All courses of study are aligned to Common Core State Standards that set goals for what students learn at each grade level. For a complete list of the district’s high school programs, courses, and graduation requirements, review the MPS High School Programs and Graduation Requirements guide.
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 lives and experiences. Our staff works together to understand each learner and find appropriate ways to assess and improve their progress. We then make sure that students can apply what they have learned in productive ways in school and in their community.
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.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Sponsored by the College Board and taught by JMAC teachers, Advanced Placement courses give students the chance to tackle advanced content and earn college credit in psychology, English literature and language, United States history, seminar, and other subjects.
Career and Technical Education
JMAC students can earn high school and college credit, develop workforce-ready trade and technical skills, participate in internships and apprenticeships, and enroll in our school’s Health Sciences or Hospitality and Tourism career academies.
Career Academies
Students interested in the healthcare or hospitality professions can enroll in NAF Academies at JMAC, part of the nationwide NAF network. After four years of career-focused classes, field experiences, and networking that extends from our classrooms into the community, JMAC graduates with NAF experience have a competitive edge in applying for college, scholarships, and jobs.
NAF – Academy of Health Sciences
This academy shapes the next generation of health professionals. Through hands-on experiences and career-centered courses and activities, students develop a knowledge base and skills that prepare them to thrive in diverse and rewarding healthcare jobs.
NAF – Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
This academy provides relevant coursework and career-related activities that address topics like event planning, principles of customer service, and the culinary arts so students are prepared to excel in college programs and early-career opportunities in hospitality and tourism — an economic sector undergoing rapid job growth and innovation.
Internships
JMAC students who participate in an MPS internship are employed for a specific period of time to learn about a particular industry or occupation. Many students choose an internship affiliated with one of our two career academies.
School-to-Work Transition Program
Youth Apprenticeship Program
Learning a trade and earning a paycheck are among the benefits of this longstanding program for junior and senior students who alternate JMAC classes with apprenticeships. Many students choose an apprenticeship affiliated with one of our two career academies.
Core Subjects
Students enroll in courses — ranging from foundational to advanced — that fulfill graduation requirements in core subjects: English/Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and world languages. JMAC uses the My Perspectives curriculum for English/Language Arts and the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum for math.
Dual Enrollment
Students can earn high school and college credit at the same time in dual enrollment courses. JMAC educators with advanced degrees may be approved to teach Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) or University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) courses in our school. Depending on the course, some students may even attend classes on the MATC or UWM campuses.
Early College Credit
Wisconsin high schoolers can take one or more courses at an institution of higher education.
M-Cubed College Connections Program
The M3 College Connections program is an innovative dual enrollment program of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) that allows eligible students to complete their high school graduation requirements while earning college credits from both MATC and UWM at no expense to the student. Students successfully completing the program have guaranteed admission to MATC and UWM. Students must be in good standing and on track to graduate to participate in the program.
Start College Now
Wisconsin high schoolers can take one or more courses at a two-year or technical college.
Electives
Students can fulfill college entrance requirements, gain new insight and knowledge, and build skills in elective courses. Electives may reflect a school’s focus, such as the arts, technical education, or foreign language. JMAC electives include introductory choir, intermediate choir, piano, and more.
Special Education
MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, hearing, learning, physical, speech, and vision disabilities. The school’s 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.