Compare International Schools in Milwaukee, United states

Instructs in French, English

Ages 4 - 11 years

Pupils 426

Type Co-educational

Milwaukee French Immersion School (MFIS) is a public elementary school within Milwaukee Public Schools serving students in K4 through fifth grade. The program uses French as the primary language of instruction, with English taught to achieve bilingual proficiency by the end of fifth grade. The American curriculum is delivered with technology integrated in every classroom, and students read, write, and speak in both languages. The school day runs from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 2360 N. 52nd Street. MFIS emphasizes global citizenship and intercultural competence through its United Nations Schools of International Learning program for older students, and many graduates continue in middle and high school at Milwaukee School of Languages. Founded in 1978 and housed in its building since 2004, MFIS is recognized by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs with LabelFrancÉducation. The Milwaukee French Immersion Foundation supports language programs and community involvement, including Camp MFIS after school.

Location

2360 N. 52nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53210. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, MFIS is part of the Milwaukee Public Schools district. It serves K4–5th Grade.

Stages

K4–5th Grade

Type

Public elementary school in Milwaukee Public Schools; language immersion with French as the primary language of instruction.

Additional learning support

Special education services are provided by MPS with a team including special education teachers, a school social worker, a school psychologist, a school support teacher, and administration.

Country affiliation

United States

School day structure

School hours are 9:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Camp MFIS offers before-school care from 7:00 to 9:15 a.m. and after-school care from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Application fees

- There is no general application fee to enroll resident students in Milwaukee French Immersion School (K4–5).
- Nonresident students seeking permission to attend the district may be assessed an out-of-district tuition and must follow the district's nonresident enrollment procedures; tuition and related billing for nonresident students are handled by the district business office under Board policy.

Tuition fees (by year group and term)

- Resident students (K4 through 5th grade): No tuition is charged for attendance; K4–5 enrollment is handled through Milwaukee Public Schools enrollment procedures. There is no per-term or per-year tuition for resident students.
- Nonresident students (if approved for attendance): An out-of-district tuition is assessed at the Board-approved rate. The district sets the out-of-district tuition annually and bills accordingly; tuition for nonresident enrollments may be prorated if enrollment begins during the school year. Specific numeric tuition rates for out-of-district students are set by the Board and billed by the Business Office.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- For district-assessed charges (for example, out-of-district tuition), billing and payment terms are administered by the district Business Office and follow Board-established schedules; billing for nonresident arrangements is performed in advance of the school year by the Business Office. Tuition for mid-year starts is billed on a prorated basis.
- Before- and after-school program (Camp MFIS) registrations require submission of the printed registration and payment to the Camp Director or Site Coordinator; parents are responsible for maintaining current account balances for camp services. Payment options for the camp program include in-person payment by check or money order or online payment as described in the program registration materials.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. Milwaukee French Immersion School is an elementary K4–5 neighborhood school operating standard daytime hours (no residential or boarding provision).

Other costs and typical additional fees

- Before- and after-school care (Camp MFIS): The program operates on school days with morning and afternoon sessions; the program charges rates for child-care services and accepts Wisconsin Shares authorizations where eligible (provider and location numbers are published for subsidy processing). Families may be charged for before/after care attendance.
- Occasional or program-specific charges: The school and its family/parent organizations may request nominal or event-specific payments for activities such as field trips, class activities, special in-school programs, PTA or foundation events, and voluntary fundraising drives. Payment requests and amounts for such items are communicated by the school or parent organizations at the time of the activity.
- Supplies, materials, and event fees: Families should expect typical elementary-school costs for items such as classroom supplies, field-trip admissions, after-school activity fees, yearbooks, or similar optional items when these are offered; payment methods vary by item and program.

Refund information

- Refunds and cancellations for before/after-school camp enrollment follow the program's registration and payment agreement terms; parents are required to review and sign the registration/payment agreement for the child-care camp which sets the payment and refund expectations. For district-assessed tuition (nonresident placements), tuition is billed according to district policy and prorating rules apply when placement begins mid-year.

Fee payment options

- Before/after-school camp payments: accepted methods include check or money order delivered to the Camp Director or Site Coordinator and online payment options available through the camp's registration portal; families with subsidy eligibility may use Wisconsin Shares for child-care payments.
- District billing (nonresident tuition and Board-assessed charges): these are managed through the district Business Office and standard district billing channels; families use the district's parent/account portals and Business Office instructions for payment. The school links to district parent portals for account and enrollment management.

