In 2026, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is making a $2.3 million investment into Frances Brock Starms Discovery Learning Center.
Frances Brock Starms Discovery Learning Center is known for our strong family and community focus and our emphasis on student‑driven learning and discovery. Our large campus includes significant site amenities, but the building’s deep setback from 27th Street and traditional brick‑and‑stone façade result in limited visibility and no clear display of the school’s educational identity. Multiple entrances, limited exterior wayfinding signs, and dated interior finishes, lighting, and flooring limit the school’s ability to create a warm, welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors.
Through collaboration with stakeholders, community members, students, and staff, MPS identified priorities and planned key improvements. These include:
- Significant exterior improvements: New signage, enhanced site lighting, new fencing, and replacement of tot-lot surfacing
- New flooring in corridors, gymnasium, cafeteria, and classrooms
- New lighting and improved acoustics in corridors, library, gymnasium and art room
- Major improvements to the appearance of common spaces: An enhanced color scheme, new murals, enhanced display areas, and new coat storage solutions
- Miscellaneous other work: Replacement of chalkboards with markerboards, plus the replacement of outdated sinks in restrooms
“The improvements represent more than updated facilities—they reflect our commitment to providing every child with a school they are proud to call their own. The renovated gym, refreshed art room, and beautifully redesigned hallways with color-coded wayfinding will create spaces where students feel inspired, families feel welcomed, and staff feel energized.”
Design of the project is complete, and final construction documents have been prepared. Work will be happening this summer with the goal of having all work complete by September in time for the start of the 2026–27 school year.