Milwaukee schools face stark disparities in graduation rates

In a recent discussion regarding the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) system, significant disparities in educational access and outcomes were highlighted, particularly at the high school level. The conversation centered around the selective enrollment criteria that govern access to certain high-performing schools, which has led to stark inequities among students.

Larry Miller, a former principal and board president, noted that MPS effectively operates two distinct districts: one that selectively admits students based on criteria such as attendance, report cards, and standardized test scores, and another that accepts all applicants. The schools that utilize selective criteria include Reagan International Baccalaureate (IB), Golda Meir School for Gifted and Talented, King IB, Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA), and Riverside University High School. Additionally, Milwaukee School of Languages imposes language proficiency requirements for enrollment.

These selective schools are among the most sought-after and highest-rated in Milwaukee, as evidenced by their performance on the 2022-23 state report cards. Graduation rates at these institutions are notably high, with Reagan at 98%, Golda at 96%, King at 93%, MHSA at 91%, Milwaukee School of Languages at 87%, and Riverside at 84%. In contrast, non-selective schools reported graduation rates ranging from 50% to approximately 66%.

Chronic absenteeism, defined as students missing more than 10% of school days, further exacerbates these disparities. The selective schools report chronic absenteeism rates of 17% at Reagan, 18% at Golda, 23% at Milwaukee School of Languages, 25% at King, and 44% at Riverside. Conversely, non-selective schools experience chronic absenteeism rates that can reach as high as 80%.

The meeting underscored the urgent need to address these inequities within the MPS system, as the current structure appears to favor students who meet specific criteria while leaving others at a disadvantage. The implications of these disparities are profound, affecting not only graduation rates but also the long-term educational and economic prospects for students in the Milwaukee area.