Positive Updates from Local Schools

By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist
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A number of exciting school expansion and construction projects are taking place across Milwaukee. A few are highlighted below. Look for more news about K-12 education in the next edition of Milwaukee Commerce. 
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Tenor Journal Square High School

Tenor Journal Square High School, operating under the nonprofit organization Seeds of Health, Inc., will begin phase two of a four-phase renovation project in January 2025. 
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Tenor’s curriculum is built upon a “3+1” dual certification model. Students complete their high school credits in three years and spend their fourth year in attendance at Milwaukee Area Technical College. The four-phase renovation project will grow Tenor’s student body from 300 to 500 students by the 2027-28 school year, expanding student access to this innovative education model. 

Seeds of Health completed phase one in Fall 2023, opening a STEM-based Innovation Lab on the North building’s ground floor. During phase two, the organization plans to renovate the North building’s second floor and expand the cafeteria, creating space for an additional 50 students by the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. This phase will also include the addition of a student-run coffee café. 
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Tenor High School exterior

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Phase three is anticipated to be completed by the start of the 2026-27 school year, and phase four by the 2027-28 school year, each phase accommodating an additional 75 students.
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Carmen Schools of Science and Technology

​Carmen Schools of Science and Technology, a public charter school network that offers K4-12 education to over 2,000 students across Milwaukee, announced in August its $4.5 million purchase of the former Wheaton Franciscan site at 2005 W. Oklahoma. 
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Still in the initial planning stages, Carmen leaders aim to construct a school that accommodates up to 1,100 Carmen students and houses state-of-the-art learning, arts and athletic spaces. 
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“We take great pride in developing students who are college bound, career ready and community engaged. There is a tremendous need for more high-quality education options in Milwaukee. We are proud to be part of the solution for 17 years and are laying the foundation to accomplish even more. ​Our planned new facility represents a major step to enhance our educational experience. We are thrilled by the overwhelming support we have received. With continued investment, we can do even more. We welcome anyone who wants to find out more to reach out to us,” said Carmen Schools Board Chair Ivan Gamboa. ​
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Carmen leaders are excited to design and construct a space that aligns with the input of students, staff members and the community. The new school is projected to open by Fall 2026.
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Ronald Wilson Reagan College Preparatory High School
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Reagan expansion lab sinks

Leaders at Milwaukee Public Schools’ Reagan High School, on the city’s south side, are excited to announce the completion of a $20 million expansion project. The new academic and athletic spaces align with Reagan’s mission of encouraging student development and postsecondary preparation. 

​The building’s added wing is home to four science rooms, including an aquaponics lab. This space supports the exploration of STEM-related career fields.
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Student athletes now have dedicated spaces for training and competing. The athletic complex includes tennis courts, a new gymnasium, a fitness center, an artificial turf field and a soccer field. 
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The school’s expansion was funded in large part by federal pandemic-relief funds. Additional fundraising efforts and MPS resources helped Reagan meet its $20 million goal.
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“The new space reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing student learning environments and expanding opportunities for our school community,” said Reagan Principal Mike Roemer.