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RISE: Recognizing Inspiring Schools and Educators
RISE: Recognizing Inspiring Schools and Educators
Every day, schools and educators are taking extraordinary steps to ensure that their students are educated to the fullest, despite their circumstances. These school leaders set examples for all to follow. Often, however, their efforts are unsung. Here is where we give these leaders the spotlight they deserve.
A school leader in Milwaukee, WI
The concept of a neighborhood school is often tied to public school systems. However, private schools also embody this approach. While walking the halls of Mount Calvary Lutheran School in Milwaukee, a sense of community is palpable. Principal Dr. Trenae Howard greets students by name, a nod to her dedication to establishing relationships with the…
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A principal in Sheboygan, WI
Recent data from standardized test scores and state report cards have proven the effectiveness of Wisconsin choice schools compared to their public counterparts. Families deserve the right to select a school that will further their children’s academic growth, and financial status or zip codes should not deter this success. It is no coincidence that choice…
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A school leader from Menomonie, WI
The number of schools in the choice program has steadily increased over the last several years. There are currently 403 schools participating in one or more of the programs, and this number is set to increase for the 2025-26 school year. One thing is clear: parents are seeking private educational options for their families at…
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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…
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A school leader in Mount Pleasant, WI
Many people associate private schools with being religiously affiliated; however, there are secular schools in the Private School Parental Choice program. One such school is EverGreen Academy, comprised of two campuses with over 400 total students. Hillary Huck, the school’s Director of Operations, reports that enrollment at EverGreen has little (if anything) to do with…
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In Service and Commitment, GRACE’s Doors Remain Open
When you’re dedicated to service, sometimes you must take risks to serve your community best. Ahead of the start of their 2020-21 school year, The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) System had to decide whether they would take just such a risk. At the time, the Green Bay Area Public School District had decided…
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Celebrating Cultures, Connecting a Community at St. Thomas More Catholic School
“It was challenging for quite a while.” As in every other school, Green Bay’s St. Thomas More Catholic School met a new set of challenges when the coronavirus spread to their area. “The staff really came together and did everything they could” to serve the kids, says Principal Jamie Froh Tyrrell, who joined the team…
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New Testament Christian Academy STOPs COVID Learning Loss in its Tracks
When Wisconsin’s schools were first ordered to shut down to prevent the spread of COVID-19, New Testament Christian Academy Director Renee Johnson says “We prayed.” Little did they know how incredibly their prayers would be answered. New Testament Christian Academy is a private K4-8 school of 157 students with a campus on Bradley Road in…
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Those Who RISE to the Challenge
The coronavirus was brand new and spreading fast on March 18, 2020. On that day, out of an abundance of caution, Governor Tony Evers ordered all Wisconsin schools closed until April 6, 2020. What was meant to only last a few weeks continued to keep many Wisconsin schools closed to in-person education for over a…
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