Milwaukee Academy of Science: Accessibility, Achievement, and Advancement
Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS) is a public charter school with a mission to provide high-quality education, particularly in STEM fields, to students in Milwaukee. Understanding the financial commitment involved in education is crucial for families considering MAS. While specific tuition fees are not applicable due to its charter status, understanding the costs associated with private education in the region provides a valuable context. This article delves into MAS's rankings, performance, expansion, and the broader landscape of educational investment in Milwaukee, offering a comprehensive overview for prospective students and families.
Academic Standing and Performance
Milwaukee Academy of Science is ranked #12,257 in the National Rankings. Within Wisconsin, it holds the #335 position among high schools and ranks #56 in the Milwaukee, WI Metro Area High Schools. Notably, it is also ranked #1,180 among Charter High Schools. These rankings are based on several factors, including student performance on state-required tests, graduation rates, and college preparation. U.S. News & World Report calculates these values based on student performance on state-required tests and internationally available exams on college-level coursework (AP® and IB exams).
Subject Proficiency
Wisconsin administered the ACT to high school students. The school's performance is evaluated against U.S. News & World Report expectations.
Underserved Student Performance
This metric assesses proficiency on state exams among typically underperforming subgroups. At Milwaukee Academy of Science, 2.5% of underserved students are proficient, compared to 6.7% of non-underserved students. The gap between the school and state averages among underserved students is -17.9%.
College-Ready Student Performance
College readiness is assessed through student participation and performance on AP® exams. Approximately 34% of 12th-grade students at MAS took at least one AP® exam. However, 0% of the 12th-grade class scored 3 or higher on an exam, and correspondingly, 0% of exam takers in the 12th-grade class scored 3 or higher.
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Graduation Rate
The graduation rate at Milwaukee Academy of Science is 87%, which is below the state median.
Expansion and Accessibility
Founded in 2000 by T. Michael Bolger, with the goal of addressing an achievement gap in the health sciences, MAS began as a K-8 school with 780 students. Emphasizing STEM education and building pathways for students to pursue careers in Milwaukee’s health care sector through its curriculum, partnerships with local employers, and a board of directors comprised of local health care and post-secondary education leaders, MAS grew quickly.
To address a growing waiting list, MAS expanded to a second facility, increasing its capacity by 600 seats. “Every child deserves a high-quality neighborhood school, and there are too many children in this city whose life outcomes are impacted because they don’t have access to that," says MAS CEO Anthony McHenry. The expansion to the new 24th Street Campus, which will exclusively serve K4-8 students once it reaches full capacity, has continued a steady expansion that has necessitated several facilities projects since the school opened on a 5.96-acre, former hospital campus. Then, with a ballooning waiting list and no ability to enroll additional students, MAS used a $3.5 million loan from IFF in 2021 to complete renovations to the third floor of the tower and to build a gymnasium adjacent to the facility that enabled the school to increase enrollment capacity by 255 students.
Transportation
MAS provides bus transportation to students, regardless of where they live in the City of Milwaukee, which aids in student retention.
The Value of Education and Alternative Options
Investing in education is a significant decision for families. While Milwaukee Academy of Science does not have tuition fees, understanding the costs associated with private education in Milwaukee provides a comparative perspective.
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Private School Costs in Milwaukee
The average private school tuition in Milwaukee, WI, is $8,726 for elementary schools and $15,258 for high schools. The average acceptance rate in Milwaukee, WI, is 88%.
University School of Milwaukee (USM)
University School of Milwaukee is considered by some to be the best investment you can make in your child's future, and, on average, they spend three times the amount that other Milwaukee-area schools spend per child to educate their students. USM's tuition assistance budget is funded by donations from alumni, parents, teachers, staff, and other community members.
Chesterton Academy of Milwaukee
Chesterton Academy is committed to offering an outstanding high school education at an affordable cost to families. Their current tuition is $10,550 per student. Parents/guardians are eligible for a maximum Wisconsin state income tax deduction of $10,000 per child in grades 9-12 for eligible payments made during the calendar year, regardless of income. Tuition assistance is available to families who apply and qualify, utilizing the services of TADS to allocate fairly their limited aid dollars.
Milwaukee Academy of Science Success Stories
In a recent year, 59 seniors from Milwaukee Academy of Science accepted their high school diplomas at Marquette University’s Varsity Theatre. Every member of MAS’ class of 2024 had been accepted to college and secured more than $4.3 million in scholarships to fund their post-secondary education.
Future Plans for MAS
MAS is in the early stages of planning for another renovation of the tower at its main campus that would add 20,000 square feet of flexible space on the fourth floor. “We’re going to continue to expand so that we’re able to serve more students, and to offer additional programs and resources that create opportunities for them to thrive in school and in life," says McHenry.
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