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GreatSchools Rating

Advanced Language & Academic Studies - (ALAS)

Charter | 9-12 | 243 students

We are best known for bilingual and AP programs.
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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6 reviews of this school


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Posted July 23, 2009

I love the school. The teachers are amazing, they respect you but there is always that feeling of friendship. They make you feel like you are part of a big family, they make you feel like alas is your second home! anyone who is willing to follow their rules and treat others the way they want to be treated will say the same... The classes are great, the teachers are always finding a way to make it even more interesting. If you are having any trouble they are always there for you to help in any way they can. You can always give your opinion without ever being ignored... That's great because that's how a school that really cares about your education should make you fell.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 22, 2009

This school is an awesome school especially if spanish is your dominant language. It will prepare you for college and real life as well.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 12, 2009

I am an ESL student that came to this country with goals and dreams, one of those dreams was finishing high school successfully and atteding to college. ALAS high school prepared me for college and helped me reach my goals.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 7, 2009

I m a former teacher of ALAS high school who can attest to what many will confirm, ALAS high school has some of the most dedicated and outstanding teachers one can find. Looking back now, and in my third year as a teacher, I realize that I was amongst the best and truly miss those days. As far as the students at ALAS are concerned----- I can tell you that if you are willing to give as much as these teachers at ALAS give their students, the students will work many times for you even when they are not willing to work for themselves. Great place to teach if you heart is in. Great place to be a student if you want to be accepted for who you are and want a teacher who will not give up on you. Paul Lambert Social Studies/ELL Instructor
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted March 31, 2008

This is one of the best small chater schools in milwaukee, there is brotherhood relationship with the students and thge staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 21, 2007

I was a former student of the teachers before they opened Alas High School. I can personally say that anyone who thinks of attending Alas is a fortunate student. The teachers act professionally while teaching their subject but they make learning fun. They are open minded teachers who are always looking for a new way to make their students interested in what they are learning. At Alas High School students don't only get an 8 hour teacher, they get a 24/7 friend. As a former student I can assure anyone that you can always count on them for anything, school or non-school related. The teachers are always encouraging students to bring their parents to their activities and conferences. At Alas, students as well as parents will feel a comfortable, academic and safe environment.
—Submitted by Irma Medrano, a former student


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.

Grade level

Language Arts

The state average for Language Arts was 73% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
19%

2011

 
 
28%

2010

 
 
28%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
23%

2011

 
 
19%

2010

 
 
32%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
19%

2011

 
 
32%

2010

 
 
32%
Science

The state average for Science was 75% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
19%

2011

 
 
21%

2010

 
 
30%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 78% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
25%

2011

 
 
32%

2010

 
 
26%
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

All Students19%
Female24%
Male15%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged20%
Not economically disadvantaged13%
Students with disabilities0%
Non-disabled24%
English learners3%
Proficient in English50%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant19%

Math

All Students23%
Female24%
Male22%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged25%
Not economically disadvantaged13%
Students with disabilities0%
Non-disabled30%
English learners3%
Proficient in English63%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant23%

Reading

All Students19%
Female24%
Male14%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged20%
Not economically disadvantaged13%
Students with disabilities0%
Non-disabled24%
English learners0%
Proficient in English57%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant19%

Science

All Students19%
Female19%
Male19%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged20%
Not economically disadvantaged13%
Students with disabilities0%
Non-disabled24%
English learners0%
Proficient in English56%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant19%

Social Studies

All Students25%
Female29%
Male23%
Black, not of Hispanic originn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White, not of Hispanic originn/a
Economically disadvantaged28%
Not economically disadvantaged13%
Students with disabilities0%
Non-disabled33%
English learners9%
Proficient in English56%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant25%
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
1 / 10
Climate rating
2 / 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
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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

1

Below 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 »

College readiness rating 2011***
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This school
Percent of 12th graders taking ACT: 84%
Average Composite ACT score: 15

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

***This rating is based on composite ACT scores for all 12th graders in 2011. This rating takes into account how many students took the ACT, giving more credit to schools with a higher percentage of graduates taking the ACT exam. The ACT data is provided by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

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

2

Below average
Based on 9 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
Hispanic 95% 10%
Black, not Hispanic 4% 10%
White, not Hispanic 1% 74%
American Indian/Alaskan Native N/A 1%
Asian N/A 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 65%N/A6%
Disabled students 17%N/A14%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 56%N/A39%
Source: WI Dept. of Public Instruction, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

School leader's name Marisol Alvarado Patten
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching

Language learning

Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered
  • Spanish
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many languages and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program school-wide for at least 25% of our population

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Advanced placement courses
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:30 am
School end time
  • 2:40 pm
School Leader's name
  • Marisol Alvarado Patten
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Advanced placement courses
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

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

Don't understand these terms?
  • Spanish
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many languages and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program school-wide for at least 25% of our population

Resources

Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Citywide
School facilities
  • Computer
  • Library
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Student council/government
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.

 
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971 W Windlake Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53204
Website: Click here
Phone: (414) 902-7300

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