Page 30 - WHEDA Annual Report 2017

miss the impressive facilities that Carmona says immediately grab visitors’ attention. First-rate amenities include STEM labs, a health clinic, a library media center, a soccer field, indoor track, gym, a performance stage, and a swimming pool.
Offering classes in water safety is a top priority for the school and the Ramirez family, not just for students but for others in the community as well. “The idea of the pool was not just to make the building more attractive. The pool came from the perspective of saving lives,” said Carmona. “As of today, 195 of our students are classified as water safe and 400 more will be by the end of the school year.”
As of November 2017, attendance at St. Augustine is at 97%. Carmona says the school is working diligently to have every student be successful at every grade level. The school’s administration and faculty are committed to developing students through St. Augustine’s four foundational pillars: faith, family, academics and athletics.
St. Augustine students come from all areas of the city of Milwaukee. The school participates in the School Choice program with 99% of the
students receiving vouchers and 90% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Every student that applied was accepted when the school officially opened in August 2017.
“We would not have been able to meet the education needs of so many children if not for WHEDA,” said Carmona. “We’re thankful that WHEDA recognized the need for high- performing schools in Milwaukee and the impact St. Augustine can have on future generations in Milwaukee.”
The school uses nationally recognized academic standards to set learning goals that outline what students need to know at each grade level. Furthermore, the standards help ensure that all students graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college and in life.
“Our families and the community are already seeing the positive effects this school is having on so many children,” said Carmona. “We’re here to stay and impact the city of Milwaukee for generations to come. Every child in the country should have access to a learning environment like ours. It shouldn’t be an exception or a privilege.”
Students at St. Augustine Preparatory Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
30 WHEDA 1972-2017: 45 YEARS OF FIRSTS