Many Milwaukee parents are dissatisfied with the educational options available in their neighborhoods, often forced to travel long distances to enroll their children in quality schools. Those with fewer resources struggle even more, as they must navigate a complex system with limited access to information about high-performing schools. This lack of awareness restricts parental choice, leading many to default to Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) before later seeking alternatives.
A recent poll by the Institute for Reforming Government, conducted by RMG Research, Inc., surveyed 542 Black and Hispanic parents from Milwaukee’s North and South Sides. The findings paint a troubling picture of school access, parental decision-making, and the long-term impact on the city.
Parents Are Traveling for Better Schools
The survey revealed that while 35% of parents prioritize strong academics and 15% value extracurriculars, 22% still prefer a school close to home. Unfortunately, few high-quality schools exist within many neighborhoods, forcing 85% of surveyed parents to send their children outside their communities. Nearly 29% of families travel over 15 minutes to get to school, adding stress and logistical challenges.
Low-Income Families Face Greater Struggles
Families with lower incomes have fewer choices due to a lack of information about high-performing schools. Those earning under $40,000 were significantly less likely to choose a school based on academics (27%) compared to families earning over $40,000 (43%). This leads to frequent school switching, instability for students, and a concentration of low-performing schools, particularly on Milwaukee’s North Side.
Lack of Awareness Limits Parental Choice
Even some of the best schools in Milwaukee suffer from low name recognition among parents. Over 38% of North Side respondents had never heard of Saint Marcus, and 34% of South Side respondents were unaware of Reagan High School. Nearly 50% lacked familiarity with highly regarded schools such as UCC, LUMIN, and ALBA. This knowledge gap prevents families from making informed decisions and keeps many trapped in underperforming schools.
Milwaukee Public Schools: The Default Choice
Despite dissatisfaction, MPS remains the starting point for most families. The poll found that 90% of parents who enrolled their first child in an MPS school continued sending all their children to MPS. However, only 75% of private school parents and 55% of charter school parents did the same, indicating that many families turn to alternative education options only after experiencing MPS firsthand.
Families Are Leaving Milwaukee for Better Opportunities
Perhaps the most concerning finding is that many parents do not envision a future for their children in Milwaukee. Only 32% of those surveyed want their children to settle in the city as adults, with an additional 20% open to Milwaukee County. Black and low-income parents were the most skeptical about staying, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with the city’s educational landscape.
What’s Next for Milwaukee’s Schools?
With Milwaukee projected to lose 20% of its school-age population by 2040, urgent action is needed. School leaders must adapt to meet parents’ needs, businesses must invest in quality education, and political leaders must help families identify and access the best schools. Without intervention, school closures will be widespread, causing further instability.
The message from parents is clear: Milwaukee needs better schools, closer to home, and it needs them now. The future of the city depends on it.