In Wauwatosa, as in other Wisconsin cities, we tend to think of our schools serving children who live within the community.

However, Wisconsin law defines a child's home for school purposes as where the child sleeps.  Therefore, Wauwatosa annually assumes the responsibility for educating literally thousands of students at various facilities that are part of the Milwaukee County Medical Complex or adjacent county institutions.

The education provided in the Plank Road School Programs ranges from readiness skills for preschool children to advanced high school courses for teenagers and vocational assistance for students ages 18 to 21.  Many of our students are with us for a week or less.  Our school sites range from traditional classroom settings to one-on-one instruction in hospital isolation wards.

The instruction our students receive from a dedicated staff of teachers and aides is highly individualized.  We do everything possible to meet their immediate educational needs and to help them experience success in a school situation.

Programs Making a Difference

• Low student:teacher ratios
  Most classes in the 'Plank Road School Programs are 10 students or less, due to the special nature of the student populations and the need to individualize instruction.
  

• Creative, collaborative work environment
  The daily changes in class composition require teachers and other staff members to be creative and flexible.  'Plank Road program staff members not only work with school colleagues, both at 'Plank Road and within the Wauwatosa School District, they also meet regularly with health care, treatment and/or corrections officials who are also working with the students.
  

• Excellent facilities and assistance
  All 'Plank Road Programs are fully equipped technologically, and a full-time technology assistant is available.  In addition, supervisors monitor student behavior.

For more information

To learn more about this unique and challenging educational environment, call (414) 257-7128.