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GreatSchools Rating

Milwaukee French Immersion School

Public | PK-5 | 427 students

We are best known for instruction in French.
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 8 ratings
2012:
Based on 12 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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33 reviews of this school


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Posted May 26, 2010

Milwaukee French Immersion School has a strong teacher and family base community. the principal has strong leadership and hands-on abilities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 24, 2010

My daughter is currently in 4K at MFIS and she loves going to school and learning French. I went to this school when I was in school and am so glad that she is receiving the same high quality education that I did when I was a kid.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 13, 2009

I have two children that attend MFIS. My kids love the school and are very happy with both the level of parental involvement and the dedication of the teachers. My first grader is already beginning to speak and read French. I love the location and the ability to participate in school events.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 3, 2009

My daughter became fluent in a foreign language while aquiring a world view and great academic skills. She was able to visit France and communicate with the French family and their community members when she was 10 years old. This has shaped her world view.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 3, 2009

I too love MFIS I'm so glad it came to the north side of town the atmosphere is wonderful, all the teachers are nice, I feel like all the parents are involved with their children's education. I can't rave enough!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 5, 2008

I love MFIS, and think that sending my son there is one of the best things I could have done to jumpstart a life of enjoyment in learning. Small classroom sizes, strong parent-teacher relationships and the amount of time that the teachers put into each of the children as individuals is wonderful. I highly recommend the program at MFIS.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 11, 2008

This is a great school! My daughter started in k4 and is now in 2nd grade at the Lycee Francais de Chicago. She was able to jump right in with kids from several diffrent French speaking countries and hold her own. I give alot of credit to the increddible teachers and staff of MFIS. Merci beaucoup MFIS
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 15, 2008

I have two children at Milwaukee French Immersion and have been so lucky to have found this school. The staff really cares about children and their families. I am also amazed at how well my children speak and read French. I cannot wait for them to take the 5th grade trip to France.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 22, 2005

Our son loves Milwaukee French Immersion, We as parents also love it, beacuse the teachers are Great! and learning another language, especially a difficult one is made fun for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 6, 2005

I cannot say enough about this school! A friend who attended the school many years ago (He's now 28) recommended the program to me. The teachers really have a passion for what they do and the children can feel it. This is one of the most diverse schools in the area and far surpasses my expectations. My daughter loves going to school every day. This is her second year and I can't imagine sending her anywhere else. I definitely recommend it to any parent who values diversity and wants to broaden their child's future opportunities. The school is now located at 2360 N 52nd Street so it's easily assessible no matter where you live in the city.
—Submitted by Naimah A., a parent


Posted October 13, 2004

I have 2 children in the Milw. French program and couldn't be more pleased with their academic progress or the program itself. I have third child entering K4 in Fall of 2005 and already she's geared up and ready to go to school with her brothers and is already speaking some French. The leadership and quality of teaching staff at French Immersion are second to none. They are direct, fair and caring which are qualities that aren't easy to come by in today's society.
—Submitted by Tami L. Riedijk, a parent


Posted July 22, 2004

This is a terrific program! Our son started in K4 and is now entering 4th grade. He has become very fluent in French but also reads in English way above his grade level. The language training was very important to us, as we wanted our son to have a more 'global perspective' than most American kids. MFIS has a 'small school' feel to it, where the staff know all the children, making both them and the parents feel more comfortable. We're really looking forward to the 2004-05 school year, when the program relocates to a new school site (52nd and North Ave.) which will make it far more accesible for parents throughout the city.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 23, 2004

I am so glad that my child attends this school, They have a great staff and my son just loves school.
—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.

37 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
55%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

37 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
78%
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.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
88%
Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
69%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 83% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
86%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
83%
Social Studies

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

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
98%
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.

42 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
86%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

42 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
100%

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

Math

All Students52%
Female59%
Male40%
Black, not of Hispanic origin29%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged29%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabled52%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English52%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant52%

Reading

All Students79%
Female73%
Male86%
Black, not of Hispanic origin71%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabled79%
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English79%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant79%
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 Students88%
Female92%
Male85%
Black, not of Hispanic origin82%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged75%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English88%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%

Math

All Students66%
Female71%
Male60%
Black, not of Hispanic origin50%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged50%
Not economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English66%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant66%

Reading

All Students87%
Female92%
Male80%
Black, not of Hispanic origin73%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English87%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant87%

Science

All Students80%
Female75%
Male85%
Black, not of Hispanic origin68%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged75%
Not economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English80%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant80%

Social Studies

All Students98%
Female100%
Male95%
Black, not of Hispanic origin95%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
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 Students73%
Female71%
Male81%
Black, not of Hispanic origin71%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged60%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabledn/a
English learnersn/a
Proficient in English73%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant73%

Reading

All Students90%
Female90%
Male91%
Black, not of Hispanic origin89%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged84%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
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

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
7 / 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

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
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 8 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
Black, not Hispanic 65% 10%
White, not Hispanic 28% 74%
Asian 4% 4%
Hispanic 3% 10%
Multiracial 1% 2%
American Indian/Alaskan Native N/A 1%
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 62%N/A39%
Source: WI Dept. of Public Instruction, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 16N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
PE instructor(s)
School psychologist
School social worker/counselors(s)
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by school staff French
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Mosaic (2007)
  • Mosaic (2006)
  • Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition (2009)

Special education / special needs

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
  • Other health impairments
  • Significant developmental delay
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Robotics club

Arts & music

School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Music
  • Instrumental music lessons
Performing and written arts
  • Dance

Language learning

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Foreign languages
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered
  • French
Foreign languages taught
  • French
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
School facilities
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
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: starts at 7:00 a.m.
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Virginia McFadden
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) 874-8415

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Immersion
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?
  • French
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
  • Other health impairments
  • Significant developmental delay
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Foreign languages taught
  • French
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)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
Extra learning resources offered
  • Tutoring
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Buses/vans for students only
  • Citywide
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • None
Girls sports
  • None

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • None
Music
  • Instrumental music lessons
Performing arts
  • Dance
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Girl scouts
  • Robotics club
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
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
School colors
  • blue, white, red
School mascot
  • Cocorico (Rooster)
More from this school
  • The Milwaukee French Immersion School is family-oriented. We have some students who are children of former students. In addition, we currenly have three teachers who attended Milwaukee French Immersion. Most staff members have sent their own children to our school. MFIS is one of the best kept secrets in Milwaukee. Thinking Globally, Learning Locally is key to our success.
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!

2360 N 52nd St
Milwaukee, WI 53210
Website: Click here
Phone: (414) 874-8400

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