Arts in Community Education (ACE)

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO)’s Arts in Community Education (ACE) Program brings MSO musicians, fellow artists, lesson plans, and learning materials to Hartford. Students in all grades participate in ACE programming, and they attend an MSO concert just for them at the Bradley Symphony Center.

Junior Achievement Wisconsin

The Junior Achievement of Wisconsin program inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. Junior Achievement of Wisconsin provides activities, guides, thought leadership, and other resources to support age-appropriate learning about leadership, jobs, money, and more.

Junior Coach Program

The Junior Coach Program is a youth leadership program open to fourth through eighth graders at Hartford. Junior Coaches support their peers during recess, ensuring that all students feel welcomed and involved in playground activities. Through monthly training sessions, they learn how to serve as peer role models and develop skills like responsibility, effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Our Junior Coaches highlight the positive impact that young people can have on our school community.

KidWind Challenge

The KidWind Challenge is a hands-on design competition where student teams showcase their small-scale wind turbines and solar homes. Each year, students create and test their own designs—fostering curiosity, developing STEM skills, and preparing for future careers in clean energy.

Learning Journeys

Learning Journeys are educational field trips for all MPS students that are designed to take what students are learning in the classroom out into the real world. These annual opportunities aim to expand students’ career awareness (K3–grade 3) and help them explore potential careers (grades 4, 5, and 8).

Neighborhood Environmental Education Project (NEEP) at the Urban Ecology Center

Students visit the Urban Ecology Center (UEC) for field experiences. Through UEC’s Neighborhood Environmental Education Project (NEEP), classes visit local green spaces to learn from UEC educators through hands-on activities. Students may explore local habitats, identify plants, find signs of animal life, or even build forts with classmates! Every trip has a portion outdoors and is engaging for all students and chaperones. All three centers have outerwear available to borrow for all participants to explore in any weather.

Planning for the Future (PFF) Program

The Planning for the Future (PFF) Program at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee supports students in grades six through eight. Designed to help with academic growth and future planning, PFF provides a variety of engaging activities. These include after-school tutoring, hands-on workshops, and field trips. Program sessions cover topics like college preparation, study skills, and career exploration, giving students a well-rounded foundation for future success.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

To promote positive student behavior and improve learning, MPS uses a system of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

PBIS is a three-tiered approach that begins by teaching expectations and encouraging collaboration and consistency in classrooms. Teachers and students co-design agreements and routines that align with three districtwide expectations: “Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.” For students who need more support, higher tiers offer structure, interventions, and follow-up to address specific concerns.

After years of use, MPS and other districts across the country are reporting higher student achievement, improved school environments, and fewer classroom disruptions and student suspensions.

SKY Schools

SKY Schools is an evidence-based social-emotional learning curriculum. The program uses best practices to improve student well-being and increase self-awareness. Students also learn conflict resolution skills to improve their relationships. Daily breathwork using SKY breathing techniques helps reduce stress, manage emotions, and process trauma.

Wisconsin GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)

The Wisconsin GEAR UP program aims to increase the number of low-income students who prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education. Students in grades six through eight get access to one-on-one advising, guidance about college and career readiness, college visits, and more.