A school leader in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

School choice is founded on providing low-income families with educational options without worrying about the financial burden that often comes with attending private schools. Cross Trainers Academy (CTA), part of the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, is a prime example of this. First opened in 2006, CTA’s mission is to provide a Christ-centered education to at-risk children on Milwaukee’s north side. Several of the school’s families have been served by the Rescue Mission in some capacity, emphasizing the community’s desire for an affordable Christian schooling option.

Don Galster, Administrator and Director of CTA, says he often hears the school environment described as safe, structured, and organized. With small class sizes, the teachers can provide students with more individual attention and create a personalized learning experience for students who might otherwise be required to attend a less safe and more crowded neighborhood school without this option. CTA is also committed to providing students with vocational programming that helps open doors to post-graduation opportunities. Recently, the school was able to purchase career exploration software that introduces high schoolers to a range of jobs/careers they may have never considered before.

Mr. Galster highlights the growth of the school’s culture through recently added extracurricular activities. Just in the past few years, CTA established an athletic program for students interested in running cross country, playing basketball, and more. Last year, they hosted their first prom. School spirit is crucial in any educational environment, especially for at-risk students to feel hope for success.