Milwaukee Parent Institute (MPI)
Adapted from the nationally recognized Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE), the Milwaukee Parent Institute (MPI) is a family engagement program designed to equip Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) families with the tools they need to support their children’s academic and personal success from kindergarten through graduation.
Empowering Families | Strengthening Schools | Supporting Student Success
MPI provides parents and caregivers with practical, research-based strategies that strengthen home–school partnerships and elevate student achievement.
Why MPI Matters
Parents are important. Research shows that students achieve at higher levels when families are informed, involved, and empowered. MPI:
- Strengthens parent-child relationships
- Builds confidence and knowledge
- Improves communication between home and school
- Helps families navigate the education system
- Supports long-term academic success by increasing graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates
Who We Serve
MPI recruits families in grades two, six, and nine, which are key transition points for students as they grow academically and socially. However, families with children in any grade can participate.
What Families Learn
Participants engage in interactive workshops on topics like:
- Social and emotional learning
- How to build self-esteem and use positive discipline
- Standardized testing, including how to interpret scores
- High school graduation requirements
- Postsecondary pathways and career readiness
- Financial aid and college preparation
- Advocacy and how to navigate school systems
How to Participate
Information about upcoming cohorts, registration, and school participation will be posted on this page. If you are interested in bringing a Milwaukee Parent Institute to your child’s school, please contact your school counselor, parent coordinator, and principal.
Spring 2026 Cohorts
Times for elementary school sessions vary. Middle and high school sessions take place at 5:30 p.m. All sessions will be conducted in English only unless otherwise noted.
Elementary Schools
Tuesday, April 14
- Henry David Thoreau School (5:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 15
- William Cullen Bryant School (4:30 p.m.)
- Escuela Vieau (5:30 p.m. in English and Spanish)
Thursday, April 16
- La Escuela Fratney (5:30 p.m. in Spanish only)
- Milwaukee Parkside School for the Arts (5:30 p.m.)
Middle Schools
Wednesday, April 15
5:30 p.m.
- Clement Avenue School
- Golda Meir School Upper Campus
- Escuela Vieau (in Spanish only)
High Schools
Tuesday, April 14
5:30 p.m.
- Alexander Hamilton High School (in English and Spanish)
Wednesday, April 15
5:30 p.m.
- Bay View High School
- Milwaukee High School of the Arts
Tuesday, April 21
5:30 p.m.
- Golda Meir School Upper Campus
Program Completion
Families who complete the program join the MPI Alumni Network, gaining access to:
-
Monthly leadership and advocacy workshops
- Family engagement events
- School-community partnership opportunities
- Continued learning resources
More Information
If you have any questions, please contact Meghan Tagliavia, Milwaukee Parent Institute coordinator, at obligam@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or (414) 475-8042.