Mission & Philosophy
Mission: Knowledge plus character pave the road to college and beyond.
Founded in 1997, Milwaukee College Prep is a leading network of four K4-8th grade public charter schools that every child in Milwaukee is eligible to attend free of charge. This year we added K3 to one of our campuses — we know that high quality early childhood education can be transformational when done right. We now provide K3 programming to 100 young scholars at our MCP: Lola Rowe North Campus
No matter the age or the campus, MCP schools live our mission; “knowledge plus character pave the road to college and beyond.” Milwaukee College Prep is absolutely determined to provide equal parts academic rigor and character development so that our scholars have the foundation necessary to determine their own destinies.
Milwaukee College Prep opened as a rigorous elementary school in a city that sorely needed high performing schools. Today, responding to the continued urgent need for uncompromising schools, we have grown to a four-campus network with schools deliberately situated in Milwaukee’s most underserved neighborhoods, educating 2,000 children. We have managed our growth without diluting our effectiveness. In fact, we have seen the reverse, cementing our belief that a rising tide lifts all boats.
Admission at Milwaukee College Prep is based on a blind lottery regardless of prior academic record, conduct, or socioeconomic background. Milwaukee College Prep scholars represent the huge potential of thousands of Milwaukee children just like them. Every day, our scholars prove that Milwaukee need not be home to one of the nation’s largest race-based opportunity gaps.
Philosophy: It all begins with great teaching
We absolutely believe, and research supports, that an uncompromising K-8 education taught by an exceptional team of teachers is the difference between dreams realized and dreams denied. If a child can’t read, problem-solve, draw inferences, think critically, be self-disciplined and self-determined, that child will not realize his or her dreams…he or she won’t even come close. Having determined, loving, master teachers in every classroom makes the difference.
Milwaukee College Prep’s belief that children do not fail, schools do, places the bulk of that responsibility squarely on our teachers’ shoulders. Recognizing this, we are committed to putting the best possible teacher in front of every classroom every day and providing that teacher with quality ongoing support and feedback in an environment where great teaching flourishes.
Collaboration: Reaching beyond our own classrooms
We want to create a revolution in education, but we can’t do it alone. Our ultimate goal is for every child in Milwaukee to receive an uncompromising education. We owe it to them and to ourselves. Our nearly 2,000 scholars benefit directly, but our reach is far greater. We have become a model school welcoming nearly 2,000 teachers and administrators annually to learn techniques, strategies and philosophies that can be replicated in their own schools.
Milwaukee College Prep is proud to be ranked by Charity Navigator as a four-star nonprofit organization.
MCP received a score of 96% for Accountability & Finance. This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health—financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness—and its commitment to governance practices and policies.