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United States, Milwaukee
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Program began in 1978 in response to desegregation efforts in Milwaukee. Anthony Gradisnik researched and developed the immersion-school concept as an alternative to forced busing, inspired by Canadian immersion programs. In 1980 the French and German immersion programs shared space at 68th Street School and soon moved to 82nd Street, becoming the 82nd Street Multi-Language School. In 1985 MFIS was established and relocated to South 88th Street, with seating expanded for K4–K5 and first grade; the program grew from there. In 2004 MFIS moved to its current building at 2360 N. 52nd Street, and in 2012 the Milwaukee French Immersion Foundation was created to enrich opportunities; today MFIS continues its commitment to immersion education.
MFIS, along with its faculty, students, and families, has earned local and international recognition for academic achievement, teaching excellence, and a school climate of diversity, respect, and positivity. The school is recognized as a LabelFrancÉducation school for promoting outstanding education in French among students and parents. Art and music are taught in French, and older students develop critical thinking, research, and presentation skills through projects such as the United Nations Schools of International Learning program. Traditions include a fifth-grade completion ceremony, French camp, and an annual Mardi Gras celebration. Milwaukee Recreation hosts Camp MFIS on-site, providing supervised before- and after-school programming for K4–5.
MFIS PTA is a nonprofit volunteer organization that supports all students at Milwaukee French Immersion School. It advocates for students' best interests, strengthens communication between families and the school, and supplements opportunities for student success. The PTA runs events and programs that engage the MFIS community, including a Fun Run, African American Authors Read In, Mardi Gras, Spring Book Fair, Tile Work Presentation, Staff Appreciation Week, Spring Concert, and Fete du Cerveau – BrainFest with community partners. It supports volunteer opportunities and partnerships through groups such as Advocacy, Volunteer, and Business Partners. Join the MFIS PTA to participate, donate, and stay connected.
Milwaukee French Immersion School (MFIS) is a public elementary school within Milwaukee Public Schools serving students in K4 through fifth grade. The program uses French as the primary language of instruction, with English taught to achieve bilingual proficiency by the end of fifth grade. The American curriculum is delivered with technology integrated in every classroom, and students read, write, and speak in both languages. The school day runs from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 2360 N. 52nd Street. MFIS emphasizes global citizenship and intercultural competence through its United Nations Schools of International Learning program for older students, and many graduates continue in middle and high school at Milwaukee School of Languages. Founded in 1978 and housed in its building since 2004, MFIS is recognized by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs with LabelFrancÉducation. The Milwaukee French Immersion Foundation supports language programs and community involvement, including Camp MFIS after school.
