Our creative, hands-on, and culturally connected academic program prepares scholars for high school, life, and leadership.
- African American Immersion
Scholars explore African American histories, cultures, and traditions through our African American Immersion program. - Turnaround Arts
Leaders integrate the arts in all subjects—mathematics to music—so scholars grow as creators and as critical thinkers. - Kingian Values
Leaders teach and practice Kingian Values like scholarship, service, and justice. Scholars learn restorative practices, and work toward behavior and attendance goals that help them achieve as individuals and make our school stronger.
Common Core State Standards
The curriculum in Milwaukee Public Schools is based on Common Core State Standards. These standards were developed with teachers, school administrators, and experts to prepare all children for college and the workforce.
Ambitious Instruction Plan
The Milwaukee Public Schools Ambitious Instruction Plan recognizes and celebrates that our students come from many cultures and backgrounds. This plan focuses on high-quality, culturally appropriate teaching and learning. Our goal is to ensure that every student develops reading, writing, and math skills in ways that are meaningful to their individual life and experiences. Our staff works together to understand each learner, find appropriate ways to assess and improve their progress, and make sure that students can apply what they have learned in productive ways in school and in their community.
English Language Arts & Writing
Scholars build literacy skills by using spoken and written language to express themselves. Assigned readings focus on historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Ella Baker. School-wide writing prompts are connected to cultural celebrations like Kwanzaa and the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
K4 and K5
Scholars work on verbal communication skills. Lessons emphasize the connection between spoken and written language.
Grades 1-5
Scholars expand their vocabulary, using new language and knowledge to write and revise assignments and participate in class discussions.
In third and fourth grades, scholars use descriptive language, evidence, and vocabulary from classroom readings and research in their writing assignments. Over the course of multiple drafts, they develop their own writing style and use grammar, punctuation, and organizational strategies to present their ideas.
Fifth-grade scholars research, write, provide peer feedback, and revise their work before presenting it to classmates.
Grades 6-8
Scholars strengthen their skills during classroom lessons and research experiences in our Library Media Center. They evaluate news content and facts from multiple sources and present and defend their ideas in research papers, essays, multimedia projects, and mock advertising campaigns.
By eighth-grade completion, scholars exhibit strong writing skills and can critique and respond to many genres of writing.
Literacy
To excel in any subject area, scholars need a strong foundation in literacy. Leaders use benchmark, end-of-unit, and other assessments to monitor scholars’ reading progress and provide individualized instruction and feedback.
K4 and K5
Scholars explore relationships between different letters and sounds while gaining meaning from stories.
Grades 1-3
Scholars apply new strategies to different texts and read aloud with expression. By the end of third grade, most scholars are fluent readers who can analyze, summarize, and discuss story elements from many genres.
Grades 4-5
Scholars connect what they read to their own lives and experiences and read to gather and present information in research projects.
Grades 6-8
Scholars read classical and contemporary literature for fluency, accuracy, and expression. They connect what they read to their own lives and experiences and discuss with classmates. Scholars evaluate material from different sources for accuracy and value.
Mathematics
Scholars explore all strands of mathematics, learning to think critically to solve real-world problems. Coursework is based on national mathematics standards and includes homework activities and lesson plans for all learning styles. Leaders integrate literacy concepts and skill-building activities into math instruction.
K4 and K5
Scholars count and sort, learn about colors and shapes, and discuss how numbers represent quantities.
Grades 1-5
First-grade scholars practice addition and subtraction and learn to recognize patterns and ideas in data. From second through fourth grade, scholars learn about geometric shapes and practice multiplication and division. As they advance, scholars use measurement tools, fractions, and decimals. Fifth-grade scholars collect and apply data and estimate, measure, and predict outcomes.
Grades 6-8
Sixth-grade scholars review and apply basic mathematical skills in application problems. They discuss area and perimeter, use graphs to represent data, and solve complex equations. Seventh-grade scholars focus on understanding processes and finding solutions, developing an ability to reason and draw conclusions. Eighth-grade scholars justify their strategies using accurate mathematical terms and vocabulary.
