Transition High School supports at-risk students through a flexible academic program that leads to graduation and long-term success.
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.
Alternative Education Pathways
Students at Transition can choose to participate in one of three pathways to earn a high school diploma:
Self-paced Edgenuity coursework to recover credits
Students independently work on unfinished courses to earn credits and graduate from high school. They’re able to complete individualized coursework in English, math, science, social studies, and world languages. While this learning takes place on the computer via Edgenuity (Imagine Learning), students are supported in person by MPS teachers.
GED Option #2: GED exams to earn credit
Competency-Based Learning: Project-based learning completion to earn credit
Students who are 17 years old and demonstrate a reading level below ninth grade can participate in competency-based learning. These project/activity-based courses allow students to show proficiency and earn credit at their own pace to complete graduation requirements.
To learn more about these three pathways, contact our school’s counseling department or the district’s Office of Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO).
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
Transition students who participate in an MPS internship are employed for a specific period to learn about a particular industry or occupation.
School-to-Work Transition Program
Youth Apprenticeship Program
Learning Experiences
We offer mental wellness activities and social-emotional lessons to help students develop discipline, focus, and responsibility. Students also participate in integrated, community-based, culturally relevant learning opportunities. These vary from year to year and can include field trips as well as visits from community organizations.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
To promote positive student behavior and improve learning, MPS uses a system of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
PBIS is a three-tiered approach that begins by teaching expectations and encouraging collaboration and consistency in classrooms. Teachers and students co-design agreements and routines that align with three districtwide expectations: “Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.” For students who need more support, higher tiers offer structure, interventions, and follow-up to address specific concerns.
After years of use, MPS and other districts across the country are reporting higher student achievement, improved school environments, and fewer classroom disruptions and student suspensions.
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.
Testing
Testing to qualify for alternative education programs is managed by the Extended Learning Opportunities Office. All testing is determined at the time of enrollment. Please contact 088@milwaukee.k12.wi.us for more information.