All MPS high schools now offer early admission; "This really allows a family to see all of our options"

MILWAUKEE -- It's all new this year for Milwaukee Public Schools and it affects every student heading into high school. Students can apply early to all 26 district high schools now -- instead of the four available in previous years.

A bio-medical terminology class at MPS' South Division High School  gives students a head start in whatever medical career they may choose -- some even graduate high school as certified nursing assistants. The program draws students to South Division.

So does the school's bilingual program, the largest in the state.

"We have six different languages being served and 22 different nationalities," said Principal Jesus Santos.

And for the first time, students can apply to South Division early.

"We had open house yesterday and the majority of the parents that were here with their children for ninth grade enrolled at South Division, which was an excellent surprise for us," said Santos.

District 8th graders now have their pick of 26 schools for early admission, instead of four. Students can select up to four schools, and rank them in order of preference. The process gives a student a better chance at getting into their first choice.

"Whether it is a neighborhood school or a school that offers a specialty program," said Regional Director of School Support Aaron Shapiro.

Right now, they are two weeks into the early admission process and there are about another two to go. But no school is already full and each application is treated the same.

"This really allows a family to see all of our options," said Shapiro.

For most high schools, an online application and an essay will do, with no specific criteria.

MPS High School Early Admissions will run through November 2nd. Students should find out which school they have been accepted to by mid-December.