How can we better serve students in a city like Milwaukee, where 50% of students attend mediocre or failing schools, and only 65% of students even graduate high school? This data isn't anomalous; urban regions across the U.S. are failing our students, creating systems lacking in hope and opportunity for our kids.

One school in Milwaukee has found tremendous success by taking a holistic approach to K-12 education - one where the whole student is served, mind, body and soul.

Abby Andrietsch, CEO of St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, joins us to share the unique approaches at Aug Prep that have help students go from failing to 4.0; where graduates have earned over $21 million in scholarships in the 7 years the school has been open.

Discover how Aug Prep has been ranked one of the top K-12 schools in the state for academic success with one of the highest satisfaction ratings for teachers, all while serving low-income students of color from across 43 zip codes in Milwaukee.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. A holistic approach to education serves the student's mind, body and soul: Aug Prep has built their model on four pillars: faith, family, academics and athletics/arts. Parents are involved in each student's educational journey; academic rigor starts at four years old; students are given opportunities in STEM, the arts and athletics; and faith is the final key to ensuring the entire student is served by the school.
2. Believing in students' potential and setting high expectations can lead to remarkable achievements: You'll be amazed at the success stories Abby shares in the podcast. When students have teachers who believe in them, mentors who lead them, parents who are involved in their education, and a school who sets expectations high, it's incredible what students can accomplish.
3. Exposing students to a variety of career pathways and providing authentic experiences can help them make informed decisions about their future: Aug Prep prides itself on helping students be future-ready. No matter their post-secondary pathway, the school provides 60+ pre-college program opportunities for exposure and exploration for a variety of careers. In an effort to ensure their students are ready for the future workforce, Aug Prep is also investing heavily in STEM and advanced manufacturing curriculum through partnerships with the MMAC and Bucyrus Foundation.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Visit Aug Prep's website
• Episode: Where Forward-Thinking Manufacturers Invest their Resources (featuring Austin Ramirez, CEO of Husco)
• Aug Prep Exceeds Expectations by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

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