Mission and Values

Mission

University School of Milwaukee cultivates excellence in learning, leadership, and citizenship for prekindergarten through 12th grade students. Students are engaged, known, and valued within our passionate independent school community guided by our Common Trust.

The USM mission statement was revised and introduced to the community, along with the school's new strategic plan, on Sept. 8, 2022.

Common Trust

The basic philosophy of community behavior at University School of Milwaukee is the Common Trust, which is expressed in the following pledge:

"We, the members of the University School of Milwaukee community, commit to and practice the Common Trust. We agree to relate to one another and the school with respect, trust, honesty, fairness, and kindness."

The Common Trust values are defined as follows:

Respect: Acceptance of and appreciation of each person's dignity
Trust: Shared responsibility to act with integrity
Honesty: Truthfulness in what we say and do
Fairness: Balanced and thoughtful treatment of each individual
Kindness: Caring actions and words for others

Every school year, the specific Common Trust value that is being celebrated that year is introduced at USM's Opening Day ceremony, highlighted by short speeches by Upper School Prefects about that particular value. The Common Trust value for the 2024-25 school year is respect. This theme is incorporated into learning and activities for students in all grades, from prekindergarten through 12th grade, throughout the school year. The Common Trust is at the core of USM's Guiding Principles.

Guiding Principles

Community

A physically and emotionally safe environment provides students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to express their ideas and grow intellectually.
Students, families, faculty, and staff are committed to academic excellence and behavioral standards and understand their responsibilities to the school and to their local and global communities.
Faculty and staff cultivate connections that create meaningful and productive relationships among students, families, alumni, and their communities.
Families provide valuable contributions to the school community through their involvement with and support of students, faculty, and staff.

Inclusion

The uniqueness of every individual is celebrated.
Recognition of and respect for the diversity of backgrounds and experiences is fundamental to building a learning community where students learn to think broadly, critically, and independently.
All members of the USM community feel empowered as they live and work equitably together.
Students are prepared for the opportunities of a diverse world and are provided with a supportive environment in which to reach their full potential.

Students and Faculty

Students thrive when opportunities are provided that not only develop their knowledge and skills, but also allow them to make personal, meaningful connections to their learning.
Students become independent, lifelong learners when exposed to a multitude of developmentally appropriate learning experiences that encourage active engagement and growth in academic, social, and personal endeavors.
Faculty, through engagement in on-going professional development in their disciplines, are the cornerstones to building and supporting a community of learners.
Faculty are responsible for the development and implementation of a well-integrated, state-of-the-art curriculum that provides an impetus for each student’s intellectual, social, emotional, ethical, physical, and artistic development.

Curriculum and Instruction

A coordinated, meaningful, and challenging curriculum enables students to build on prior learning, discover their passions, and develop their individual academic potential.
A relevant and innovative curriculum goes beyond literal learning to develop higher-level critical thinking and creative expression, utilizing the latest technologies and resources.
Local and global connections enrich the curriculum and inspire students to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
On-going formative and summative assessments provide the basis for improved curriculum design and both individualized and group instruction.

Parent-School Partnership

University School of Milwaukee enters into a Parent-School Partnership with all school parents and guardians. This partnership is based on the belief that USM faculty and administration must work together with parents and caregivers in all aspects of school life for the benefit of each child. Collectively, the school's mission statement and guiding principles, along with the Common Trust, form the foundation for the principles of good practice that are included in this partnership.

The Parent-School Partnership document, first instituted during the 2013–14 school year and shared with all school parents and guardians during the enrollment process each year, includes both USM's expectations of parents and caregivers, as well as those things that these individuals should expect from USM. It covers:

Philosophy
Environment for Lifelong Learning
Right to Privacy
Financial Responsibility
Communication
Participation in Community Life
Respect

In partnership, USM and parents/guardians can ensure the most positive experience for every student and help strengthen our community of lifelong learners for the benefit of all.

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