{"id":11,"date":"2014-05-14T10:58:38","date_gmt":"2014-05-14T15:58:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www5.milwaukee.k12.wi.us\/school\/south\/?page_id=11"},"modified":"2026-02-24T16:54:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T16:54:01","slug":"academics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mps.school\/south\/academics\/","title":{"rendered":"Academics"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” module_class=”page-intro” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Academic programs at South Division High School are diverse and designed to help students cultivate their unique talents and abilities.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Students can attend college courses on our campus, develop independence and competitive career skills in apprenticeship or transition programs, learn a second or third language \u2014 even earn the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy.<\/p>\n

All courses of study are aligned to Common Core State Standards<\/a> that set goals for what students learn at each grade level. Dedicated faculty and staff support our students every step of the way, encouraging them to pursue personalized paths to graduation day that prepare them for college or career, citizenship and service.<\/p>\n

For a complete list of the district\u2019s high school programs, courses, and graduation requirements, review the MPS High School Programs and Graduation Requirements guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ambitious Instruction Plan<\/h2>\n

The Milwaukee Public Schools Ambitious Instruction Plan<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Common Core State Standards<\/h2>\n

The curriculum in Milwaukee Public Schools is based on Common Core State Standards<\/a>. These standards were developed with teachers, school administrators, and experts to prepare all children for college and the workforce.<\/p>\n

Advanced Placement (AP)<\/h2>\n

Sponsored by the College Board and taught by South Division teachers, Advanced Placement<\/a> courses give students the chance to tackle advanced content and earn college credit.<\/p>\n

Career and Technical Education<\/h2>\n

South Division students interested in careers in education\/training or health sciences can earn high school and college credit, develop trade and technical skills, and participate in internships and apprenticeships before they graduate by participating in dual enrollment, career academy, and internship and apprenticeship opportunities.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Career Academies \u2013 Education and Health Sciences” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EE2529″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#EE2529″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

South Division\u2019s NAF Academy of Education and NAF Academy of Health Sciences are 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, South Division graduates with NAF experience<\/a> have a competitive edge in applying for college, scholarships, and jobs.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Internships” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EE2529″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#EE2529″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

South Division students who participate in an MPS internship<\/a> are employed for a specific period of time to learn about a particular industry or occupation.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”School-to-Work Transition Program” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EE2529″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#EE2529″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

For three decades, the MPS School-to-Work Transition Program<\/a> (STWTP) has placed students with special education needs at worksites across Milwaukee where they develop employment readiness and independent living skills while earning credit toward their high school diploma.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Youth Apprenticeships” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EE2529″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#EE2529″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Learning a trade and earning a paycheck are among the benefits of youth apprenticeships<\/a> for junior and senior students who alternate classes at South Division with trade apprenticeships. Each student is paired with a mentor who is a journeyman in a student\u2019s chosen trade. Construction and HVAC apprenticeships are especially popular with South Division students.<\/p>\n

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Core Subjects<\/h2>\n

Students enroll in classes \u2014 ranging from foundational to advanced \u2014 that fulfill graduation requirements in these core subjects: English\/Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and world languages.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Credit Recovery” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EE2529″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#EE2529″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Students who earn a \u201cU\u201d or \u201cD\u201d in a core course may use this district-approved online curriculum to recover credits.<\/p>\n

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Dual Enrollment<\/h2>\n

Students earn high school and college credit, at the same time, in dual enrollment courses. South Division educators with advanced degrees may be approved to teach Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) or UW-Milwaukee (UWM) courses in our school. Depending on the course, some students may even attend classes on the MATC or UW-Milwaukee campus.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Early College Credit” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EE2529″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#EE2529″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Wisconsin high schoolers can take one or more courses at an institution of higher education.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”M-Cubed College Connections Program” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EE2529″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#EE2529″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

The M3<\/sup> 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 in order to participate in the program.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Start College Now” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EE2529″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#EE2529″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Wisconsin high schoolers can take one or more courses at a two-year or technical college.<\/p>\n

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Electives<\/h2>\n

Students can fulfill graduation and college entrance requirements while gaining new insight and knowledge in elective courses. Elective courses typically reflect a school\u2019s focus, such as the arts, engineering, technical education, or foreign language.<\/p>\n

English Learners<\/h2>\n

Approximately fifty percent of South Division students are English learners. The school offers specialized academic programs to accommodate English learners from more than a dozen linguistic backgrounds.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Bilingual Dual Language Program” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EE2529″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#EE2529″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

South Division is home to one of Wisconsin\u2019s largest bilingual high school programs, enrolling 300 to 400 Spanish-speaking students who become proficient speakers, readers, and writers of English and Spanish as they work with bilingual and ESL faculty.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”International Newcomer Center” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EE2529″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#EE2529″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Provides instruction for approximately 30 recent refugee or immigrant students with limited English-language proficiency who have experienced interrupted learning. Students from Tanzania, Myanmar, Sudan, Malaysia, Eritrea and other countries attend classes as a cohort, including art, gym, and music electives, as well as reading intervention and math courses.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Sheltered Instructional Observation Protocol (SIOP)” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EE2529″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#EE2529″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Students transition from the International Newcomer Center to our Sheltered Program, a program that scaffolds instruction using the SIOP Model, developing bilingual and biliteracy skills. Approximately 180 students attend classes together, working with English as a Second Language (ESL) faculty.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”30px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Seal of Biliteracy<\/h2>\n

The Seal of Biliteracy<\/a> is awarded to high school seniors who show English language proficiency, proficiency in another language, and sociocultural competency. Students who successfully earn the seal receive a special Seal of Biliteracy certificate issued by the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction when they graduate. Graduates also receive a lapel pin signifying their completion of the program, and the accomplishment is noted on the student\u2019s high school transcript.<\/p>\n

Special Education<\/h2>\n

MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, hearing, learning, physical, speech, and vision disabilities. The school\u2019s special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, and administration work together to meet students\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n

If you think your child has special education needs, ask your child\u2019s teacher or principal for an evaluation. For general questions about special education or specialized services<\/a>, please call (414) 874-8493.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Academic programs at South Division High School are diverse and designed to help students cultivate their unique talents and abilities.Students can attend college courses on our campus, develop independence and competitive career skills in apprenticeship or transition programs, learn a second or third language \u2014 even earn the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy. All courses of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\"\"\r\n\r\nThe curriculum in Milwaukee Public Schools is based on the\u00a0Common Core State Standards<\/a>. The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts, to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce.\r\n\r\nThe standards are informed by the highest, most effective models from states across the country and countries around the world, and provide teachers and parents with a common understanding of what students are expected to learn. Consistent standards will provide appropriate benchmarks for all students, regardless of where they live.\r\n\r\nThese standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. The standards:\r\n