Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Accelerated Learning for At-Risk Students
Founded in 1973, Shalom High School has dedicated itself to transforming educational challenges into opportunities for success. Our mission centers on partnering with students to re-envision obstacles as stepping stones toward their future, ensuring they graduate prepared for career, education, or employment pathways. As a Milwaukee Public Schools partnership institution, we deliver a competency-based, accelerated learning model tailored for at-risk students aged 15-19. Our unique approach combines traditional coursework with skills-based projects, allowing students to earn up to 4.5 credits per trimester. The Defense of Graduation (D.O.G.) process ensures students demonstrate mastery through portfolio presentations evaluated by staff and community partners.With a focus on credit recovery, employability training, and personalized support, we maintain high graduation rates and ACT participation. Our team of experienced educators brings decades of expertise in alternative education, creating a safe, flexible environment that prioritizes individual growth. We collaborate with local businesses and universities to align our curriculum with real-world demands. For over 50 years, we've served students struggling in traditional settings, offering a second chance at academic achievement. Our commitment to continuous improvement drives our evolving programs and community partnerships.
Services
Accelerated Credit-Earning
Credit Recovery
Competency-Based Projects
Flexible Scheduling
Graduation Defense Preparation
Employability Training
Anger Management
Post-High School Planning
AODA Services
Teen Prevention Programs
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer accelerated credit earning with up to 4.5 credits per trimester
- Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and safety
- Flexible scheduling accommodates students' unique needs
- Experienced educators specialize in alternative education methods
- Competency-based projects connect learning to real-world applications
Services
Accelerated Credit-Earning
Our accelerated program allows students to earn up to 4.5 credits per trimester through traditional coursework and competency-based projects. This intensive model helps at-risk students catch up quickly while maintaining academic rigor. The program's flexibility supports students who need to complete high school requirements efficiently.
Competency-Based Projects
Students demonstrate proficiency through real-world projects that replace traditional coursework. These competency-based assessments allow personalized learning paths and practical application of knowledge. Developed with business and university partners, projects ensure relevant, career-focused educational experiences.
Graduation Defense Preparation
Seniors prepare comprehensive portfolios showcasing their academic achievements, which they defend before a panel of educators and community partners. This Defense of Graduation (D.O.G.) process ensures students can articulate their learning journey and demonstrate readiness for post-secondary success through critical thinking and presentation skills.
Flexible Scheduling
Our adaptable scheduling accommodates students' diverse needs, including those balancing education with work or family responsibilities. The program's structure allows personalized pacing while maintaining the integrity of a full academic curriculum. This flexibility supports students who struggled with traditional school schedules.
Employability Training
Integrated into our curriculum, employability training prepares students for workforce success through practical skills development. The program focuses on workplace readiness, professional communication, and job search strategies. Partnerships with local businesses ensure training aligns with current industry expectations and opportunities.
People
Denise Pitchford
Co-Director
With over 25 years in education, Denise holds degrees from Grambling State University and Alverno College, currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education. She combines academic leadership with community service at Greater New Birth Ministry.
Joseph O'Shea
Co-Director
An educator with 20 years' experience, Joe has directed Shalom since 2018. He holds degrees from UW-Milwaukee and Cardinal Stritch University, blending educational leadership with passion for history and music.
Samuel Cunningham
Climate Coordinator
With 22 years in education, Sam focuses on creating positive learning environments. He balances school climate initiatives with family time and community engagement through dominoes games.
Anthony Bradford
Enrollment Specialist
A firm believer in education and family values, Anthony supports student enrollment while drawing on personal experience as a parent of Shalom graduates. He emphasizes continuous improvement in educational access.
Mike Endress
Mathematics Teacher
With over 50 years teaching experience, Mike brings expertise from multiple Milwaukee schools. He holds degrees from Illinois Tech and UW-Milwaukee, combining mathematical mastery with mentorship for student success.
Questions
What makes Shalom High School unique?
Our competency-based model combines traditional coursework with skills projects, allowing up to 4.5 credits per trimester and personalized learning paths for at-risk students.
Who qualifies for enrollment?
Students aged 15-19 who meet Wisconsin's at-risk criteria and need alternative education approaches due to challenges in traditional school settings.
How does credit recovery work?
Students earn credits through both traditional classes and competency-based projects developed with business and university partners for practical learning experiences.
What graduation requirements exist?
Students must complete 22 credits through coursework/projects and successfully defend a graduation portfolio before staff and community partners in our D.O.G. process.
Is there career preparation?
Yes, our employability training includes workplace readiness skills, professional communication development, and job search strategies aligned with current industry needs.
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