Proud Traditions — Great Possibilities
When Washburn opened in September 1925, its principal, A.E. MacQuarrie, set high standards for his students. His goal was to create a pioneer school, one that would lead the way in education, not just for Minneapolis but also for the state. For decades, Washburn was just that: a high school known for its students’ accomplishments in academics and athletics. Many of its graduates became extraordinarily successful in business, education, public service, the arts and the community—crediting the teachers and training they received at Washburn as essential to that success. Washburn History
Washburn Today — A Fresh Start
In 2008, Minneapolis Public Schools gave Washburn a “Fresh Start,” dramatically reorganizing staff and providing extra resources to improve student performance. The Fresh Start, under the leadership of Principal Carol Markham-Cousins, provides Washburn High School the opportunity to be a leader in urban education once more, with standards as high as A.E. MacQuarrie in 1925— for today’s student body in today’s world.
The acclaimed International Baccalaureate (IB) program that was originated at Washburn will be returning to the school. Arts are alive with The Fall Fine Arts Kick-off, Winter Cabaret, Spring Musical, drumline, choir and band. Washburn’s athletic program remains a mainstay of the school with a focus on “fitness for life,” the Athletic Leadership Academy summer program, as well as teams that advance to state championships.