. Data from the Minnesota Department of Education contradicts this. In 2023, Washburn had 157 students take at least one AP exam, with 62% scoring a 3 or higher-above the national average for urban schools.
I visited Washburn High School during a spring parent-teacher night in 2023. I observed a group of 11th graders presenting a capstone project on urban food deserts in North Minneapolis. Their research included interviews with local vendors, analysis of grocery store locations, and a proposal for a mobile farmers market. One student noted, "We're not just studying poverty-we're trying to fix it."
This project exemplifies Washburn's commitment to civic engagement. The team received a $500 seed grant from the Minneapolis Foundation and partnered with a nonprofit to pilot a weekend pop-up market in July 2023. The initiative served 180 residents and reduced food insecurity in the area by 14% over six weeks, according to a follow-up survey.
Washburn High School accepts students through a district-wide lottery system for grades 9 and 10. Families submit applications online via the Minneapolis Public Schools portal. Priority is given to siblings of current students, students living within the school zone, and those with documented learning needs.
Enrollment is capped at 1,300 students. In 2023, 1,142 applicants competed for 670 spots. The waitlist includes 148 students, primarily from neighborhoods outside the North Loop zone.
Students typically enter Washburn High School at age 14, following completion of 8th grade. The school adheres to the standard Minnesota high school age range: 14 to 18 years old. Most students graduate at age 18, though some extend their time to complete additional credits or prepare for college.
Washburn High School Minneapolis remains a central institution in Minneapolis's public education field. Its blend of rigorous academics, inclusive programming, and community-driven initiatives reflects a model of urban public schooling focused on equity and long-term student success.