Accredited by: MN Department of Education

  North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools

Washburn High School, one of seven public high schools in the Minneapolis system, serves a diverse population of 1500 students in grades 9 through 12, within the attendance area and throughout the district. English Languages Learners (ELL) speak more than 28 languages, bringing a richness of culture, history and traditions to Washburn’s learning environment. In addition to a comprehensive liberal arts component, students have the option of participating in Small Learning Communities in American Studies, International Studies, and Aviation & Engineering (which also includes a pathway in Technical Design). Two Special Education Programs, Special Program for Adolescent Needs (SPAN) and Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD) also serve a range of student needs. In addition, an extensive Community Education Program supports the lifelong learning and participation of adults, youth, families and a growing immigrant population, and builds relationships that strengthen our community.

At WHS, Advanced Placement Courses are offered in Calculus, English, Biology, Chemistry and US History. Honors Physics also provides academic challenge. French I-V, Japanese I-V, and Spanish I-V are offered as electives in the World Languages Department. In the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEOP), juniors and seniors are eligible to enroll in any Minnesota college, university or technical school to earn college credits. Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated on a 4.0 scale and includes all final grades earned (grades are not weighted in the district). Each student’s class rank is cumulative from the first marking period of ninth grade and based on final grades earned in each quarter class. In the 2006 graduating class of 250 students, 41% planned to attend a 4 year college/university and 42% planned to attend a 2 year or technical college.

Course Requirements for Graduation
For the class of 2007, a minimum of 60 credits are required to graduate; 45 credits earned in grades 10-12:

• English/Language Arts - 4 years (12 credits)
• Social Studies - 4 years (12 credits)
• Mathematics - 3 years (9 credits)
• Sciences - 3 years (9 credits)
• Fine Arts - 1 year (3.0 credits)
• Physical Education - 1 year (3.0 credits)
• Health - 1 year (3.0 credits)
• Electives - Balance of credits to fulfill Small Listening Communities SLC and district graduation requirements
  
  Class of 2008 will need 64.5 credits to graduate.
  Classes of 2009 and beyond will need 66 credits or more to graduate.