Carmen Middle & High School, Northwest

Coming to Milwaukee’s Historic Harambee and Bronzeville Corridor in 2026-2027

 

 

Select a Carmen School:
  • Main Office: 414-837-4000
  • 5496 N 72nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53218

Located on Milwaukee’s Northwest side!

5496 N 72nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53218

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Carmen Middle & High School, Northwest is home to the Thundering Eagles Drumline and the winners of the NASA TechRise Challenge, Eagle Engineers! Carmen Northwest, opened in 2013 with grades 6 and 9 and have now expanded to offer a comprehensive student experience for students in grades 6-12.

Carmen Northwest works each day to live the Carmen mission of graduating all students as critical thinkers and self-directed learners prepared for success in college, meaningful careers, community involvement, and family life.  Northwest was founded on the core values of determination, integrity, kindness, identity, joy, and curiosity.  With these core values, each learner at Northwest will learn through:

  • Rigorous college-prep centered curriculum is available with an emphasis on math and humanities priorities, including Advanced Placement classes in Government, Computer Science, Biology, and Language.
  • Extracurricular activities like student council, robotics club, and athletics are available to all students, allowing them to make friends, get active, and create a memorable middle school & high school experience.
  • Community service hours are required to achieve promotion to 9th grade and high school graduation. We believe in collaborating with the community for both the professional development of our students and building a greater Milwaukee.

Carmen Northwest: An Exciting New Chapter in 2026–2027

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Carmen Northwest will relocate to the former HOPE High School building in Milwaukee’s historic Harambee neighborhood at 3215 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. This move marks an exciting next chapter, bringing together Carmen’s legacy of academic excellence with the rich history, culture, and leadership of Harambee and surrounding communities.

This transition ensures continuity for current students and families while expanding opportunities, enrichment, and real-world learning along the Harambee–Bronzeville corridor.  The new location positions Carmen Northwest along a vibrant community, creating new pathways for collaboration, student experiences, and as always neighborhood engagement. In this look to the future, we spotlight Carmen’s core values of empathy, belief, and growth, with a particular commitment to community. We believe strong schools are built in partnership with strong families and communities, and we’re excited to learn, grow, engage, and contribute.

“This moment represents both stability and possibility,” said Ashlei Miller, principal of Carmen Northwest. “Our students and families remain at the center of every decision we make. While change can bring questions, this move allows us to continue providing a supportive, high-quality learning environment while deepening our connection to a community rich in history, culture, and opportunity. We’re excited about what this means for our students, not just academically, but as members of a broader, vibrant community.”

We know families and community members may have questions about this transition. It is important to note that current students can continue their education without interruption, with additional details about transportation, enrollment, and campus updates to be shared soon.  Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about the relocation, what it means for students, and what to expect moving forward.

Explore FAQs

To support families, students, and staff, we’ve created a helpful FAQ with answers to common questions about the move and what to expect. Additional questions? Direct them to: CarmenNorthwestNews@carmenhighschoool.org 

Family FAQs: Carmen Northwest Relocation

Is Carmen Northwest closing?

No. Carmen Northwest is not closing. We remain fully committed to serving our students and families and will continue operating as a school community. Carmen Northwest is here to stay.

Why is the school moving?

Following Milwaukee Public Schools’ decision not to renew Carmen NW’s charter, we realized we also needed a new physical location for our school. Carmen leadership conducted a careful location search that led to our new location, which will expand opportunities for deeper community engagement and growth.

Why are you moving to a new neighborhood?

We understand this move takes us away from our current community, and we want to make it clear that our commitment to our students and families there remains strong. Our new location reflects the growth and long-term stability we are leading with every day. As we move forward, our focus remains on supporting families, honoring the communities that shaped us, and creating opportunities for the future.

Will Carmen Northwest’s current location remain open for the remainder of the school year?

Yes. Carmen Northwest will continue to operate, educate students, and support families throughout this process.

If Carmen Northwest moves, will transportation be provided?

Transportation planning is an important part of this process. More details will be available soon, and transportation information will be shared with families once decisions are finalized.

How will families be informed about updates?

We are committed to transparent and timely communication. Families will receive updates through:

  • Direct communication from school leadership via newsletters, letters home, social media, or additional correspondence; and
  • School meetings or information sessions.

How is Carmen Northwest supporting students during this transition period?

Supporting students remains our top priority. Carmen Northwest continues to focus on:

  • Academic excellence and consistency
  • Student well-being and emotional support
  • Stability in school programming and routines

Every decision being made centers on what is best for our students and families.

Who can families contact if they have questions right now?

Families are encouraged to reach out to school administrators, including:

Meet the Principal

As we gear up for another exciting school year, I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you!  It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I step into my role as Principal for the third consecutive year, serving the remarkable students and staff of Carmen Northwest.  Our dedicated team of educators eagerly anticipates the opportunity to welcome new students and resume our collective pursuit of academic success and connectedness!

— Ashlei Miller, Principal

School Leadership

Mission In Action

99% Graduation Rate
(Class of 2024)

98% College Acceptance Rate (Class of 2024)

$5.6 Million in Scholarships
(Class of 2024)

Carmen Northwest’s Javante Edwards Earns Full-Ride Scholarship to Play Basketball at Canisius University in New York

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Northwest Thundering Eagles Drumline Fuses Hip Hop with Classical Music at Bach Fest

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Interested in booking the Thundering Eagles to perform? Click Here

Middle School Eagle Engineers and Their NASA TechRise Experiment

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