Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Catholic High School in Milwaukee, WI
Founded in 1929 under the direction of the Pallottine Fathers and School Sisters of St. Francis, Pius XI Catholic High School has served as Milwaukee's premier coeducational Catholic high school for nearly a century. Our institution exists to prepare a diverse community of students to achieve their highest potential through a college preparatory curriculum enriched by Advanced Placement courses, dual-enrollment opportunities, and nationally recognized fine arts and STEM programs. Guided by Franciscan values of dignity, peace, and respect, we cultivate academic excellence while nurturing moral courage and faith-based service.With a student body of approximately 720 representing diverse backgrounds, our four-year Project Lead the Way Engineering program, Special Studies support for learning differences, and 24 athletic programs create a transformative educational experience. Our faculty, recognized by institutions like the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, combines academic rigor with personalized mentorship to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for college, career, and lifelong service.
Services
College Preparatory Curriculum
STEM Education
Special Education Support
Athletic Programs
Faith Formation
Arts Education
Dual Enrollment Courses
Career Readiness Programs
Details
- Year established: 1929
Highlights and features
- We offer STEM.org-accredited science, technology, engineering, and math programs
- Our faculty includes Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellows
- We provide specialized support through our Special Studies program for learning differences
- We maintain 96 years of excellence in Catholic college preparatory education
- Our four-year Project Lead the Way Engineering program develops real-world STEM skills
Associations and certifications
- STEM.org
What people say
Diverse community
Challenging curriculum
Supportive faculty
Faith development
College preparation
Services
College Preparatory Curriculum
Our college preparatory curriculum requires 25+ credits across core disciplines including English, mathematics, science, theology, and world languages. With over 40 courses including 16 Advanced Placement options, students develop critical thinking and analytical skills through rigorous academic standards. The program emphasizes writing proficiency, mathematical reasoning, and scientific inquiry while maintaining a 12:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized instruction.
STEM Education
STEM.org-accredited programs combine engineering, biomedical science, and technology education through Project Lead the Way's hands-on curriculum. Students engage in real-world problem solving through courses like Principles of Engineering, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovation. Our four-year sequence prepares students for STEM careers while emphasizing ethical responsibility and collaborative innovation in science and technology fields.
Special Education Support
The Special Studies program provides certified special education teachers and tailored support for students with learning differences. Individualized education plans incorporate multisensory instruction, assistive technology, and academic accommodations across all core subjects. Our inclusive approach maintains high expectations while providing structured support for students to achieve academic success alongside their peers.
Athletic Programs
24 interscholastic athletic programs compete in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, including traditional sports and emerging programs. With 195 conference and 99 state championships, our athletics emphasize skill development, sportsmanship, and character formation. Coaches focus on holistic athlete development through strength training, strategic play, and values-based leadership education.
Faith Formation
Faith development integrates Catholic teachings with service learning and spiritual practices. Daily prayer, weekly Mass, and retreat programs nurture spiritual growth through the Franciscan and Pallottine traditions. Students participate in community service initiatives and theological reflection while exploring their faith through scripture study, sacramental preparation, and peer-led ministry opportunities.
People
Ryan Krienke
Principal
Ryan Krienke leads Pius XI's academic vision, overseeing curriculum development and faculty excellence. With extensive educational leadership experience, he maintains focus on college readiness while strengthening STEM and arts programs. His administration prioritizes student-centered learning and faith-based character development.
Jesse Stewart
Athletic Director
Jesse Stewart '07 directs athletic programs, combining coaching expertise with administrative leadership. As former educator and coach, he emphasizes athlete development through 24 sports programs. His leadership maintains championship traditions while expanding opportunities for student-athletes through modern facilities and training programs.
Tom Holschuh
Campus Minister
Tom Holschuh coordinates faith formation initiatives, designing retreat programs and service learning opportunities. He guides spiritual development through sacramental preparation, prayer services, and interfaith dialogue. His ministry supports the school's mission to integrate Catholic values with academic excellence.
Questions
What academic programs does Pius XI offer?
We provide college preparatory curriculum with 16 AP courses, STEM.org-accredited STEM programs, Special Studies support, and nationally recognized arts education.
Is Pius XI a religious school?
As a Catholic high school founded by Pallottine Fathers and School Sisters of St. Francis, we integrate faith formation with academics through theology courses and sacramental programs.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Students can join 24 athletic teams, performing arts groups, academic clubs, and service organizations supporting our diverse student body.
How does Pius XI support student development?
Our programs combine academic rigor with character education, offering retreats, community service, and leadership opportunities grounded in Franciscan values.
What makes Pius XI unique?
We combine 96 years of tradition with innovative programs, maintaining small class sizes, faith-based values, and a commitment to serving diverse learners.
