Washington Campus, 3rd Fl. 2525 North Sherman Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53210 School Office 414-875-6112 School Hours 8:35 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Home About WHS of Expeditionary Learning Administration Calendar Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions    1. What is the Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning?   The Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning is one of eight new small Milwaukee Public Schools’ high schools, which opened to students in September 2005.  Using the expeditionary method, the staff focuses on building students’ fundamental knowledge of a subject through experiments, hands-on learning experiences, field trips, or “expeditions,” and community outreach.     2. Where is the school located?   Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning is located at 2525 North Sherman Boulevard on the third floor of the building that formerly housed Washington High School, which is now designated the Washington campus.  Expeditionary students enter at the south entrance of the building.  The building also houses two other small high schools on the other floors.     3. Which grade levels will the school serve?  Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning is enrolling students in grades nine through 12.     4. Will there be transportation to the school?  Students who live outside the high school attendance area will receive bus passes for transportation, except in situations in which an Individual Education Plan (IEP) calls for door-to-door transportation for a student with a disability.  If this need is determined, arrangements will be made for such service.     5. What kind of students will attend the school?  Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning will enroll a diverse group of high school students who are interested in hands-on learning, a reading focus, and community involvement.  The goals of the school are to increase attendance and graduation rates, grow students as productive citizens and encourage them to go on to higher levels of education upon graduation.    6. Will Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning serve students with special education needs?  Yes.  All of the teachers and staff have experience working with students in special education.  Our small school setting will allow the teachers and staff to devote more time and energy to meeting the needs of all of our students.    7. Where does the school get its funding?   The school is a Milwaukee Public Schools’ high school which the district funds.  The school has received planning grants from Technical Assistance & Leadership Center (TALC) New Vision and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.  Our administrators have applied to various foundations and organizations for other grants and additional financial support.    8. Will families have to pay tuition?   No. The school is free for Milwaukee Public School students and participating Chapter 220 and Open Enrollment students.    9. If I enroll my child, do you assure me that the school will be in existence in four years when my child needs to graduate?  The staff at Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning looks forward to graduating all of our students and we dedicate ourselves to meeting the needs of the students we serve.  Upon graduation, our students will have the academic background to prepare them for college or university and/or other opportunities after high school.    10. Are there security personnel assigned to the school?  The Washington campus has five safety assistants who surveil the entire building.   11. Who will teach at the school?  Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning has 15 certified teachers, a full-time school guidance counselor, special education teachers, a full-time secretary and group of professional mentors and volunteers who all value diversity and cherish students as learners.    12. Does the school use a traditional curriculum?  Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning will provide students with traditional courses, such as Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and English.  Students will learn some of the traditional curriculum through experiences outside of the classroom, internships and service learning opportunities.    13. Will the school offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses?  Advanced Placement courses are available at Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning this year in the subject areas of English and Social Studies.     14. What electives will the school offer?  Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning is offering elective classes based on students’ interests in Dance, Spanish, and Physical Education.     15. How will the school help students to transition from high school to work or college?  Our staff commits to assist students in learning about opportunities that exist for them upon graduation.  Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning is developing relationships with local businesses, colleges, universities, trade school and training programs.  For example, United Water provides internships for our students.   16. Does the school have its own sports teams?  Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning will partner with the other two high schools housed on the Washington campus to create joint sports teams.    17. What about extracurricular programs, such as school band or forensics?  At Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning, we have built a club and activity period into the weekly schedule.  Our students will help to determine which activities to offer based on their interests and goals.  Our students have expressed interests in activities, such as choir, forensics, and a dance team.     18. Will student transcripts from the school be accepted at a college or university?  Yes. Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning follows Milwaukee Public School requirements for graduation and ensures that students have courses and transcripts to meet their needs for acceptance at a college or university.    19. What kind of involvement do we expect for a parent or guardian?  We encourage parents and guardians to get involved at Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning in many ways.  We provide opportunities for them to participate in the School Governance Council, attend weekly community meetings and become parent volunteers and supporters.  The most important things parents may do for their children at Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning are to ensure that their children get to school every day on time and regularly encourage the value of education and learning.    20. How do we apply?  To apply to Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning, students will need to submit a completed Milwaukee Public School “Student Assignment Form 1.”  You may find this form in the office of any Milwaukee Public School or at Central Office, 5225 West Vliet Street in the Office of Student Services, Room 133.  Return this form to Central Office or to Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning.  You may contact the school at (414) 875-6112.   Additional Contact Information:  Mr. Greg Ogunbowale, Assistant Principal, Washington High School of Expeditionary Learning……………………………………………… (414) 875-5906  Mr. Marty Lexmond, Strategic Planning & Community Outreach, Milwaukee Public Schools……………………………………………………………(414) 475-8005