turning in an essay thats worth 35% of my grade on Tuesday! that makes total sense
if you go to a private school why are you blaming the national education system and curriculum. I'm sorry that a family member of yours died but it's not the education system, it's just your private school. Sure, private schools are still monitored, but that doesn't mean they're required to teach the national curriculum.
That being said. The US education system does suck balls. As does its healthcare.
The best that you can really do is demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the topic with good writing fundamentals. I can't tell you how many papers I wrote while I was in college that were about topics that didn't interest me in the slightest but if you at least display those things then you can at least rest easy after you turn in the paper.