Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our school website for additional information!
Do I have to audition to become a student at MHSA?
Yes, auditions are an important part of the enrollment process at MHSA. Students audition for the art area they would like to study at MHSA: creative writing, dance, music (including band, orchestra, vocal, jazz, piano, or guitar), theater, or visual arts. Students that are interested in enrolling at MHSA for 9th grade must also complete the early enrollment process as MHSA is a select criteria school.
You can learn more about the audition process by viewing our school website.
Can I audition for more than one art area?
Yes, you can audition for multiple art areas if you have multiple areas of interest. Students that pass auditions in more than one art area must then decide which art area will be their major.
Does MHSA offer athletics?
Yes! MHSA offers a full athletics program (fall, winter, and spring sports). Some MHSA sports teams are co-operative teams with other MPS schools while some are rostered completely with MHSA students. To learn more about our athletics program, click here.
What is MHSA's academic program?
MHSA uses College Board curricula (Pre-AP, Springboard, and Advanced Placement) for all academic areas. MHSA uses the Pre-AP curriculum universally in social studies, science, English, and all art areas during students' freshman and sophomore years. The Springboard Math curriculum is used in grades 9-12 as students progress through the Integrated Math series and Pre-Calculus.
MHSA is an AP Capstone school. Students at MHSA have the opportunity to earn an AP Capstone Diploma or Certificate by progressing through the AP Seminar and AP Research classes. MHSA offers 11 AP Courses: AP Language, AP Literature, AP Government, AP Human Geography, AP US History, AP Psychology, AP Seminar, AP Research, AP 2D Art & Design, AP Drawing, and AP Music Theory.
What are the differences between AP and IB?
There are basic differences between the AP and IB programs. The AP program is American based and is subject focused. Conversely, the international IB program takes a holistic approach to learning. However, most American high school students participate in the AP program. In fact, over 14,000 public schools collaborate with the AP program, compared with only approximately 800 for the IB program. In the end, both programs have rigorous academic standards and will help the student prepare for college. Students register to take end of course exams in both programs, and must attain a certain cut score to earn college credit for the course. A score of 3 or higher is usually recognized for college credit for AP exams and a score of 5 of high is recognized for college credit for IB exams.
What is the daily class schedule?
School Day: 8:05 AM - 3:20 PM
The master schedule is a block alternate-day (A/B) rotation.
Each student will take four 90-minute classes each day.
Students have 2 classes in their art major (one per day) each semester
Can I shadow an MHSA student?
Typically, we are able to schedule a shadow day for prospective students; however, due to the pandemic, we are not hosting shadow students at this time.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Rayesha Harris.
Email: harrisre@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: 414-934-7012