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#1470 of 2,102 schools in WI

James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School

High School · West Allis-West Milwaukee School District

7815 W Lapham St, West Allis, WI 53214

Enrollment

168

Student-Teacher

15.3:1

Score

5.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In West Allis

#3 of 12

public schools

Wisconsin high schools

#245 of 499

In district

#4 of 15

West Allis-West Milwaukee School District

Academic growth

8.1 / 10

Very strong

About James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School

James E Dottke Project-Based Learning High School is an alternative high school located in West Allis, Wisconsin. Situated at 7815 W Lapham St, this school serves grades 9 through 12 and has a student body of 168 students. With a student-teacher ratio of 15.3:1 and eleven full-time equivalent teachers, the school offers personalized attention to its students.

James E Dottke focuses on project-based learning, offering a unique educational approach that emphasizes hands-on experiences over traditional classroom instruction. Despite ranking in the lower half of Wisconsin schools with a MySchoolScout Rating of 3.2 out of 10 and an academic score of 1.7 out of 10, the school is committed to student development and growth. In terms of standardized test scores, only 8% of students are proficient or above in both ELA/Reading and Math, indicating areas for improvement but also potential for positive change.

Located in a large suburban area with easy access to various amenities, James E Dottke Project-Based Learning High School is part of the vibrant community in West Allis.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 168 students, James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

While current test scores at James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.1Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+2.5 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendImproving
Academics2.4Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency10%
Reading/ELA Proficiency10%
Overall Proficiency10%
Expected (poverty-adj.)26%
vs. Expected-16.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile7th
College Readiness7.1Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.6Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,812

James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School — Students at James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

60.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WI EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 7.5%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 7.5%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from WI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2021*
Math
10%
ELA
10%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.1/10.

How James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School Compares

See how James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.7/10
30th percentile in WI
Academic
2.4/10
2.4/10
Growth
8.1/10
Above average
Environment
4.6/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
61%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers

Location

7815 W Lapham St, West Allis, WI 53214

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. MILWAUKEE MONTESSORI SCHOOL (rated 9.5/10, 1.8 miles away, in nearby Milwaukee), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST VINCENT PALLOTTI SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Milwaukee), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Wilson Elementary (rated 7.2/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Wauwatosa), which scores notably higher. For more schools in West Allis, see our West Allis schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Jefferson Elementary West Allis 0.6 mi 4.4
ST PAULS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Milwaukee 0.7 mi 7.1
Franklin Elementary West Allis 0.6 mi 4.2
Wilson Elementary West Allis 0.6 mi 4.3
Central High West Allis 0.8 mi 3.8
THE RICHARDSON SCHOOL West Allis 0.7 mi 6.5
Horace Mann Elementary West Allis 1.0 mi 3.7
ST CHARLES EDUCATION CENTER Milwaukee 1.3 mi
ST VINCENT PALLOTTI SCHOOL Milwaukee 1.4 mi 7.3
GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY West Allis 1.5 mi 7.0
VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY West Allis 1.3 mi 5.1
Burbank Elementary Milwaukee 1.5 mi 3.9
MacDowell Montessori School K3-12 Milwaukee 1.6 mi 6.8
Fairview Elementary Milwaukee 1.7 mi 6.3
Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate West Allis 1.6 mi 5.5
LAMB OF GOD EV LUTHERAN SCHOOL West Allis 1.5 mi 6.9
ST JUDE THE APOSTLE SCHOOL Wauwatosa 1.9 mi 5.8
GOOD SHEPHERDS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Milwaukee 1.4 mi 6.1
MILWAUKEE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Milwaukee 1.8 mi 9.5
Wilson Elementary Wauwatosa 2.2 mi 7.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 53214 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$62,712

Median Home Value

$178,600

Median Rent

$999/mo

Population

35,010

College Educated

28.1%

Homeownership

54.3%

Avg Commute

20.9 min

Poverty Rate

13.3%

Median Age

38

Community Profile

The community surrounding James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School has a median household income of $62,712. It is an area where 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $178,600, with a median rent of $999/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.3%. The average commute for residents is 21 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Luck High Luck, WI 5.7
Potosi High Potosi, WI 5.7
Sevastopol High Sturgeon Bay, WI 5.8
Waukesha Engineering Preparatory Academy Waukesha, WI 5.8
Almond-Bancroft High Almond, WI 5.6
Grandview High Milwaukee, WI 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School

What grades does James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School serve?

James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School?

James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School has an enrollment of approximately 168 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School?

The student-teacher ratio at James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School is 15.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School rank in WI?

James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School is ranked #1470 out of 2,102 schools in WI.

What is James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School's MySchoolScout rating?

James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School has a composite rating of 5.7 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School has 7.5% math proficiency and 7.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School a charter school?

No, James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School a Title I school?

No, James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School?

60.7% of students at James E Dottke Project-based Learning High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (2,244/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (West Allis). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
168
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
11
Free/Reduced Lunch
60.7%
Type
alternative
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Milwaukee County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

West Allis-West Milwaukee School District
District Enrollment
6,938
Schools in District
16
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,081
District Rank
#4 of 15

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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