Stellar Collegiate Charter School, a tuition-free, public charter school serving students in Kindergarten through 5th grade, was approved by the Charter School Office of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, on September 30, 2015. Stellar Collegiate will open its doors to 140 K4 and K5 students during the 2015-2016 school year.

Stellar Collegiate was founded on the philosophy that college begins in kindergarten, with a strong focus on academics and character development. Core elements of the school include a belief in the potential of all children, outstanding teachers in each classroom, a commitment to ensuring every child in on grade level in reading by third grade, additional time for student learning and staff development, and regular communication with families.

At Stellar Collegiate, students receive an education that puts them on the path to college and allows them to create futures bright with opportunity. The school’s deep focus on literacy and development of lasting character provides the strong elementary foundation necessary for success in middle school, high school, college, and life.

“We believe that an incredible education is the right of every child in our city,” says Melissa McGonegle, Stellar Collegiate Lead Founder. “All children, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, can achieve at the highest levels. Stellar Collegiate is committed to creating a school defined by rigor, structure, and joy that will allow all of our students to dream big, achieve, and make Milwaukee stronger.”

All students at Stellar Collegiate will know they are college bound. This expectation will be infused in the school’s culture, teacher-student interactions and teacher-family communication. “We believe that education is the great equalizer,” says Stellar Collegiate Board Chairman Marc Cohen. “We have an incredible opportunity to transform children’s lives, and weare excited to work with the Southside of Milwaukee community on behalf of our students.”

Stellar Collegiate is grateful for the generous, local support of Schools That Can Milwaukee, Teach for America Milwaukee, and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce. Lead Founder Melissa McGonegle has had the national support of the Building Excellent Schools Fellowship, a national charter school creation program that trains, supports and mentors individuals to design, found, sustain and lead an urban public school of uncompromising excellence. More information can be found at www.buildingexcellentschools.org.

Stellar Collegiate is currently accepting applications for its inaugural K4 and K5 classes next school year. 140 seats are available for the classes of 2034 and 2033, the year these students will graduate from college. Families seeking information about enrollment or those wishing to support the work of Stellar Collegiate Charter School should contact Melissa McGonegle by phone at 414.973.1991 or by e-mail at mmcgonegle@stellarcollegiate.org or enroll on our website: www.stellarcollegiate.org