Southwest High School supports the educational needs of all students. Our primary focus is preparing all students for college. Most courses and programs at Southwest High School are considered to be college preparatory or college equivalent. Students are expected to learn at high levels and are supported to succeed at academic challenges.
 

Southwest High School is an IB World School: all 9th and 10th grade students are part of the Middle Years Programme.
 

Southwest offers a wide range of college prep and college equivalent courses in grades 11 and 12: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and the Advanced Placement (AP) program. We expect students to take DP and AP classes and to test in either or both the DP and AP program.
 

Fine Arts at Southwest are a fully developed program of study reaching all grades and departments. We offer a wide range of courses in dance, vocal and instrumental music, art and theater. A variety of performances are produced in the school and throughout the community. Students have opportunities to work within their own productions, with professionals from other institutions and with the excellent professional Southwest staff.
 

Southwest is the only Minneapolis high school that offers American Sign Language as a World Language.

Southwest also offers special needs classes for students identified as needing such supports. Students with a native language other than English are supported through services offered in specific classes and throughout the school. All students are expected to establish personal life goals and are educationally supported to reach those goals.