Carmen News & Blog

Carmen High School named Milwaukee’s best non-selective high school by US World News and Report, “Beating the Odds” by Wisconsin Department of Instruction

April 22, 2020 by Carmen Schools

Carmen High School of Science and Technology, South campus distinctions recognizes school as a top option for Milwaukee families

MILWAUKEE – Carmen High School of Science and Technology, South campus was named the eighth highest performing high school in the state of Wisconsin and top non-selective option in Milwaukee. The school ranks first on the publication’s College Readiness Index.

​The highest ranked schools in U.S. News & World Report’s list are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math and reading, college-level exams and graduation rates.

Carmen South accepts all students and does not require an entrance exam for admittance. Over 96% of Carmen South’s population are students of color, and more than 90% are from low-income families.

“We are incredibly proud of Carmen South and the achievements of our outstanding students, families, and staff members,” said Jennifer Lopez, Carmen Schools of Science and Technology CEO, “These distinctions recognize the work and effort of our entire community.”

Carmen South was also named a “2020 Wisconsin Title I School of Recognition” and earned the distinction of “Beating the Odds”. According to the Wisconsin Department of Instruction website, “Beating the Odds” schools have above-average student achievement in reading and mathematics when compared to schools from similarly sized districts, schools, grade configurations, and poverty levels.

“Milwaukee families deserve an excellent education,” said Janis Meinke, Carmen South principal, “We are proud to be an excellent public option to all families and appreciate the recognition from the US News and World Report and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.”

During the Coronavirus pandemic, Carmen Schools of Science and Technology, the Milwaukee-based public charter school network, continues to provide online learning for students. Carmen Schools has shifted to online instructional methods aligned to classroom coursework and are working with students and families to overcome barriers and ensure internet access.

Carmen South opened in 2007 as the network’s first school and currently serves 360 students.

Carmen Schools of Science and Technology serves more than 2,000 students in grades K4-12 at five campuses across the city of Milwaukee. Ninety percent of Carmen students come from low-income households.

The following are available for media interviews by phone and video conferencing:

  • Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer López
  • Carmen High School of Science and Technology, South principal, Janis Meinke
  • Students, families, and teachers at Carmen High School of Science and Technology, South

For more information and to schedule interviews, contact Mike Nguyen at (414) 459-1894 or nguyenm@carmenschools.org

2020-04-22 Release Printable PDF

Connect to the Carmen Community


Sign up for our electronic newsletter to learn more about the impact that Carmen is having for the students of Milwaukee.

"*" indicates required fields