In 2026, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is making a $2.6 million investment into Brown Street Academy.
Built in 1897, Brown Street Academy has served generations of students in one of Milwaukee’s historic school buildings. Located at the corner of 20th and Brown Streets, our school is part of a neighborhood with a remarkable history. Brown Street is named for Samuel Brown, whose nearby farm was a stop on the Underground Railroad.
The district’s investment in our school honors our building’s architectural character and our place in Milwaukee’s history while updating spaces to better serve students and families today. Improvements will preserve the beauty of the building, create a new playground for students and the surrounding community, and enhance shared spaces to better serve as gathering places for year-round events and activities.
Through collaboration with stakeholders, community members, students, and staff, MPS identified priorities and planned key improvements. These include:
- Major exterior upgrades, including a new play structure, new fencing, exterior lighting, and security upgrades
- Extensive restroom, classroom, and flooring improvements
- Updates to the gymnasium, including new paint, lighting, and an acoustic ceiling
- Renovation of the cafeteria with new paint, lighting, seating, and more
“This investment is in Milwaukee’s greatest assets: our children. It communicates to students that they are valued, and it enhances their overall experience at Brown Street. With our updated spaces, we especially look forward to engaging students, staff, families, and the community in assemblies, performances, showcases, and more.”
Design of the project is complete, and final construction documents have been prepared. Work will be happening this summer with the goal of having all work completed in time for the start of the 2026–27 school year.