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Curriculum

Welcome to Milwaukee French Immersion School (MFIS), where students think, problem-solve, and prepare for their future in two languages, and proudly think of themselves as global citizens. The school day is conducted primarily in French. Faculty follow state academic standards while teaching math, literacy, social studies, and other subjects in French. Technology is integrated in every classroom, and students read, write, and speak English and French proficiently by the end of fifth grade. Older students develop critical thinking, research, and presentation skills through our United Nations Schools of International Learning program, and graduates find success in middle and high school programs such as Milwaukee School of Languages.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates continue in the district's International Baccalaureate and language programs in middle and high school, such as Milwaukee School of Languages, before pursuing college or career.

Gifted and Talented

Older students develop critical thinking, research, and presentation skills through the United Nations Schools of International Learning program.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is used to promote positive student behavior with a three-tiered approach that includes universal, targeted, and intensive supports. The program aims to establish consistent expectations across classrooms to improve student outcomes. Danceworks Mad Hot Rhythm engages students in movement to boost self-confidence, creativity, and teamwork. The school partners with programs like Junior Achievement to develop leadership, financial literacy, and civic skills in an authentic, collaborative context. A culture of global awareness and collaboration is reinforced through arts, international programs, and cross-cultural learning experiences.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, hearing, learning, physical, speech, and vision disabilities. The school's special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, school support teacher, and administration work together to meet students' needs. If you think your child has special education needs, ask your child's teacher or principal for an evaluation, or call the district for general questions about special education.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Reading and language development are a school-wide focus in both English and French. Teachers, parents, and volunteers share a school-wide commitment to helping students achieve reading proficiency in English and French. Formal English literacy instruction begins in second grade. English literacy is taught within the 90:10 dual-language immersion model, with French taught as the primary language of instruction. Students have access to bilingual resources and English literacy instruction alongside French literacy throughout K4–5.

Mental Wellbeing

PBIS promotes positive behavior through a three-tier framework intended to improve school climate and student well-being. The school also has a school social worker and a school psychologist who collaborate with teachers and families to support students' well-being. PBIS data-driven interventions help tailor supports for students needing more help, contributing to a safer and more supportive learning environment. Arts, cultural programs, and partnerships further reinforce social-emotional development and connectedness.

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Milwaukee German Immersion School

Instructs in German, English

Ages 4 - 11 years

Pupils 549

Type Co-educational

Milwaukee German Immersion School is a public elementary program located at 3778 N. 82nd Street in Milwaukee. It offers an American curriculum with German-first immersion, Wisconsin's first language immersion program since 1977. German is used to teach almost all subjects, including math, science, and social studies, supporting bilingualism for all learners. By the end of fifth grade, students read, write, and speak German and English fluently. The school serves K4–5, with a daily schedule from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and KinderCamp before and after school. Its facilities include a Library Media Center and a range of extracurriculars such as Art Club, Chess, Choir and Dance Club, and the Green Team. MGIS has a long history in Milwaukee, earned a National Blue Ribbon Award in 1994, and joined PASCH in 2016. Family engagement is supported through a PTA and School Engagement Council, fostering partnerships with staff and the community today.

Location

MGIS is located at 3778 N. 82nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53222. It is part of Milwaukee Public Schools. The campus serves students in grades K4–5.

Stages

K4–5th Grade

Type

Public elementary school (immersion)

Country affiliation

United States

School day structure

School Hours: 9:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Uniform Requirement

opted out of the district uniform policy

Food Options

Breakfast and lunch are provided to all students at no charge each day.

Governance and Ownership

MGIS is a public elementary school within Milwaukee Public Schools. The German Immersion Foundation (GIF), a nonprofit founded by MGIS parents in 2001, supports MGIS programs; MGIS families participate in the School Engagement Council (SEC) and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

Application fees

- There is no application fee to enroll as a resident student at Milwaukee German Immersion School (grades K4–5).

Tuition fees by year group

- K4 through Grade 5 (all year groups served by MGIS): No tuition is charged for enrolled resident students; public elementary instruction is provided without a tuition charge. Nonresident students who attend through Wisconsin's public open-enrollment process are not charged tuition by parents but may be subject to the same incidental fees that resident pupils pay.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- District instruction and regular school attendance: No regular tuition billing applies for K4–5 students; there is no annual or per-term tuition billing for resident pupils.

- Before- and after-school child-care (KinderCamp) and other optional programs: These programs are fee-based and billed separately from school attendance. Rates, registration fees, billing schedules and payment deadlines are set by Milwaukee Recreation or the lead partner agency operating the specific site; families are billed according to the program operator's schedule (for example, registration and program fees or seasonal session fees). Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy is accepted for approved families where applicable. Contact the KinderCamp program or site coordinator for the exact rate, billing cycle, and payment deadlines for the MGIS site.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- There are no boarding or residential program fees for Milwaukee German Immersion School; MGIS is a day elementary school (K4–5) and does not provide boarding.

