A Legacy of Academic Excellence

University School of Milwaukee prides itself on its long-standing academic reputation, going all the way back to the three predecessor schools – Milwaukee Country Day School, Milwaukee Downer Seminary, and Milwaukee University School – that merged to form this great school. Our academic reputation at all grade levels is unmatched in Milwaukee and in Wisconsin, and is recognized across the country. A USM education provides the foundation for a lifetime of active and engaged learning.

As a college preparatory day school, USM offers students an outstanding academic foundation and a rigorous curriculum. Our Preschool (prekindergarten for ages 3 & 4, and junior kindergarten for ages 4 & 5), Lower School (grades kindergarten-4), Middle School (grades 5-8), and Upper School (grades 9-12), each enjoy their own dedicated spaces within our interconnected campus. Our new, state-of-the-art facilities support creative, 21st-century teaching methods that prepare students for today’s highly competitive and interconnected world.

The USM curriculum bridges all areas of learning and understanding. USM offers a global perspective with a focus on giving back to the greater Milwaukee community. The dedicated and talented faculty balance learning in the classroom with experiential learning opportunities. Students are engaged by an interdisciplinary curriculum, including courses in the humanities as well as cutting-edge STEM courses. This approach leads to the consistently high standardized test scores, outstanding Advanced Placement credit achievement, and amazing recognition by National Merit and other honors by our students relative to their peers locally, regionally, and nationally. 

USM's outstanding faculty truly motivate their students, engaging them in classroom discussions and projects while stretching them to their fullest potential. The vast majority of USM educators hold master’s degrees or Ph.D.’s, resulting in a faculty that is unmatched in Wisconsin. Regular dialogue and communication between parents, the administration, and the faculty leads to increased parental involvement in their children’s coursework, activities, and accomplishments.