Walt Whitman School (Whitman) is a neighborhood school residing within the boundaries of the Milwaukee Hamilton High School Transportation District, and serves approximately 360 K4 (Early Childhood) through 8th grade students in the Learning Community 3 of Milwaukee Public Schools.
Over the past several years Whitman has steadily maintained or improved student achievement as measured by the State and District standardized testing.
We are MEETING the state expectations on the WI DPI (Dept. of Public Instruction) School Report Card with a combined score of 65.5%. Our Closing Gaps scores in reading and math were 38.6%, our Post-Secondary Readiness is rated at 69.5%, and our Student Growth is at 72.7%.
Test Results
The staff at Walt Whitman is dedicated to helping students achieve at their highest levels. This is demonstrated by the improvements of the students that have spent at least one full year at the school. These Whitman students continue to score at or above the district averages and exceed the state average in several academic areas at all grade levels. Students that are proficient in all areas receive special recognition for their accomplishments. Whitman has attained “High Value Added” scores for the last several years.
Special Programs
We offer Band from grades 5th – 8th and Piano for grades 6th – 8th.
We provide educational services for a variety of students with special needs. We also provide early childhood special education services (ages 3-6).
We continue to offer Art, Music, PE, Library and Guidance programs.
Special Services
We currently do not have a CAMP Program. We hope to reinstate it soon.
Walt Whitman provides extended day services for those families that are in need of before and after school care. Camp Whitman is open from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM on all school days. After school tutoring and homework help is available upon request. Whitman, along with the Recreation Department and the YMCA, offers several after school activities.
Parental Involvement
Parental involvement is critical to a student’s development. Walt Whitman staff have developed several activities to increase opportunities for students and parents to be involved in the school community. The parents at Whitman have an active PTO and there are opportunities for parents to serve on the School Engagement Council.
Staff Development
Whitman School’s budget provides money for staff members to attend activities which will improve their teaching skills. Staff are also encouraged to sign up for in-services offered through MPS on the PDA. Whitman has a district Instructional Coach and a Learning Team, which both help the Whitman Staff become a learning community. Through our Whitman Professional Learning Community, our staff continues to develop and grow stronger through collaboration and an emphasis on creating a professional environment driven to see our students achieve more and succeed with MPS.