Opening Doors to Bilingual Education With a Commitment to Culture and Learning through Language and Art
With the collaboration and vision of parents and teachers, ALBA (Academia de Lenguaje y Bellas Artes) School was conceptualized in the fall of 2003. The initial creation of ALBA School was sparked by Milwaukee’s desire for a bilingual learning environment where parents and families could become truly active in their children’s education. ALBA School’s bilingual environment embraces both language and cultural diversity and builds on ethnic background and knowledge to deliver a positive and strong bilingual education.
ALBA School started with 125 eager students and ten staff members. ALBA’s goal is to reach a capacity of 474 students. The environment is close-knit and family-like with all teachers working as a team to see that each individual student succeeds. As ALBA School grows, so will our expertise in bilingual teaching and our commitment to educating students. Our roots are strong and our future is bright. We are dedicated to partnering with diverse families so that their children develop solid language skills, a love of the arts, appreciation of cultural roots, and the confidence to do well in school.
ALBA school’s has certified, dedicated, and diverse staff who build a solid academic foundation by teaching culturally relevant curriculum. Acquisition of the English language becomes second nature since it is presented within the context and understanding of the culture of the community ALBA school serves. Children are encouraged to maintain their cultural ties through language and arts while acquiring the language and life-long learning skills needed to be successful in a high school. Most ALBA staff have advanced degrees including Master’s degrees and specialty certifications allowing students to receive a high level of expertise in the classroom each day.
ALBA School has been recognized as a School of Distinction for PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) since 2012-2013. we are also designated a School of Recognition for Reading and Math.
http://www.wisconsinpbisnetwork.org/educators/pbis-in-action/school-recognition.html
ALBA is proud to be Wisconsin School of Recognition since 2012-2013, an honor given to the school by the state for moving students forward academically.
http://rewards.dpi.wi.gov/files/eis/pdf/dpinr2012_94.pdf
Also, check out the book below! ALBA School and four of our teachers are highlighted in this book!
http://www.amazon.com/Trusting-Teachers-School-Success-Happens/dp/1610485106
White House recognizes MPS’ ALBA School as ‘Bright Spot in Hispanic Education’
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics has named Milwaukee Public Schools’ ALBA School as one of the nation’s “Bright Spots in Hispanic Education,” an honor given to only three organizations in the state of Wisconsin this year.
As the White House noted in touting the recognition, math achievement scores at ALBA, which serves a student population that is 98% Hispanic and 97% economically disadvantaged, have been near or above the state average on the most recent state test results available.
“We are honored that ALBA has been recognized for the tremendous work its educators do every day to improve the education and lives of the school’s students,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver. “Congratulations to all of the leaders, teachers, support staff, students and families who all work together to make ALBA a ‘bright spot’ not only for MPS, the city of Milwaukee and the state, but also for the nation.”
In 2013, ALBA’s founding teachers were honored by ‘People’ magazine as among the magazine’s “Teachers of the Year.” ALBA has also been honored as a Wisconsin Title I School of Recognition for four straight years, reflecting its above-average achievement in reading and mathematics when compared to similar schools.
ALBA Mission
The mission of the Academia de Lenguaje y Bellas Artes (ALBA) is founded on the conviction that bilingual students can reach their full potential academically, in English and Spanish, when challenged through a rigorous curriculum that develops critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity through the integration of the fine arts. Our students will develop self-confidence and self-worth as their Hispanic cultural identity is both recognized and valued through the curriculum as they prepare to be internationally minded life-long learners. Parents are vital partners in this mission.
IB Mission
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.