In the early morning of June 30, 2026, a fire of unknown cause broke out at Lincoln Avenue School. No one was in the building at the time, and no one was hurt.
MPS is tremendously grateful for the quick response and hard work of the Milwaukee Fire Department, as well as the many expressions of support from our community partners.
Please find the answers to frequently asked questions below.
Will the school be open at its current location in the fall?
Sadly, no. Our goal is to have the school in one location for the upcoming school year. We are working urgently to determine what the location will be, and expect to share more information soon.
Where will Lincoln Avenue School students be able to go in the fall?
MPS leadership and school administration are already actively working on plans for where students and staff will be located next school year, and the district is committed to keeping the school community together at one location. MPS will work with the school community to get feedback on the options. We will hold community meetings on July 13 and 14 with both in person and virtual options, and will share more details soon. Student Services and other MPS departments will be available at these meetings to answer questions and assist with your needs.
What is happening with summer programs at the school?
The summer Community Learning Center program has been moved to Hayes Bilingual School, 971 W. Windlake Ave., through July 31. For questions about CLC, please call (414) 475-8180.
What is happening with meal programs?
We encourage families to visit the two closest alternate sites: Rogers Street Academy (2404 W. Rogers St.) and Modrzejewski Playfield (1020 W. Cleveland Ave.).
What caused the fire?
The cause has not yet been determined and is under an investigation being led by the Milwaukee Fire Department.
Will the school be rebuilt in its current location?
It is too soon to know at this time. Our first priority is to ensure the Lincoln Avenue School community is supported in settling into a new location for the upcoming school year. As we discuss the long-term future, community engagement will be a priority.
Did the building have fire sprinklers?
No. Please see this information directly from the City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services: At the time Lincoln Avenue School was constructed, the City of Milwaukee building code did not require automatic fire sprinkler systems in the building. Subsequent renovations and alterations to the school did not trigger building code requirements to retrofit the facility with an automatic fire suppression system.
Did the building pass fire inspection?
Yes. Please see this information directly from the City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services: All Milwaukee Public Schools buildings are subject to an annual fire inspection conducted by the Department of Neighborhood Services. Lincoln Avenue School successfully passed its most recent annual fire inspection on August 1, 2025. DNS schedules annual fire inspections of Milwaukee Public Schools during the summer months to minimize disruption to classroom instruction.
How can the community support the school?
To ensure donations are utilized effectively, here are the official ways you can help:
- Monetary Donations: You can make a direct, tax-deductible contribution through the MPS Foundation (select “Lincoln Avenue Elementary School Fund”). The funds will be first used to support the school’s classroom and teacher needs, followed other areas of greatest need as determined by school leaders as we work to support the school now and in the future.
- School Supplies & Item Drives: The district welcomes school/teacher supplies for Lincoln Avenue students and staff. You can drop off items at MPS Central Services (5225 W. Vliet St., Room 142) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- For more information, please contact Christy Stone, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Customer Service at [email protected].