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GreatSchools Rating

Milwaukee German Immersion School

Public | PK-5 | 614 students

We are best known for German Immersion program.
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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67 reviews of this school


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Posted October 3, 2011

My son is in 4K and knows so much after just a month! They are so great with the kids and it is amazing how fast they learn things...and in German!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 14, 2011

My son completed K4- Grade 5 at MGIS and now my daughter is in Grade 2. We love MGIS! The teachers are great! They are kind and caring and the school feels like home. The student test scores are simply amazing. The soar head and shoulders above MPS, State and National averages + the students are bilingual! The programs such as family Fun Night; KinderKino; Rollerskating Night; MultiCultural Night; Christmas Bazaar and others make the school year fun! The German School program (MGIS + MSL) are supported through the German Immersion Foundation. The Foundation has an annual fundraiser dinner and auction which is a great deal of fun for the parents and supporters of the language program. The language program is rigorous and not for everyone. Our neighbors children needed to change to another school as their son and daughter were struggling. This is one thing parents need to know going in - it takes alot of parent involvement to help your children excel at MGIS. We have found that our language skills also improve. The school offers a basic parent language course for new parents and it helps. MGIS is another hidden jewel within MPS and has been a great success for over 25 years.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 21, 2011

My child is in her first year at MGIS and we love it. The teachers are very professional and compassionate, and the expectations of the student are high. I am so impressed with the test scores and the high parent involvement. There are always family activities or community events being held. My child not only will be bilingual, but is also experiencing the culture. I honestly cannot day enough good things about MGIS. I truly feel we have hit the lottery by finding this hidden gem.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 6, 2010

The staff is wonderful and my kindergartner is now bilingual. Truly a special school with great teachers, high parental involvement and a challenging curriculum. My son loves his school and so do I.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 13, 2010

What an amazing education opportunity! This school is wonderful...a school with incredibly involved parents and PTA and teachers that are extremely committed to education and pouring the German language into our children. I couldn't speak any more highly of our school! Just phenominal!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 19, 2009

I went to school here myself, and am now one of five almuni staff members. We all thought it was worth keeping this program going.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted October 19, 2009

The number one elementary school in the city and in the state. Students, teachers, staff, administration, and parents all know why they are there and work toward the same goal.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 12, 2009

our kids get a great education all while learning to speak a new language....the parents are great at the school too!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 11, 2009

Wonderful lessons and discipline taught by wonderful teachers. This school is an absolute gem of a public school in a not so stable school district.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 11, 2009

My daughter just started 4K this fall at MGIS and after only 2 weeks of school she's already singing songs at home in German. We're very impressed with the parent involvement at the school - it really makes a big difference in the education process!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

Great staff, students, and parents
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

Love the idea that my daughter will be bi-lingual. Awesome teachers
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

At this school children are involved 100% and engaged. They learn so much. It has everything a private school has but with more fun activities for the children. My son says is the best school ever!!!! My son used to go to a Catholic Private school, and he was never as happy. He really enjoys learning there and going everyday @ shcool... It is the best option. It was a wonderful decision to give it a try...
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

Caring and wonderful teachers providing a bi-lingual and multicultural experience.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

We actually use the 220 to bring our kids into Milwaukee from the suburbs to go to MGIS. Originally we brought our kids here for the language, it has become much more than that. The Structure the teachers provide is much like a private school. There is so much family interaction at this school everyone knows our kids by name. We are thankful our kids are having this experience.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

All three of my children have attended MGIS since K-4. The school has a great atmosphere, great teachers and staff. I couldn't have sent my kids to a better school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

Great sense of community, best German immersion curriculum in the country. And tuition free!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

We love German Immersion. Both of our boys are getting a great education. It has great parent involvement and some of the best teachers out there. Why else would all the parents from the 'burbs want to 220 their kids into MPS?!?
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

MGIS is a unique school. The parent involvement and culture of caring and high achievement make us proud to be a part of such a wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2009

Our school is wonderful, and we have amazing families that help make our school so very special!
—Submitted by a teacher


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

79 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
84%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

79 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
90%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Language Arts

The state average for Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
96%
Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2012.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
91%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 83% in 2012.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
95%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2012.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
95%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 93% in 2012.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
99%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
97%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students92%
Female93%
Male89%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin100%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%

Reading

All Students92%
Female93%
Male92%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin97%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

The different student groups are identified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group. Subgroup scores for each school are only reported for students who were enrolled as of the fall enrollment count. The All students score includes results for all students who took the test, regardless of when they first enrolled in the school.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Language Arts

All Students84%
Female89%
Male78%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin94%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English84%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant84%

Math

All Students88%
Female89%
Male88%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin96%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English88%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%

Reading

All Students93%
Female94%
Male91%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin98%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%

Science

All Students87%
Female89%
Male84%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin92%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English87%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant87%

Social Studies

All Students94%
Female98%
Male91%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin100%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

The different student groups are identified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group. Subgroup scores for each school are only reported for students who were enrolled as of the fall enrollment count. The All students score includes results for all students who took the test, regardless of when they first enrolled in the school.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students90%
Female96%
Male78%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin95%
Economically disadvantaged72%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Students with disabilities17%
Non-disabled98%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%

Reading

All Students86%
Female88%
Male83%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin91%
Economically disadvantaged61%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Students with disabilities17%
Non-disabled95%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant86%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

The different student groups are identified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group. Subgroup scores for each school are only reported for students who were enrolled as of the fall enrollment count. The All students score includes results for all students who took the test, regardless of when they first enrolled in the school.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
7 / 10
Climate rating
9 / 10

This school's GreatSchools Rating is based on academics (90%) and climate (10%). The academic rating measures students' test scores, academic growth and college readiness. The climate rating measures safety, cleanliness, parent involvement and more.

