Art-infused charter school breaks ground in Milwaukee

Lighthouse Academies of Wisconsin recently broke ground on its new North Point Lighthouse Charter School, 4200 W. Douglas Ave., in Milwaukee. The school is the first of its kind in Wisconsin and will offer an arts-infused education opportunity for students in the community.
“We’re thrilled to break ground on this project and eager to move closer to the opening of the school. It’s the first step in creating positive opportunities for many local students,” said Mike Ronan, president and CEO, Lighthouse Academies. “This community deserves the chance to equip its children with the best education possible and the North Point Lighthouse Charter School is here to help make that happen.”
Milwaukee-based Plunkett Raysich Architects will transform an industrial manufacturing space into a learning environment that includes a full science lab, an auditorium and an outdoor play area.
“We will work tirelessly to raise funds and ensure our goal of developing North Point into a full K-12 school is met,” said Anna Hammernik, principal, North Point Lighthouse Charter School. “Our goal is to provide access to education that will not only prepare them for college, but will also contribute to the overall betterment of the Milwaukee educational landscape.”
The school is scheduled to open in Aug. 2012 and will initially serve children kindergarten through fourth grade. The school has room for expansion and plans to add one grade level per year until it reaches 12th grade, Hammernik said.
The Canyon-Agassi Charter School Facilities Fund, a joint venture between famed tennis player Andre Agassi and Canyon Capital Realty Advisors, whose mission is to promote the success and growth of best-in-class charter schools, will develop the property.