Milwaukee Academy of Science

What Milwaukee Academy of Science does

Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS) is an independent public charter school, founded in 2000 by T. Michael Bolger and led since 2016 by CEO Anthony McHenry, serving over 1,900 K4 through 12th grade students across two Milwaukee campuses — a Main Campus at 2000 W. Kilbourn Ave. in the Avenues West neighborhood and a 24th Street Campus at 2433 W. Cherry St. opened in fall 2023 from the former Penfield Montessori site. The student body is 99% Black, drawn from across the city of Milwaukee, and the school's mission is to graduate urban students prepared to compete at the post-secondary level through a STEM-focused curriculum anchored in dedicated infrastructure including the 2019 STEAM Innovation Lab (full science lab, technology workspaces, maker-space equipment, two-story glass-atrium work platform) and a College and Career Center, alongside specialized programming such as the SOCE Science Club, Intro to Community Health Equity, PEARLS socio-emotional support, and a Notes for Notes recording studio.

Operationally, MAS functions as a private nonprofit under a Wisconsin charter authorization, with no tuition charged to families. Revenue is driven primarily by per-pupil state and local public funding, augmented by a sophisticated development operation: multi-year foundation grants (Harley-Davidson Foundation $1M over four years, Northwestern Mutual $2.5M and additional $3M commitments, Burke Foundation grants), corporate sponsorships (Milwaukee Tool, The Hartford, IKEA, Foxconn), and signature fundraising events (the annual Night with the Novas gala, Nova Nation Golf Classic). The technology stack is conventional for K-12 — PowerSchool for student information, Google Classroom for distance learning, and supplemental platforms such as DreamBox Math, Zearn, and ABCmouse — with no proprietary AI or platform differentiation. Distribution is direct-to-family through a community-led enrollment process supported by referrals from a 25+ partner ecosystem that includes Medical College of Wisconsin (20+ year STEM/health-sciences pipeline), Marquette University (~20 collaboration channels), Boys & Girls Club (on-site Community Learning Center), and All-In Milwaukee (college scholarship support).

The strategic posture is mid-scale expansion within a single city: a $3.3 million, 20,000-square-foot facility expansion in 2021 and the 2023 second-campus opening demonstrate a growth-oriented operating model anchored in measurable outcomes — MAS has reported 100% graduation and college acceptance rates for six consecutive years (Class of 2020), with five full-ride scholarships to institutions including Duke, UW-Milwaukee, Bradley University, and UW-Madison in that single cohort. The school is governed by a Board of Directors, has a full C-suite (CEO, CSO, CAO, CFO, CDO, CHRO), maintains no parent company, and pursues no external equity financing.

Name

Milwaukee Academy of Science

Legal name

Milwaukee Academy of Science

Website

https://milwaukeeacademyofscience.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Milwaukee Academy of Science is a Wisconsin public charter school founded in 2000 that serves over 1,900 K4-12 students across two Milwaukee campuses, delivering STEM-focused education and college-readiness programming with no tuition charged.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 Charter School Education (STEM focus)

NAICS

All Other Schools and Instruction (61169), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Charter STEM/STEAM-Focused Schools (EDAJACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Science & STEM Instruction (School-Delivered) (EDAJAFAH), Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA), Biology & Life Science Enrichment (Biotech, Genetics, Anatomy) (EDAMABAF)

Keywords

• K-12 charter education
• STEM education programs
• College readiness services
• STEAM innovation labs
• Urban charter schooling

Headquarters

HQ city

Milwaukee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public Charter School Funding: As a public charter school, MAS receives per-pupil funding from Wisconsin state and local sources based on enrollment. This forms the core operational revenue.
2. Donations and Contributions: Individual and corporate donations through the school's development office, including annual giving campaigns and major gift programs.
3. Annual Gala (Night with the Novas): Annual fundraising gala event generating sponsorship revenue and direct contributions from community supporters and corporate sponsors.
4. Golf Classic Event: Nova Nation Golf Classic annual event supporting athletics programs through sponsorships and participant fees.
5. Grant Funding: Grant funding from foundations including The Burke Foundation, Northwestern Mutual, Harley-Davidson Foundation, and other institutional donors supporting specific programs and operations.
6. School Supply Drive Donations: Priority donation items including backpacks, school supplies, and graphing calculators from community partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Milwaukee Academy of Science is a public charter school operating a tuition-free K4-12th grade STEM/STEAM educational program for over 1,900 students across two Milwaukee campuses. Core offerings include comprehensive K-12 academic instruction, a STEAM Innovation Lab with maker-space facilities, college and career readiness support, athletics, after-school programming, and health-sciences career pathways developed in partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Product overview

