This innovative approach offers students the best of both worlds.
- A proven and powerful academic foundation: Common Core content and skills
- International Baccalaureate (IB) standards used by schools worldwide since 1968
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 masters 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.
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
The International Baccalaureate PYP for children ages 3 to 12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.
Math
We use district-wide standards and assessments in every grade to help students accumulate mathematical knowledge and skills that prepare them for success in middle and high school.
Reading Language Arts
Through our Comprehensive Literacy Plan, K3 through fifth-grade students receive reading, writing, and oral language instruction for 90 minutes a day.
Spanish
Lowell School offers Spanish as a world language to students from K3 through fifth grade. During weekly lessons, students learn about Spanish-speaking cultures and learn and practice Spanish vocabulary. As students progress, they learn to speak, write, and understand simple phrases and sentences.
Art, Music, and Physical Education
Art, music, physical education classes, and social and emotional lessons help our students grow into creative and well-rounded young people who understand mind and body wellness.
Gifted and Talented
Through the U.S. Department of Education Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program Grant, we seek to increase the representation of students from underrepresented backgrounds. Students receive individualized learning opportunities and support so they can reach their fullest potential.
Interventions
A school-wide intervention system provides additional academic support. Students participate in computer-based or teacher-led activities daily to support their learning. Interventions are provided at student instructional levels to meet student needs.
Special Education
Our teachers can adapt the flexible and inclusive PYP framework to meet a student’s unique needs and maximize their talents and abilities. Our special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, and administration work together. Special education students can access the content, curriculum, and delivery of the IB program.
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.