My name is Emma Jo Johnson, I am a freshman at Southwest High School, and there has been talking of me switching to a private school. My dad has previously gone to Southwest high school and grew up going to school at Minneapolis public schools. However, from frustration and dislike of the curriculum and other things within Minneapolis Public schools, there have been pressing discussions and plans about switching my brother and me to private schools.

College is not a discussing matter in my family, and I have never been opposed to the idea of going. I am an athlete who wants to play D1 soccer and go far in life, so being prepared for the work and curriculum will be mandatory, and the ability to handle the workload is an important goal of mine.

During my short time at Southwest, I have made many friends and great relationships with my peers and teachers. The idea of leaving this school is saddening, but I need to think about my future and where I want to be. The private school options given to me are all catholic, not on purpose. That is just what is available to me. I have seen much homophobia, racism, and sexism in private religious schools because religion conflicts with some ideals and because academics’ is the primary focus.

The interaction I have had with Southwest’s community tells me that there is awareness, acceptance, and education when it comes to minority groups. I have not experienced any rudeness directly regarding things I cannot change, and I am fearful that that will change once I attend a private school. I am reluctant for other reasons, but my appearance and identity are something people can notice and judge right away.

I know many other people who plan to or already have switched schools, and I cannot help but blame the Minneapolis public school board and system. With many kids leaving the public schools of Minneapolis, there will be less funding and more budget cuts which will cause Minneapolis to suffer even more. I am truly saddened that I will probably have to pick a private school and leave the district I have been a part of for so long.

I hope that the Education system of Minneapolis corrects itself in the coming years once they see the damage done by being immature and selfish.

To my teachers –  You deserve a better system to work under