Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA) offers a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Students at MHSA enroll in six academic courses each semester in addition to their two arts courses. Many of them go on to pursue art in higher education as well, attending schools that include:
- Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA)
- Columbia College (Chicago, IL)
- Lawrence University Conservatory (Appleton, WI)
- Manhattan School of Music (New York, NY)
- Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (Milwaukee, WI)
- New England Conservatory (Boston, MA)
- New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music (New York, NY)
- Oberlin Conservatory (Oberlin, OH)
- San Francisco Conservatory of Music (San Francisco, CA)
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)
All MHSA students are exposed to Pre-AP curriculum and encouraged to work at their individual ability level. Motivated students can go on to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and complete the AP Capstone program. Sponsored by the College Board and taught by MHSA teachers, these courses give students the chance to tackle advanced content and earn college credit.
Art Programs
Our core curriculum focuses on our unique programs in Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theatre & Film, and Visual Art & Design. Every student is enrolled in at least two arts classes each semester, and our students engage with highly skilled and qualified arts faculty every day of their high school experience. They also get to work with professionals and educators from around the country through master classes, coaching, and live performances.
Career and Technical Education
Students can earn high school and college credit, develop workforce-ready trade and technical skills, and participate in internships and apprenticeships.
Internships
School-to-Work Transition Program
Youth Apprenticeship Program
College Access
College Possible Wisconsin
College Possible provides college coaches to students in MPS high schools. The program supports student enrollment and graduation at two- and four-year colleges.
PEOPLE
PEOPLE is the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence. It is designed to help students progress toward high school graduation and prepare for an enriching college experience. Beginning in ninth grade, accepted students are assigned a Precollege Advisor to assist them throughout their educational journey. Ninety-four percent of PEOPLE high school graduates enroll in higher education.
Wisconsin GEAR UP
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 twelve get access to one-on-one advising, guidance about college and career readiness, college visits, and more. The program also offers personalized mentoring that begins in senior year and continues through their first year of college. Eligible students can apply for the GEAR UP Scholarship to help make college possible.
Core Courses
Students enroll in classes—ranging from foundational to advanced—that fulfill graduation requirements in these core subjects: English/Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and world languages.
Credit Breakdown
- College and Career Readiness: 1 credit
- English/Language Arts: 4 credits
- Health: .5 credits
- Math: 3 credits at or above algebra level
- Physical Education: 1.5 credits
- Science: 3 credits
- Social Studies: 3 credits
- World Language: 2 credits (Spanish or French)
Credit Recovery
Students who earn a “U” or “D” in a core course may use the MPS-approved online curriculum to recover credits.
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment courses give students the chance to earn high school and college credit at the same time. MHSA educators with advanced degrees are approved to teach Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) or University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee courses at our school. 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
Start College Now
Wisconsin high schoolers can take one or more courses at a two-year or technical college.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
We are here to facilitate learning and growth in all subjects for all students. A child may be gifted in one area and challenged in another. Our goal is to differentiate curriculum as much as possible so that all students may grow according to their own needs and at their own pace.
Response to Intervention is a process used to help students that are struggling with a skill or lesson. Every child learns in different ways, at different levels, in different subjects. If a student needs additional help in any subject, they can receive accommodations that will further their progress. The same is true of those who wish to move ahead faster than the prescribed curriculum. For more information about how you can get involved with your child’s progress and needs in any school subject or behavioral area, please contact our main office at (414) 934-7000.
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.