Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Future Starts Here at El Puente
El Puente High School has been dedicated to providing a nurturing educational environment since its founding in 1997. Our institution focuses on creating personalized learning experiences that prepare students for academic and life success through rigorous academics, community engagement, and innovative programs. We maintain strong partnerships with local organizations to offer unique opportunities like dual-enrollment college courses and hands-on STEM projects.Our teacher-powered model emphasizes individualized attention, with staff committed to building meaningful relationships that support each student's growth. Accredited by WRISA, we serve Milwaukee families through the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program while maintaining high academic standards aligned with state requirements.
Services
High School Education
Dual Enrollment Programs
STEM Projects
College Preparation
Community Partnerships
Special Education Support
After School Activities
Student Internships
Graduation Portfolio Program
Parent Engagement Services
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized learning through small class sizes and individualized attention
- Our teacher-powered model emphasizes staff autonomy and educational innovation
- We provide dual-enrollment opportunities with Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Our community partnerships create unique STEM and career development programs
- We maintain high academic standards aligned with Wisconsin Model Academic Standards
Associations and certifications
- WRISA
Services
High School Education
El Puente provides comprehensive high school education through a personalized curriculum meeting Wisconsin academic standards. Our small class sizes allow individualized attention while maintaining rigorous academic requirements. Students benefit from experienced teachers who focus on developing both academic skills and personal growth through real-world applications.
Dual Enrollment Programs
Juniors and seniors can earn college credits through Milwaukee Area Technical College while completing high school requirements. This program, supported by community partners, allows students to gain both high school and college credit simultaneously. The initiative helps prepare students for post-secondary education while reducing future college costs.
STEM Projects
Our partnership with All Hands Boatworks offers semester-long STEM projects where students build full-scale wooden boats. This unique program combines science, technology, engineering, art, and math through practical applications. Students develop technical skills while learning about career opportunities in STE(A)M fields and skilled trades.
College Preparation
We prepare students for college through comprehensive guidance counseling and portfolio development. Our senior portfolio program includes academic projects, presentations, and professional documents like resumes and cover letters. The curriculum emphasizes college application processes and financial aid opportunities through programs like Ford Driving Dreams.
Community Partnerships
We maintain strong relationships with Milwaukee organizations to enhance student experiences. Partnerships provide internships, volunteer opportunities, and special programs like Reality Check Day. These connections help students explore career paths and develop community engagement skills through real-world experiences.
People
Molly Imbrie
Co-Director
Molly Imbrie oversees guidance counseling and dual-enrollment programs at El Puente. With education degrees from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and administrative licensure from Saint Marys University, she transitioned from classroom teaching to leadership in 2021. She focuses on building strong family relationships within the school community.
Renee Morrow
Co-Director
Renee Morrow manages enrollment and special needs programs at El Puente. With a mathematics background and educational leadership degree from Cardinal Stritch University, she has served in various educational roles since 2002. She transitioned from math teaching to administration in 2019.
John Surges
Co-Founder/Science Teacher
John Surges, one of El Puente's co-founders, teaches science and art while overseeing building maintenance. With teaching experience since 1988 and degrees from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and University of Saint Marys, he has shaped the school's curriculum since its 1997 founding.
Julio Fuentes
IT Coordinator
Julio Fuentes manages technology needs and teaches computer programming at El Puente. With a computer science degree from Saint Norbert College and technical support experience since 2017, he joined El Puente in 2020. He focuses on problem-solving in a nonprofit educational setting.
Jacky Zaragoza
Student Support Specialist
Jacky Zaragoza provides comprehensive student support from admissions through graduation. With a psychology degree from University of Wisconsin-Parkside and masters in Educational Psychology, she joined El Puente after residential case management experience. She emphasizes student mental health and academic success.
Questions
How do I enroll my student at El Puente High School?
Parents must complete the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program application during designated enrollment periods. Required documents include tax returns, proof of residency, and previous school transcripts.
What are the graduation requirements?
Students must complete 22 credits including 4 years of English, 3 years each of math, science, and social studies, plus electives and a senior portfolio presentation.
Does El Puente offer college preparation programs?
Yes, we offer dual-enrollment opportunities with Milwaukee Area Technical College and maintain college readiness programs including portfolio development and application guidance.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer after-school clubs like Student Council, Gaming Collective, and Music Club, plus internship opportunities and community service programs through local partnerships.
Is transportation provided for students?
Transportation details aren't specified in our materials - please contact the school directly for current transportation options and policies.
What special education services are available?
We support special education students through the Special Needs Scholarship Program with individualized support from experienced staff members.
