WAUWATOSA — There is an alternative high school experience for kids struggling in a traditional high school setting. Sophomore Jonah Christopher feels right at home at Kradwell School even though it wasn't his idea to go there.
"It was a decision my mom decided to take and it's a decision that I'm very happy with," said Christopher. "I like that the teachers here really pay attention to their students and help them out each individually and there's a lot less distractions because it's smaller classrooms."
Christopher has ADD and said it was easy for him to get distracted at his previous school. Kradwell is designed to be a calming environment. There is one teacher to every six students. Art Therapy is a favorite class among students.
"It helps me relieve stress and calm down and helps a lot of students do that," said Christopher.
Principal Mary Helen Schulte said anxiety and depression are common among her students and many are on the autism spectrum.
"A lot of our kids have mental health diagnosis, but some have none at all," said Helen Schulte. " Large percentage of our students have been bullied or were bullies themselves."
This accounts for about 90% of students at Kradwell.
"Our students really understand each other," said Schulte. "They have a lot of common background in things they suffered from."
Kradwell is a place they can cope and learn.
"Our kids are working towards a regular state of Wisconsin high school diploma and we follow all the state standards, but we do that in a way that's based on a best way a student learns," said Schulte.
Students' average ACT score is 21.4, which is higher than the national average.
"All of our curriculum is individualized to the student," said Schulte.
Kradwell is a private school in Wauwatosa for 8-12 graders. About 50% of kids are recommended by their district and the rest come on their own.
"Our goal is to give our kids the self-confidence, the self-advocacy skills, of course, the academic skills to be able to transition back to their home school and be in their community with their peers if that's the right place for them."
Some students are enrolled the entire time while others just stay a year. Currently, Kradwell is at capacity.