Science
Scholars learn about scientific methods, vocabulary, and concepts that prepare them for high school STEM studies. In-depth, hands-on lessons include designing, testing, and evaluating experiments. Scholars find inspiration in the life and work of distinguished African American scientists like George Washington Carver and Benjamin Banneker. They prepare and present their work at the Dr. King School and MPS science fairs.
K4 and K5
Scholars explore the world around them while learning to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Grades 1-5
Scholars study a range of scientific concepts and content: life cycle of living things, scientific discoveries throughout history, and technology’s impact on the world.
Skill-building activities include sketching and constructing models. Scholars observe and record changes in their home and school ecosystems. They learn to interpret and present their observations.
Fifth graders embark on an in-depth study of scientific events throughout history. They use models, graphs, maps, and charts to record and present their own research and to design experiments.
Grades 6-8
Scholars pose questions and predict results while examining scientific topics in the media.
Eighth-grade scholars evaluate scientific ideas, apply scientific knowledge, and refine their research skills while learning about chemical reactions, structures, and functions of the human body. Science gets personal as students discuss making choices and forming habits that promote individual health and safety.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum at Dr. King School spans the behavioral sciences, civics, economics, geography, and U.S. and world history. During field trips, scholars can connect their lessons to community sites and stories.
K4-Grade 2
Scholars explore being and belonging in a diverse society: individuality, family cultures and traditions, citizenship, and embracing cultural differences.
Grades 3-5
Social studies shifts the focus from local to national. Scholars begin by connecting the larger world to their lives in Milwaukee. Fourth and fifth graders study American geography, create a historical timeline, and explore the economics of supply and demand.
Grades 6-8
Sixth graders learn about ancient and medieval civilizations. Seventh-grade social studies takes on the modern world and eighth-grade scholars explore American government, economics, and social issues.
Physical Education
Scholars participate in organized games, group and solo activities, and learn about making and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices.
K4 and K5
Scholars practice basic movements and follow directions.
Grades 1-5
In first and second grades, students stretch themselves to meet new physical challenges and learn about cooperation in group games. Students take pride in their accomplishments and give positive feedback to classmates.
Fifth-grade scholars learn how their bodies work and apply this knowledge to physical activities, improving their skills.
Grades 6-8
Scholars learn to assess and monitor their physical activity. By the time they graduate, scholars demonstrate respectful personal and social behavior and understand the benefits and basics of healthy physical activity and nutrition.
Art
Leaders at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School believe art education is as essential as reading, writing, and mathematics. Art has a place in every subject we teach, and our hallways are lined with inspiring murals and artwork. Art classes, writing assignments, and Visual Thinking Strategies encourage scholars to think creatively and critically.
Scholars respond to lessons and questions about Kwanzaa and Black Wall Street with original writing and illustrations. Leaders take scholars on gallery walks so they can appreciate and learn from artist scholars in every grade.
Health
Dr. King School’s health education curriculum encompasses personal and community approaches to health care.
K4 and K5
Classroom leaders teach children about basic self-care and personal safety.
Grades 1-4
Scholars learn about the basics of nutrition and hygiene. As they advance in their education, scholars learn about the reproductive system.
Grades 5-8
Fifth and sixth graders explore the connection between health and personal habits and discuss healthy relationships and self-respect. Seventh-grade lessons address community-health responsibilities and scholars complete a community service project. Eighth-grade scholars learn about health issues they may encounter as young adults and how to make healthy choices.
Special Education
MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, physical, emotional, learning, hearing, vision, and speech disabilities. Our special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, and administration work together to meet students’ needs.
If you think your child has special education needs, ask your child’s teacher or principal for an evaluation. For general questions about special education or specialized services, please call (414) 874-8493, or learn more about Specialized Services.