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GreatSchools Rating

Whitman School

Public | PK-6 | 286 students

We are best known for academic excellence.
Last modified
Community Rating

2 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

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Parent involvement

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9 reviews of this school


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Posted July 9, 2012

There was a time I would have given this school 5+ stars but last year they failed me and my son. He gets bullied and then gets punished because of that. I have tried to switch schools but unfortunatly I don't see it happening this year. I would research other schools before you choose whitman.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 26, 2010

friendly staff, high standards, lots of artwork displayed, parent communication, activities outside of school day...all at Whitman!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 23, 2010

I am pleased that despite all of the cuts in our district budget Whitman continues to thrive and be a leader among other elementary schools. Our staff is excellent and they push our students to be the best that they can be, academically and personally. Our test scores are above the state average and you can tell by just walking down the halls and observing the classrooms that the teachers love their job. What a great school for Milwaukee!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 2, 2009

I am so proud of whitman my children have learned alot. the teachers are great ,the principal is also great she calls the parent back on time or the following day and that is just wonderful with us. keep up the good work. the bullying needs somework on it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 31, 2009

I feel like Whitman is academically challenging my children, but in a supportive environment. When you walk in, you can tell immediately that the staff cares about 'their' kids. They focus on all of the fundamentals children need, including manners and respect. How you behave is as important as what you learn. I was just beginning to think citizenship was a thing of the past in schools...Then I found Whitman.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 8, 2009

I love this school. My son loves it. Everyone is very open to discussion. They consistanly rank high in testing. All of the teachers and aides know the students by name. It is a great example of a school that works.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 1, 2008

bullying,unsatisfactory tachers,and lack of results from principle.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 10, 2007

My wife and I researched four schools on the southside of Milwaukee. Mr. Rehl was the only principal that gave us a personal tour. After greeting us, he walked us out into the hallway and immediately turned around. He said, 'This is my school. If you come in to see me, 95% of the time you will find me in this hallway. I can keep an eye on my entire school from here.' Mr. Rehl's statement told me two things. First, he takes personal pride in his school. Second, he takes a personal interest in the students. The tour verified my observation. A student in the hall came up to Mr. Rehl and asked him to read a story he had written. Mr. Rehl excused himself and quickly read the story. The fact that he put the student ahead of us confirmed my belief that this was the right school for us!
—Submitted by Mark Peterson, a parent


Posted October 25, 2004

Forget all the bad things that you hear about MPS. Just walking into this school you get the 'vibe' that it is warm, open and nurturing. From the principal Mr Rehl on down to the lunch lady all are accessible, open and obviously love their work. My daughter has been there for 3 years and I can imagine a better school.
—Submitted by Cynthia Kuhl, 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.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
81%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
81%
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.

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
53%
Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2012.

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
69%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 83% in 2012.

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
66%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2012.

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
72%
Social Studies

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

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
81%
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.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
65%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
77%
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.

17 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
59%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

17 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
53%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
91%
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 Students57%
Female50%
Male63%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin68%
Economically disadvantaged47%
Not economically disadvantaged78%
Students with disabilities30%
Non-disabled75%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English57%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant57%

Reading

All Students65%
Female60%
Male69%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin74%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Not economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilities40%
Non-disabled81%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English65%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant65%
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 Students56%
Female58%
Male55%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic56%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin57%
Economically disadvantaged52%
Not economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disabilities0%
Non-disabled71%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English56%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrantn/a

Math

All Students70%
Female58%
Male80%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic78%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin71%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disabilities0%
Non-disabled87%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English70%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrantn/a

Reading

All Students69%
Female64%
Male75%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic56%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin72%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilities13%
Non-disabled84%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English69%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrantn/a

Science

All Students67%
Female58%
Male75%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic56%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin67%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged58%
Students with disabilities0%
Non-disabled84%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English67%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrantn/a

Social Studies

All Students82%
Female74%
Male90%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic67%
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin86%
Economically disadvantaged85%
Not economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilities25%
Non-disabled97%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English82%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrantn/a
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 Students55%
Female60%
Male50%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin75%
Economically disadvantaged46%
Not economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English55%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant55%

Reading

All Students60%
Female50%
Male70%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin67%
Economically disadvantaged54%
Not economically disadvantaged72%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English60%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant60%
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 Students42%
Female44%
Male40%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin40%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities13%
Non-disabled64%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English42%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant42%

Reading

All Students53%
Female78%
Male30%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic origin60%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities13%
Non-disabled82%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English53%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant53%
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
4 / 10
Climate rating
6 / 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?

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Above
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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

4

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

6

Average
Based on 16 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 51% 74%
Hispanic 24% 10%
Black, not Hispanic 16% 10%
Asian 5% 4%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 3% 1%
Multiracial 1% 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 22%N/A14%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 72%N/A39%
Source: WI Dept. of Public Instruction, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

School leader's name Sally J Schumacher
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • MPS Mosaic School (2009)
  • MPS Mosaic School (2008)
  • MPS Mosaic School (2007)

Special education / special needs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Special education
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
  • Hearing impairments
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Other health impairments
  • Significant developmental delay
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
  • Visual impairments

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
Clubs
  • Yoga club
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:45
School end time
  • 2:25
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school
  • After school
School Leader's name
  • Patricia Cifax
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Age at which early childhood or Pre-K program begins
  • 4 years old
Is there an application process?
  • No
Fax number
  • (414) 604-7715

Programs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Special education
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
  • Hearing impairments
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Other health impairments
  • Significant developmental delay
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
  • Visual impairments
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • None

Resources

Transportation provided for students by the school / district
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer
  • Library
  • Parent center
  • Playground
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Flag football
  • Soccer
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Flag football
  • Soccer
  • Softball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Girl scouts
  • Student council/government
  • Yoga club
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Neither uniforms nor dress code
Parent involvement
  • We have a pto and parents receive a regular newsletter indicating opportunties available for volunteers.
School leaders can update this information here.

Visit

Be sure to visit

Take along one of
our checklists:
Preschool
Elementary school


 

How to apply

Does this school have an application or enrollment process?
 

No

Planning Ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Audubon Middle School
Wedgewood Park International School
Greenfield Middle School
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

4200 S 54th St
Milwaukee, WI 53220
Website: Click here
Phone: (414) 604-7700

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