About

Project STAY is an alternative school that offers a nurturing education to students ages 16–21 who are at risk of dropping out.

At Project STAY, we are dedicated to supporting young people who want to graduate. Our staff members get to know students to develop strong relationships and honor their life experiences through meaningful, culturally relevant content. We focus on meeting every student’s needs and goals, and we utilize trauma-informed practices to improve attendance and academic achievement. We know that young adults can face unique challenges, which is why we provide personalized learning opportunities and supports so that every student can succeed.

Our mission is to help students graduate and successfully transition to college, technical school, military service, or employment. We offer nine-week terms with a half-day scheduling option, and all courses have a ratio of one teacher and one assistant per 20 students. Our small class sizes allow students to get the individualized support they need to progress toward graduation.

At Project STAY, there are four terms (nine weeks each) per year to allow students to take more classes and recover credits more quickly. Students can choose a half-day (morning or afternoon) or full-day schedule depending on their goals. The shorter day is often a good fit for those who struggle with traditional full-day academic schedules, and it offers more flexibility for students who are working part-time jobs, parenting, or completing mandatory community service hours. 

Grades

9th–12th Grade

School Hours

Morning Session:
8:00 a.m. – 11:13 a.m.

Afternoon Session:
12:15 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.

All-Day Session:
8:00 a.m. 3:25 p.m. 

Eligibility and Enrollment

Students apply for Project STAY and are accepted if they are at risk of not graduating from high school. We support students returning from expulsion or incarceration, as well as students who are experiencing challenges that include:

  • Being behind on credits and off-track for graduation
  • Missing school (poor attendance)
  • Being pregnant or raising a child

Definition of At-Risk Students

To be defined as “at-risk” under Wisconsin state law, students must meet two or more of the following criteria:

  • Are at least one year behind their age group in credits earned
  • Are at least two years behind their age group in basic skill levels
  • Are habitually truant (i.e. miss school for five or more days each semester)
  • Are (or will be) parents
  • Are adjudicated delinquents (i.e. minors who have been found by a court to have committed acts that would be considered crimes if committed by adults)

Applications are open year-round; if students meet the at-risk criteria, they can start at the beginning of the next nine-week term. Please note that session availability depends on enrollment and can change throughout the year.

Call (414) 298-9300 or email 458@milwaukee.k12.wi.us to ask questions or check if seats are available for the upcoming term.

Our Students

Data from our most recent state report card

  • Black or African American 85.1% 85.1%
  • Hispanic or Latino 11.4% 11.4%
  • Two or More Races 2.6% 2.6%
  • White 0.9% 0.9%
  • American Indian or Alaskan Native 0% 0%
  • Asian 0% 0%
  • Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 0% 0%

Number of Students

%

English Learners

%

Students with Disabilities