Success Center

The Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Success Center supports students in grades K–12 whose behavioral challenges create a significant barrier to their success, happiness, and well-being at school.

The Success Center supports social, emotional, mental, and physical health so each student can thrive, live an authentic life, and reach their full potential. Collaborative programs, in partnership with families and schools, equip each student’s support team to address challenges together. We believe strongly in restorative philosophy and strive to cultivate, maintain, and repair trusting relationships as a foundation for healthy growth.

Guiding Values

Our work is built upon four key values.

We value the knowledge and wisdom of families and communities.
We provide our students and schools with a high level of support.
We hold all participants, including ourselves, accountable for our relationships with one another.
We encourage perseverance through conflicts to achieve the social and emotional growth that is a natural outcome of any struggle.

Partnerships

The Success Center was established in partnership with the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking. Other key community organizations support our work by providing students and families with opportunities for healing and wellness to support academic success, mental health, and social and emotional growth.

Bloom Center for Arts and Integrated Therapies: Art therapy
Inner Light Yoga Studio: Mindful movement
Lutheran Social Services: Group and individual therapy provided by licensed therapists

Our Program

A smiling child sitting on a couch holding a kitten

MPS students receive Success Center supports for up to 12 weeks. During this time, they participate in activities, interventions, and curriculum to enhance their social, emotional, and academic progress.

Communication among the Success Center team, the student, their family, and their school of origin is a critical component of success. Our team works tirelessly to maintain regular contact and provide updates and progress reports so each student’s support team can observe academic and behavioral progress. Open communication also allows the team to quickly adapt to best meet a student’s evolving needs.

These educators seemed to understand our household and community . . . they shared a common concern not only for his education but our worry of him progressing. Thanks so very much for caring for our children as well as our concerns.
MPS Parent

After completing their customized programs, students return to their schools to continue their education with the goal of graduating with their classmates. Success Center students are forever part of our family, though, and our team actively supports them during the transition back to their schools of origin and beyond. Students are encouraged to stay connected to share progress and seek support as needed. A unique facet of the Success Center program is the empowerment of our participants to share the techniques and practices they learn with us to enhance their own classrooms and schools. In this way, students’ skills are reinforced and their own schools are strengthened.

Participant Testimonials

“[They] helped me learn how to act right in class and not goof around as much.”
“I can control my anger and control my attitude . . . they’ve been helping for the past six weeks so I can go to school and learn without arguing or starting fights.”
“They have always been there when I have trouble . . . they always help me catch up on my work.”

More Information

Students are recommended for the Success Center based on a referral from their school, and daily transportation is provided for all who attend. If you believe your child would benefit from attending the Success Center, please speak to their school psychologist or school social worker. You may also contact us directly at (414) 252-0210 or delutiac@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

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