23 MPS Schools May Add Sixth Grade This Fall
Expanding Educational Opportunities in Milwaukee
A significant shift is on the horizon for several elementary schools in the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) district. According to recent developments, up to 23 elementary schools may introduce sixth-grade classrooms this fall, provided there is sufficient interest from families. This initiative was approved by a committee of the Milwaukee School Board on February 10, marking a potential transformation in the educational landscape of the area.
Currently, around 40 elementary schools in the district conclude their offerings at the fifth grade level, while others extend through to eighth grade. Among these schools that end after fifth grade, 23 have the capacity to incorporate sixth-grade classes, as stated by MPS officials.
The primary objective of this plan is to retain students within the MPS system beyond the fifth grade. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius highlighted that many families tend to leave the district at this transition point, opting for private schools, charter schools, or other districts. A recent analysis conducted by 4MATIV Technologies, a consultant for MPS, revealed that student enrollment typically drops by approximately 7% between the fifth and sixth grades. In contrast, most other grade levels experience a much smaller fluctuation, usually around 1% to 2%.
Under Cassellius’ proposal, any of the 23 designated schools would be permitted to add a sixth-grade class this fall if they can secure at least 20 students. The list of potential schools includes:
- Allen-Field School
- Auer Avenue School
- Barton School
- Browning School
- Brown Street Academy
- Bruce School
- Bryant School
- Elm Creative Arts School
- Engleburg School
- Hampton School
- Hawthorne School
- Gwen T. Jackson School
- Hopkins Lloyd Community School
- Keefe Avenue School
- Kilbourn School
- Kluge School
- Maple Tree School
- Milwaukee French Immersion School
- Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School
- Riverwest School
- Siefert School
- Westside Academy
- Zablocki School
This initiative, which received unanimous approval from the School Board’s Committee on Strategic Planning and Budget on February 10, is set to be reviewed for final approval during a regular School Board meeting scheduled for February 26.
Principals at the 23 affected schools have been instructed to engage with their School Engagement Councils and conduct surveys among fifth-grade families by early March. This step is crucial in gauging the level of interest and ensuring that the proposed changes align with community needs.
The introduction of sixth-grade classes could serve as an initial step in a broader reconfiguration of grade bands across the district. Superintendent Cassellius has expressed interest in expanding seventh and eighth grades to certain high school campuses, although she has also indicated that some middle schools will continue to operate as middle schools.
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