High standards start in weekly planning sessions that connect teachers across grade levels and subjects to review lessons and share strategies that support every child’s academic progress. Collaborative planning leads to collaborative teaching as special and general education faculty work together in classrooms.

“Not only do special education and regular education teachers plan together, but they create individualized instruction for all students,” explains Westside Academy Principal Renee Drane.

All Milwaukee Public Schools implement the Ambitious Instruction Plan and Common Core State Standards.

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.

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 masters reading, writing, and math skills in ways that are meaningful to their individual life and experiences. Our staff works together to understand each learner, find appropriate ways to assess and improve their progress, and make sure that students can apply what they have learned in productive ways in school and in their community.

Math and STEM Achievement

Our school uses district-wide standards and assessments in every grade. We strive to develop skills and confidence in math to prepare students for middle school. Many of our students attend the Westside Academy after-school program, where math and STEM opportunities like coding classes, math enrichment, and homework assistance reinforce classroom lessons.

Reading/Language Arts Achievement

Reading has always been a priority at Westside Academy. Through our Comprehensive Literacy Plan, students from K4 through fifth grade receive reading, writing, and oral language instruction for 90 minutes a day. Older students are encouraged to become reading buddies in school and on their own time. Many of our students attend the Westside Academy after-school program, where reading enrichment, homework help, and family literacy nights help students become proficient readers.

Art, Music, Physical Education

Westside Academy specialist teachers provide weekly art, music, and physical education classes. Specialist teachers create engaging lessons and activities so students can demonstrate new academic knowledge and skills, express their creativity, and move their minds and bodies.

Special Education

More than 18 percent of Westside Academy students receive special education accommodations or support. The school’s special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, school support teacher, 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, or learn more about Specialized Services.