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Fernwood Montessori School

Public | PK-8 | 591 students

We are best known for environmental/green house ed.
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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24 reviews of this school


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Posted September 30, 2010

Montessori provides an excellent foundation that will provide the tools necessary to succeed in later on. My daughter went to a Montessori school prior to preschool and she was well-prepared for Kindergarten and first grade!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 23, 2009

Great teachers who really care about providing an education based on hands on learning, rather than teaching out of a text book. A very involved PTO as well. This is a great school in a district that has some trouble.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 23, 2009

My kids love going to school everyday! They have wonderful teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 22, 2009

Fernwood is playing an amazing part in teaching my kids how to be good members of society. I love the independence that Fernwood teaches my kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

The teachers & staff are very supporting, as well as Fernwood parents. My child has excelled above & beyond in subjects where most children at that age are just average.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

The teachers really care about the students and we have lots of parent involvement!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

I love our greenhouse that teaches the kids about sustainability. I appreciate the fact that I can talk to the teachers whenever I want or need to...and they are happy to do so. Along with academics, Fernwood also puts an emphasis on physical health, art and personal enrichment. I feel that my children will leave this school as well rounded individuals who can move on to high school with a greater awareness of the world around them.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

Our school takes pride in teaching our children to respect themselves, eachother and the earth.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

The students at Fernwood Montessori know how to critically think!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

Great school. Great teachers. Great kids. We are extremely lucky that this is our neighborhood school. Our son is a K4 and it has been so exciting to watch him grow and thrive in this environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

The students, parents and teachers all work amazingly well to make it a wonderful school. The students show so much pride in their school and the work they complete.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

My son loves school. He is able to make decisions about his learning and take responsibilty for it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

Great neighborhood school. Caring teachers and involved parents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 20, 2009

Fernwood Montessori School recognizes and respects the inherent worth, dignity and aptitude of each attending child. And the teachers all work together with parental support to nourish the children s inner selves while developing their love of learning and attaining a lifetime of skills. I LOVE this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 1, 2009

My son is in K4 and attends Fernwood Montessori School in Bay View. He LOVES school. Fernwood is an excellent school in that it has compassionate teachers who care about each child in the Montessori way. My son has learned so much in the first two years he has attended Fernwood; we are so happy that it is our neighborhood school!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 24, 2008

Great School. One of the few success stories in MPS. I am amazed daily at what my 4 year old is learning.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 21, 2008

My oldest is going into 5th grade and she has been attending Fernwood since K3. I am excited about my youngest daughter starting K3 this year. I absolutely love the Montessori program. My daughter has learned so much and I feel that once she moves on to high school and college she will due great thanks to the program. I have always been completed by my extended family on how brilliant she was and the things that she was learning. I truly believe in Montessori and those who do no feel this is a good program (and school) are those who do not understand and have no knowledge of Montessori.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 28, 2008

A fine school all around. The parental involvement is strong. The teachers are dedicated.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 19, 2008

I have four children at Fernwood, ranging from 5th grade to K3... my oldest child has been at Fernwood since she was in K5 when we moved to Bay View. I really love this school. My children are doing very well, and the teachers and staff are awesome. I would recommend to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 9, 2008

A wonderful neighborhood school, with very involved parents and teachers, and nearby international Montessori Institute where training of teachers happens. For a public school in a system that is not doing well, this is a shining light of success.
—Submitted by a parent


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.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
71%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
80%
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.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
83%
Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 83% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
85%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
88%
Social Studies

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

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
100%
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.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
80%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
86%
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 79% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
73%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
83%
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 82% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
81%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
89%

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 66% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
72%
Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
84%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
80%
Science

The state average for Science was 82% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
80%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 82% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
80%
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 Students89%
Female87%
Male91%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic86%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin94%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English89%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%

Reading

All Students90%
Female91%
Male91%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic86%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin94%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%
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 Students92%
Female91%
Male92%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin94%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities100%
Non-disabled91%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%

Math

All Students88%
Female87%
Male88%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin89%
Economically disadvantaged75%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities88%
Non-disabled88%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English88%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%

Reading

All Students89%
Female95%
Male84%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin86%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilities63%
Non-disabled96%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English89%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%

Science

All Students91%
Female95%
Male88%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin95%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities100%
Non-disabled90%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English91%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant91%

Social Studies

All Students98%
Female96%
Male100%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin98%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilities100%
Non-disabled98%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant98%
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 Students77%
Female71%
Male84%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin80%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Not economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilities80%
Non-disabled77%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant77%

Reading

All Students84%
Female79%
Male88%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin85%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Not economically disadvantaged87%
Students with disabilities50%
Non-disabled93%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant84%
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 Students83%
Female80%
Male86%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin90%
Economically disadvantaged55%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilities50%
Non-disabled94%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English83%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant83%

Reading

All Students93%
Female93%
Male93%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin94%
Economically disadvantaged89%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities80%
Non-disabled97%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
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%
Female95%
Male81%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin96%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%

Reading

All Students94%
Female95%
Male91%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin96%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
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

Language Arts

All Students92%
Female100%
Male80%
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 disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%

Math

All Students88%
Female93%
Male80%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin88%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%

Reading

All Students88%
Female100%
Male70%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin88%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%

Science

All Students88%
Female100%
Male70%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin88%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%

Social Studies

All Students96%
Female100%
Male90%
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 disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
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
8 / 10
Climate rating
7 / 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

8

Above 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
Above 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

7

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%
Hispanic 17% 10%
Black, not Hispanic 6% 10%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 2% 1%
Asian 2% 4%
Multiracial N/A 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 12%N/A14%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 22%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

School leader's name John A Sanchez
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • MOSAIC district status
  • New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition
  • New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition

Special education / special needs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Special education
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Other health impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Clubs
  • Gardening
  • Robotics club

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Visual arts
Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
  • Orchestra
Clubs
  • Student newspaper

Language learning

Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Gym
Clubs
  • Gardening
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:45 am
School end time
  • 2:30 pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school
  • After school
School Leader's name
  • John A. Sanchez
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Age at which early childhood or Pre-K program begins
  • 3 years old
Special schedule
  • Extended/longer school day
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (414) 294-1315

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Montessori
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Special ed
  • Special education
  • Special eduction
  • Visual arts
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Other health impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • None

Resources

Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
School facilities
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer
  • Garden
  • Gym
  • Library
  • Playground
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

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

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
  • Orchestra

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Boy scouts
  • Gardening
  • Girl scouts
  • Robotics club
  • Student newspaper
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Parent involvement
  • Fernwood has a very active pto and school governance council. numerous volunteers assist in classrooms, on field trips and with special school projects such as the weekly parent newsletter. community sponsors include alverno college, marquette university high school senior service project, growing power, outpost natural foods, junior achievement, teens who care, haggerty art museum, st. ann intergenerational center, neighborhood house and rosalie manor, artists working in education, ymca camps edwards and matawa.
More from this school
  • Monthly parent and family activities include our annual School Picnic, Harvest Dance, Multicultural Event, Parent Education sessions and student performances. These events are well attended and supported by parents and staff. A weekly newsletter and website provide information about school events and policies.
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
Rufus King IB High School
Riverside University High School
Ronald Regan IB High School
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3239 S Pennsylvania Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Website: Click here
Phone: (414) 294-1300

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