In 1968, Highland Community School was born from the efforts of a small group of parents who wanted a new approach to education in the central west side of Milwaukee. The children and parents of Highland rallied around the new school despite rampant crime and socio-economic hardship in the Concordia and Near Westside neighborhoods.

Highland Community School was founded with a commitment to the neighborhoods and the Montessori philosophy of teaching. The original school was in the Victor Schlitz mansion on 20th Street and Highland Avenue.

Highland continued to grow as the community bought into Montessori’s nurturing and socially responsible brand of education. Relying on parents became an integral component of the daily operation of Highland and helped to set the standard for today’s parent involvement requirement.

In 1996, Highland became the first charter school in Milwaukee, and of Milwaukee Public Schools. Soon afterward, it moved to a historic Pabst mansion just ten blocks away from its original site. While this wonderful spot, at 30th and Highland, successfully allowed us to continue our mission of developing community education, we began to outgrow the space. Our search for a new home in along Highland Avenue was successful in the spring of 2012, with the acquisition of a building at 17th and Highland Avenue. We have made this building our Montessori home and are committed to our diverse community of learners and their families.

The future of Highland Community School is sure to provide more exciting and inspiring stories for our extended family of life-long learners. What makes us unique is that our parents are the leaders and key decision-makers of the school and we are held directly accountable to their vision. Parent involvement is the essential ingredient that makes Highland like nowhere else.

To find out more about charter schools in Wisconsin go to www.wicharterschools.org or www.qualitycharters.org for national information.