Milwaukee Academy of Science is a single-site public charter school offering a unified K4-12th grade STEM-focused educational program. The school operates across two campuses (Main Campus on Kilbourn Avenue and 24th Street Campus) and provides a comprehensive portfolio of programs including core academic instruction, the STEAM Innovation Lab for hands-on learning, after-school programming via Boys & Girls Club partnership, athletics, college & career readiness, and specialized programs like SOCE Science Club, Notes for Notes recording studio, and PEARLS for socio-emotional development. The school serves over 1,900 urban students from across Milwaukee with a mission to graduate students prepared for post-secondary success.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• K4-12th Grade STEM Education Program Tuition-free K4-12th grade STEM-focused educational program serving over 1,900 students across two campuses in Milwaukee. Delivered through academic instruction in core subjects plus STEM specializations, with the school reporting 100% graduation and college acceptance for six consecutive years.
• STEAM Innovation Lab State-of-the-art facility with full science lab, technology workspaces, maker-space equipment, and a two-story work platform housed in a glass atrium, providing hands-on STEAM learning experiences for MAS students.
• After-School Programs (Community Learning Center) After-school programming for K4-8th grade students operated in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, which runs a Community Learning Center (CLC) on-site at MAS with two full-time staff, including STEAM Innovation Lab operations and enrichment programs.
• Varsity Athletics Program Competitive athletics program offering varsity sports including football, basketball (boys and girls), track and field, and cheerleading, supported by the $1.7 million gym expansion completed in 2022.
• SOCE Science Club Middle-school science club operated in partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin to explore STEM career fields for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Intro to Community Health Equity Course High-school health science course developed in partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin that supports students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing health-science careers.
• College & Career Readiness Services High-school guidance and readiness program preparing students for college acceptance, scholarship applications (including QuestBridge), and post-secondary success, delivered through a dedicated College & Career Center in partnership with All-In Milwaukee.
• PEARLS Program Socio-emotional support program for high-school young women that helps them set SMART goals while building healthy relationships, with an on-site program coordinator from PEARLS for Teen Girls.
• Notes for Notes Recording Studio On-site recording studio program operated by Notes for Notes that gives MAS students access to music production and creative arts equipment, with a dedicated Studio Program Director.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% graduation and college acceptance rate for six consecutive years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000For over 20 years, MCW has provided enriching STEM experiences for MAS students. Programs include SOCE Science Club for middle school students, White Coats for Black Lives partnership, Intro to Community Health Equity high school course, and AIM, ROADS, 500 Stars pipeline programs. Dr. Malika Siker serves as Associate Dean of Student Inclusion & Diversity.
• Boys & Girls Club of Greater MilwaukeecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoys & Girls Club runs Community Learning Center (CLC) for K4-8th grade students providing after-school programming. The organization chose MAS as their largest new site, with two full-time staff working on-site. The partnership includes STEAM Innovation Lab operations and variety of after-school programs.
• Marquette UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with MAS in about 20 different ways including STEM education, new teacher training, student volunteers, service learning, and athletics support. Named MAS Community Partner of the Year. Pi Beta Phi sorority has been volunteering at MAS for 10 years.
• All-In MilwaukeecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSets MAS High School students up for college acceptance and success. Builds relationships so that High School students and alumni receive support needed to graduate college. Multiple students received All-In Milwaukee Scholarships to UW-Madison.
• Wisconsin Reading Corps - AmericorpsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides one-on-one support for elementary aged students to ensure reading at grade level. Reading Corps tutors support students to make step-by-step progress to become better readers.
• PEARLS for Teen GirlsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram coordinator supports overall socio-emotional health of high school young women. Girls set SMART goals while building healthy relationships. Staff member Gerry Howze received T. Michael Bolger Impact Award.
• Milwaukee ToolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with MAS to provide students exposure to trades and skilled labor. Supports school expansion projects and provides equipment and resources for hands-on learning opportunities.
• Gilbane Building CompanymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceived 2025 MAS Champion Award. Partner in $3.3 million expansion project construction.
• Discovery WorldmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWon Project of the Year recognition alongside Marquette University. Provides experiential learning opportunities in science and technology.
• City Forward CollectivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceived 2023 T. Michael Bolger Impact Award. Partnered during COVID-19 for quick transition to distance learning. Funded summer school programs through National Summer School Initiative.
• Project Lead the Way (PLTW)majorTechnology or IntegrationProvides STEM curriculum and educational programming integrated into MAS classrooms for K-12 students.
• Urban Ecology CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides environmental education programming and outdoor learning experiences for MAS students including insect collecting on prairie and tree science lessons.
• RawhideminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth services organization partnering with MAS to provide support and resources for students.
• Near West SideminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighborhood organization providing community support and resources for MAS students and families.
• Youth FrontiersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides character education and values programs for MAS students.
• Cream City Medical SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth professional organization supporting MAS students interested in medical careers through mentorship and networking.
• American Cancer SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity health partner supporting MAS health sciences programming and student awareness.
• Notes for NotesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides recording studio at MAS giving students access to music production and creative arts programming. Davonté 'Dae' Hill serves as Studio Program Director.
• I Have a Dream FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharlotte Cannon-Sain serves as Executive Director with on-site program coordinator supporting MAS students with mentorship and educational support.
• Aurora Sinai Medical CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner providing clinical experiences and health career exposure for MAS students.
• Cardinal Stritch UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner supporting higher education pathways and educational programming for MAS students.
• Milwaukee SucceedsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity-wide education initiative partner working to improve educational outcomes in Milwaukee.
• National Summer School InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunded MAS summer school program providing five weeks of daily instruction to 3rd-6th grade scholars.
• Teach For AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides teachers and educational leaders to support MAS classrooms and mission.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• BASIS Charter Schools: National charter school network with an intense STEM/STEAM focus and strong college-prep culture. Most directly comparable to MAS in mission and curriculum emphasis.

