As we approach Thanksgiving, it is more important than ever to acknowledge and show gratitude for our privileges. We may not all have sports cars or five story homes, but one privilege we do all have in common is our access to a top tier education and educational environment. Minnetonka has been hailed for its academic excellence, and was recently ranked as the 3rd Best High School in Minnesota by Niche.com. We have “unlimited opportunities,” as Hopkins transfer student Sadie Longo, ‘26, puts it. However, we too often forget the advantages we have here—which in Minnetonka’s case is most undoubtedly its massive access to educational funding; its money.

So does the wealth of a school really determine the academic prowess of its students? Tracy Ivy, or as her students call her, “T-Dubs,” is one of our school’s most beloved teachers and one of two American Sign Language teachers. However, before her time here she taught at another school with far less funding.

Ivy describes East High School in downtown Rochester, New York as “an adamant school with limited resources.” “[the] student’s hands were always up with questions, highly engaged, extremely respectful to adults like me, and constantly asked how they could improve their skills. Kids put in so much effort at East High School.” Ivy also recalls the school motto of “[if] I work hard today, then tomorrow will [be] easier for me to cope [with],” and was in awe of the student’s mentality being “in survival mode daily.”

Despite the hard work put in by East High School’s students and the equally hard work done by MHS students, MHS still produces higher grades and standardized test scores. For perspective, Minnetonka’s ACT scores as of 2021 were nearly eight points above the national average. Ivy comments that “[she] noticed students score higher [here] than [at] East High School, because MHS students have access to resources, including iPads and other high-functioning technology, which enhances their learning.” This is reinforced by a 2017 study done by the Economic Policy Institute, which states that a person’s social class is “the most significant predictor of their educational success”

Not only is the wealth of Minnetonka reflected by increased test scores and educational technology, but also in its physical presence. MHS spans much further than just the main school building, with the VANTAGE, Momentum, Pagel, Aquatics Center, and Arts Center buildings as well. Ivy also points out, “[the] extraordinarily different courts, ice arena, and football stadium.”

So as the holiday of Thanksgiving approaches, and you are asked what you are grateful for, remember that you are lucky enough to attend a school that is able to fund your full potential.