Other costs and fees

- School supplies: Families are expected to provide standard K–8 school supplies according to the district supply list; this is an out-of-pocket cost that varies by family and retailer. The district uses a common K–8 supply list for required items.

- Optional/extra-curricular activity fees and field-trip charges: The school or partner organizations may charge fees for optional activities, field trips, clubs, or special events. These are billed separately and vary by activity and year.

- Before/after care and summer camps (KinderCamp): Program fees apply for before- and/or after-school child-care and for summer camps; some sites or lead agencies may charge registration fees or per-session fees. Approved families may use Wisconsin Shares to subsidize qualifying child-care costs.

- Fundraising, membership, and voluntary contributions: The German Immersion Foundation and PTA support the program through donations, membership and fundraising; these are voluntary and separate from any compulsory school fee. Membership levels and donation opportunities exist for families who choose to participate.

Refund information

- General school tuition: Not applicable for resident K4–5 school enrollment.

- Optional programs (KinderCamp / partner-operated programs): Refund, cancellation and credit policies are determined by the program operator (Milwaukee Recreation or the lead agency). Refund rules (for example, whether fees are refundable, refundable only with notice, or non-refundable) and any penalties for late cancellation are set by that operator and will be stated in the program registration terms.

Fee payment options

- Regular school attendance: There is no recurring tuition payment for resident students. Incidental school fees (for optional activities) are typically payable through the district- or school-designated payment methods.

- KinderCamp and partner-operated programs: Payment methods and options vary by operator and site. Programs commonly offer online registration and electronic payment methods and may offer payment plans or multiple payment methods; Wisconsin Shares subsidy is accepted where families qualify. Exact accepted payment types (for example, credit/debit card, ACH or check) are set by the program operator.

Summary of practical points for parents

- Resident K4–5 enrollment at Milwaukee German Immersion School carries no application fee or tuition charge.
- Optional care (KinderCamp), enrichment programs, clubs or field trips do have fees; those fees are separate from school tuition, set by the program operator, and may be eligible for Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy.

Curriculum

MGIS uses German-first immersion and is Wisconsin's first language immersion program since 1977. German is used to teach almost all subjects, including math, science, and social studies. The early immersion approach supports bilingualism for all learners. Students read, write, and speak German and English fluently by the end of fifth grade.

Exam Results

The school earns four stars on the state report card.

Higher Education Progression

MGIS educates all students for success in higher education, careers, and responsible citizenship.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school focuses on students' personal and social well-being alongside academic success and provides resources to support emotional expression, such as the Meet Little Monster Coloring and Activity Book.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

MGIS notes that MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, physical, emotional, learning, hearing, vision, and speech disabilities; if a child has special education needs, an evaluation can be requested through the child's teacher or principal.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school teaches almost all subjects in German, including math, science, and social studies, with English-language instruction starting in the second grade.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through the focus on personal and social well-being and through student support resources.

Safeguarding

Safety is a top priority; MGIS maintains visitor procedures that require advance scheduling, using the main entrance, presenting identification, signing in/out, wearing a visitor pass, and being escorted to the requested location.

Admissions

Our inclusive, international, and diverse learning community welcomes new students in younger grades. Families of K4 to first-grade students can follow the MPS Online Enrollment process to request a seat for their child. Students enrolling in grades two through five require prior German-language experience. If MGIS has more applicants than open seats, a computer lottery selects students; those not assigned to MGIS during the lottery will be placed on a waiting list for the upcoming year. The enrollment timeline designates February as the enrollment period for MPS kindergarten programs, with updates posted on the school and district websites. If a family misses the enrollment deadline, MGIS accepts applications through August and does not offer mid-year admissions. Families living outside Milwaukee may apply but must complete both the MPS Online Enrollment process and the Department of Public Instruction open enrollment process. Tours are offered as Night Tours once or twice a year for prospective parents and students; check the visit page for details.

Waitlist

Students not assigned to MGIS during the computer lottery are placed on a waiting list for the upcoming year.

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Compare International Schools in Milwaukee, United states

Location

Stages

Type

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

School day structure

Boarding Arrangements

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Higher Education Progression

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Admissions

Location

Stages

Type

Country affiliation

School day structure

Uniform Requirement

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Exam Results

Higher Education Progression

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Waitlist

Filters

Currency

Annual fees

Children's Ages

Curriculum offered

Brand

Preschool

Primary

Secondary

Pre-University

National Curriculums

Other Approaches

Language of instruction