Broad incumbents

• Rocketship Public Schools: National charter network with a strong STEM and personalized-learning focus serving urban elementary populations. Comparable STEM and supplemental-tech emphasis (e.g., Dream Box Math integration).
• National Heritage Academies: Charter management organization operating multiple schools across several states with a moral focus and college-prep curriculum. Comparable as a multi-site charter operator serving diverse student populations.
• Success Academy Charter Schools: Large NYC-based urban charter network with rigorous academics and STEM programming. Comparable as a high-performing urban charter serving minority student populations.
• Uncommon Schools: Urban charter network serving predominantly low-income students of color with a college-prep model. Comparable demographic focus and college outcomes orientation.
• Noble Schools: Chicago-based charter network serving predominantly minority, low-income students with a college-prep focus. Comparable urban charter model with similar student demographics.
• KIPP Public Schools: One of the largest urban charter networks in the U.S., focused on college preparation for underserved students. Comparable mission and demographic focus, though operating at vastly greater scale.
• IDEA Public Schools: Large charter network operating in multiple states with a strong STEM and college-readiness focus. Comparable in mission and curriculum emphasis, though larger and geographically dispersed.

Regional players

• University Prep Schools (Milwaukee): Local Milwaukee-area charter school organization serving K-12 students with a college-prep mission. Directly comparable geography and urban demographic focus.
• Bruce-Guadalupe Community School: Milwaukee-based charter school serving a similar urban, predominantly Latino and minority population with a dual-language and college-prep focus. Comparable local charter context.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/MILWAUKEE-ACADEMY-OF-SCIENCE-126518694126430
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/4029846/admin
• Instagraminstagram.com/mas_novas
• Xx.com/masnovas

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Milwaukee Academy of Science