2026 Investments
Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is investing in four schools in communities that have historically been under-resourced: Brown Street Academy, Andrew S. Douglas School, Gwen T. Jackson Early Childhood and Elementary School, and Frances Brock Starms Discovery Learning Center.
A rendering of the new entrance to Jackson
A rendering of the renovated Starms interior
A rendering of the updated Douglas library
A rendering of the renovated lobby at Brown Street
MPS is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for students and families. The four investment schools were selected based on several factors, including their physical condition, capacity to serve additional students, and accessibility for all students.
The investments will provide modernized spaces and amenities designed to support teaching and learning. In addition to facility enhancements, the schools will now have full-time specialists in art, music, and physical education. This expands opportunities for students at these schools to learn, explore, and thrive.
Through collaboration with stakeholders, community members, students, and staff, MPS identified priorities and planned improvements tailored to each school’s unique needs. Additional information can be found on individual school websites by clicking the yellow buttons below.
Brown Street Academy: $2.6 million
- Major exterior upgrades, including a new playground structure, new fencing, exterior lighting, and security upgrades
- Extensive restroom improvements
- Updates to the gymnasium and cafeteria
- Other classroom and flooring improvements
Andrew S. Douglas School: $5.7 million
- Remodeling to create four kindergarten classrooms with dedicated bathrooms, coatrooms, and pull-in spaces
- Major exterior improvements, including a new fenced-in kindergarten play area, increased lighting, and sidewalk improvements
- Creation of a before- and after-school care center, donation store, makerspace, music area, parent center, and professional development space
- Gymnasium and library renovations, as well as updates to the main entrance vestibule/lobby, to create the feel of an elementary school
Gwen T. Jackson Early Childhood and Elementary School: $2.0 million
- Major upgrades to improve the building’s appearance, such as a new entrance canopy, façade treatments, and enhanced signage
- Enhanced exterior safety features
- Interior improvements ranging from new lighting to new paint
- Playground upgrades, including an exterior shade structure, enhanced natural areas, playground surfacing, and more
Frances Brock Starms Discovery Learning Center: $2.3 million
- Significant exterior improvements, such as new signage, enhanced site lighting, new fencing, and replacement of tot-lot surfacing
- New flooring, new lighting, and improved acoustics in hallways, the gymnasium, and more
- Major visual improvements, including new/enhanced murals, display areas, and storage solutions