Facts and Stats
Community High School (CHS) is located on Milwaukee’s NorthWest Side at 6700 N. 80th St. Milwaukee, WI 53223.
Community High School is one of 14 small charter high schools. Community High school is teacher led. There are two teacher leaders. Community High School’s enrollment is 250. The graduation rate of CHS is above 90%. 80% of the graduates attend a four year college, 10% attend a 2 year college, and the rest enter the workforce.
The school year consists of 4 quarters, each nine weeks long. Exams are given two times yearly. The first semester ends prior to winter break in December and the second semester and the school year ends early to mid June. Quarters are separated by 2.5 week intersessions. Students may elect to take credit recovery or enrichment courses and staff may elect to undergo professional development or collaborative planning over the intersessions.
The school’s faculty possess unique and relevant skills that enhance their instructional and leadership styles. The faculty have worn numerous hats in their collective pasts; soldier, business owner, art therapist, artist, plumber, social worker, probation officer, mental health counselor, college basketball coach, chemist, DJ and nurse. Time spent in the other professions provides the instructors with a unique perspective about the expectations facing the student body upon graduation. Despite their considerable real world experience the faculty values and models lifelong learning. 50% of the CHS staff has obtained Masters Degrees in education.
Community High School offers a full slate of athletic options. Students can play basketball, swimming, baseball, track, volleyball and golf.
Community High School graduates win more than $100,000 in merit and academic scholarships yearly. The average graduating class is 35 students. The small size of the senior class affords each student a personal college advising experience. Students receive one on one financial aid counseling from industry professionals. Students who pursue college preparatory course work score an average of 22 or higher on the ACT. Students who choose a less rigorous course of study earn a score of 18.
Community High School REQUIRES students to participate in service learning activities one day per week from 1-3pm. This service is part of the school day and failure to attend without medical excuse is equivalent to truancy. Service learning sites are assigned on the basis of maturity and ability. Freshmen participate in service learning activities on site for the first two quarters. Upperclassmen are assigned to building based placement or at more than one of 75 sites across the metro Milwaukee area.
Students must successfully complete a writing portfolio. Students are enrolled in the class their junior year. All essays must receive a score of proficient in order for the student to pass the class. Seniors must also take senior seminar and senior literature. Freshmen and sophomores are expected to read at least 700 pages per semester and pass the Renaissance Reading test associated with the respective books.