Counselors help students chart a personalized path to graduation day and family support helps them stay on track.
All courses of study are aligned to Common Core State Standards that set goals for what students learn at each grade level. For a complete list of the district’s high school programs, courses, and graduation requirements, review the MPS High School Programs and Graduation Requirements guide.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Sponsored by the College Board and taught by Washington teachers, Advanced Placement courses give students the chance to tackle advanced content and earn college credit. AP courses at Washington may include computer science, English, and psychology.
Career and Technical Education
Students can earn high school and college credit, develop trade and technical skills, and participate in internships and apprenticeships before they graduate. Washington scholars can choose from our school’s Information Technology or Hospitality and Tourism career academies.
Career Academies
Students interested in the information technology or hospitality professions can enroll in NAF Academies at Washington, 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, Washington graduates with NAF experience have a competitive edge in applying for college, scholarships, and jobs.
NAF – Academy of Information Technology
This academy shapes the next generation of information technology professionals. Hands-on experiences and career-centered courses allow students to explore graphic and game design, web and mobile app development, and cybersecurity. Students develop a knowledge base and skills that prepare them for exciting college and career opportunities in this rapidly growing field.
NAF – Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
Career-centered courses and hands-on activities allow students to explore the principles and communication practices behind successful hospitality and tourism operations, the culinary arts, and more. Desserts are included. Students develop a knowledge base and skills that prepare them for exciting college and career opportunities in this rapidly growing field.
Internships
Washington students who participate in an MPS internship are employed for a specific period of time to learn about a particular industry or occupation. Many students choose an internship affiliated with one of our two career academies.
School-to-Work Transition Program
For three decades, the MPS School-to-Work Transition Program (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.
Youth Apprenticeship Program
Learning a trade and earning a paycheck are among the benefits of this longstanding program for junior and senior students who alternate classes at Washington with trade apprenticeships. Each student is paired with a mentor who is a journeyman in a student’s chosen trade. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeships are popular among Washington students.
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 Recovery
Students who earn a “U” or “D” in a core course may use this district-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. Washington educators with advanced degrees may be approved to teach Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) or University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) courses at Washington. Students may even attend classes on the MATC or UW-Milwaukee campus.
Early College Credit
Wisconsin high schoolers can take one or more courses at an institution of higher education.
M3 College Connections Program
Start College Now
Wisconsin high schoolers can take one or more courses at a two-year or technical college.
Electives
Students can fulfill graduation and college entrance requirements while gaining new insight and knowledge in elective courses. Washington electives may include visual or culinary arts, graphic design, drawing, and Spanish.