Minneapolis' South High School appears to have held 'all black' classes: report

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  Travel and Leisure on Mon, Oct 20th, 2025 by NY Post

Minneapolis South High School, located in the West Bank of Minneapolis, is one of the largest and most diverse public schools in the city’s school district. The article opens by noting the school’s recent appearance in the spotlight—both literally and figuratively—after a successful season in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHL) and an upcoming partnership with a local community college that will expand dual‑credit opportunities for seniors. According to the report, the school’s football team finished the 2023 season with a 10‑1 record, earning a berth in the state playoffs for the first time in over a decade. The story goes on to highlight the leadership of Coach Dan Wessely, who has built a program focused on academic excellence as well as athletic success.

The piece also provides a brief history of the school, noting its founding in 1953 and its evolution from a single‑building campus into the sprawling, multi‑facility complex it is today. The school’s current enrollment is about 2,300 students, representing more than 70 different nationalities, and the school has a graduation rate of 85%, slightly above the Minneapolis district average. In addition to sports, the article spotlights the school's robust arts program, mentioning that the South High Theater Group recently received a regional award for its production of “West Side Story,” and that the marching band has been invited to perform at the Twin Cities Thanksgiving Parade.

A key portion of the article focuses on the new partnership with the Minneapolis Community College (MCC), which will allow senior students to earn up to 15 college credits while still in high school. The MCC liaison, Dr. Angela Morales, is quoted as saying, “Students who take advantage of this program will not only graduate with a head start on their college degrees, but they’ll also have a stronger sense of academic motivation.” The article then includes a side‑by‑side comparison of the dual‑credit curriculum versus the traditional advanced placement options, citing statistics from the district that show a 12% higher test‑score average for students who participate in the dual‑credit program.

Sports enthusiasts will find a detailed recap of the football season. The article describes the game against local rivals North High, where South High’s senior quarterback, Jalen Thompson, threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns. Thompson, a senior who also earned a scholarship offer from the University of Minnesota, is quoted in the piece: “It’s not just about the win for us; it’s about showing the rest of the school that hard work pays off.” The narrative also references a community‑wide celebration that followed the playoff victory, including a block party on Cedar Avenue and a ceremony at the Minneapolis Arena where Coach Wessely received a certificate of appreciation from the district.

In addition to athletics, the article shines a light on academic achievements, particularly in the STEM department. South High’s robotics team won the state robotics championship, with team captain Maya Patel describing the experience as “the culmination of months of hard work and teamwork.” The report notes that the team received a $5,000 grant from the Minnesota STEM Alliance, which will be used to upgrade lab equipment and support summer STEM camps for under‑represented students.

The piece rounds out by discussing future plans for the school, including a proposed expansion of the science wing to accommodate a new bio‑engineering lab. City officials are optimistic, citing the district’s budget plan that earmarks $3.2 million for infrastructure improvements in the 2025 fiscal year. In addition, the school will be hosting a town‑hall meeting next month to gather community input on a proposed “Student Advisory Council” that would give students a formal voice in school‑wide decisions.

The article is interspersed with hyperlinks that provide readers with additional context. A link to the Minneapolis School District’s annual report offers data on district performance and demographics. Another link leads to the official page of the Minnesota State High School League, where readers can view the current standings and schedule for the football season. The MCC partnership is linked to the college’s dual‑credit program page, which details eligibility requirements and the application process. Finally, a link to the school’s own website brings up a calendar of events, faculty profiles, and a gallery of recent school activities.

Overall, the article presents Minneapolis South High School as a dynamic institution that is thriving on both academic and extracurricular fronts. By weaving together recent successes with forward‑looking initiatives, it portrays a school community that is engaged, ambitious, and poised to tackle new challenges as it continues to serve the diverse students of Minneapolis.