Learn more about our methodology

What is the new GreatSchools Rating?

Rating legend
Below
average
Average
Above
average

Our rating (from 1 to 10) reflects a school's overall performance. The higher the rating, the more likely the school will prepare your child for the future, so choose an above-average school (8-10) if possible. For average schools (4-7), do careful research and look for evidence that the school has high-quality programs. For below-average schools (1-3), take caution; a low-performing school may not provide the instruction or environment your child needs to learn, and you may need to supplement classroom lessons at home.

Academic rating

The academic rating is made up of equally-weighted parts: students' test scores, their academic growth (for elementary and middle schools) and their readiness for college (for high schools). The graphs below compare this school's results in each area to other schools in the city and state.
Overall academic rating

7

Average

Test score rating 2012*
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Learn more about this school's test scores »

Student growth rating 2012**
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This school
Reading growth
Average
Math growth
Average

*Test scores are based on the 2012 WSAS results from the state of Wisconsin.

**The academic growth rating measures how schools affect student test score improvement over time in reading and math. This data is from 2012 and is provided by the Value-Added Research Center and Milwaukee Public Schools. Private school growth data is not included in the rating because it is not comparable with public school results.

Climate ratings

This rating encompasses five elements of school climate: safety and cleanliness, respect and relationships, expectations for students, teacher collaboration and support, and parent involvement. This school's climate ratings are the result of GreatSchools' analysis of teacher survey data from the Spring 2012 School Climate Survey developed by Milwaukee Public Schools.

Overall climate rating

9

Above average
Based on 18 teacher
responses

We rated schools on …



Keeping things safe, clean, and orderly.

This rating evaluates a school's environment, based on its safety, order, cleanliness and more. More highly rated schools have well-kept facilities and a safe environment conducive to learning. Schools rated poorly may have a chaotic environment, conflicts among students or even theft or violence.


Creating healthy, respectful relationships.

This rating measures whether the school has a positive learning environment and cultivates an atmosphere of respect. At a school with a higher rating, it's more likely that the school's culture celebrates hard work and learning, students treat their peers and teachers with respect and class lessons reinforce character strengths such as kindness and tolerance. A school with a lower rating may have a weaker learning environment or allow disrespectful behavior.


Promoting high academic expectations for all students.

This rating sheds light on the academic expectations that teachers have for students. At a school with a higher rating, educators are more likely to stress academic success, ask kids to work hard and expect kids to be college-bound. At schools with lower ratings, it may be more acceptable for students to put in average or minimal effort, perform poorly on tests and lack strong academic goals.


Supporting its teachers.

This rating indicates how teachers feel about their school's professional environment. At a highly rated school, teachers are more likely to work well together, learn from one another, have opportunities for professional development and feel supported by the administration. At a school with lower ratings, teachers may not interact much, feel appreciated or have much input in school decisions and policies.


Informing and including families.

This rating reflects how much communication parents can expect from this school. A highly rated school is more likely to have regular communication (e.g. newsletters, emails, and meetings) between administrators, teachers and parents. This may include information about student progress, homework help and volunteer opportunities. At lower-rated schools, parents may not get regular updates and may feel less welcome at school.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White, not Hispanic 74% 74%
Black, not Hispanic 21% 10%
Hispanic 3% 10%
Asian 2% 4%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 1% 1%
Multiracial 0% 2%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander N/A 0%
Source: WI Dept. of Public Instruction, 2011-2012

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Limited English proficient 0%N/A6%
Disabled students 6%N/A14%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 28%N/A39%
Source: WI Dept. of Public Instruction, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 21N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Special education coordinator
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff German
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Autism
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Orthopedic impairments
  • Other health impairments
  • Significant developmental delay
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator

Arts & music

Music
  • Band
  • Instrumental music lessons

Language learning

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Foreign languages
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered
  • German
Foreign languages taught
  • German
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • German

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 9:10
School end time
  • 3:50
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school
  • After school
School Leader's name
  • Dr. Albert Brugger
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Age at which early childhood or Pre-K program begins
  • 4 years old
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (414) 393-5615

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • None
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Foreign languages
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • German
Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Autism
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Orthopedic impairments
  • Other health impairments
  • Significant developmental delay
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Foreign languages taught
  • German
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Special education coordinator
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • German
Extra learning resources offered
  • None
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Citywide
School facilities
  • Cafeteria
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • None
Music
  • Band
  • Instrumental music lessons
Performing arts
  • None
Media arts
  • None
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Neither uniforms nor dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Join PTO/PTA
More from this school
  • MGIS offers a safe, small-town atmosphere with high parent involvement. The PTA sponsors many low cost or no cost family cultural and recreational activities in the evenings, with free childcare during meetings. Our &#34Parent to Parent Committee&#34 pairs up new parents with veteran parents, and our Monday Morning Workgroup brings parents together to assist with classroom projects in our Parent Center. Since few parents are fluent in German, the PTA offers evening classes in beginning German. Each child receives three free RIF books per year through PTA funding. This year the PTA will offer a Parent Workshop with many guest speakers on a variety of topics.
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
Apply now
 

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Milwaukee School of Languages
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3778 N 82nd St
Milwaukee, WI 53222
Website: Click here
Phone: (414) 393-5600

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