Macdowell Montessori School K3-12

MacDowell Montessori School K3-12 serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With an enrollment of 860 students and a student-teacher ratio of 18.3:1, the school offers a Montessori approach across its full span of grades at its location on West Mount Vernon Avenue. Academically, the school is working with room for significant growth.

Across its grades, 34% of students score proficient or above in ELA and reading, while 20% meet proficiency standards in math. The school ranks in the 21st percentile statewide among Wisconsin schools, reflecting the challenges many urban schools face in supporting student achievement. With 47 full-time equivalent teachers on staff, the school focuses on serving its diverse student population in a large city setting.

The Montessori methodology emphasizes self-directed learning and hands-on exploration, which may appeal to families seeking an alternative educational philosophy for their children. As a public school, it provides access to families throughout Milwaukee who are interested in this approach from early childhood through high school completion.

While current test scores at Macdowell Montessori School K3-12 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.