In 2012, the Milwaukee Public Schools Board of School Directors approved the merger of Dover Street Elementary School and Tippecanoe School for the Arts & Humanities. The two schools had been occupying the former Fritsche Middle School facility at 2969 S. Howell Ave. since 2011. The merger strengthened the educational program with an integrated arts specialty focus, consolidated enrollment recruitment efforts, initiated a united sense of community for all students and staff in the building, and fostered budget and program implementation efficiencies.
In 2013, the MPS Board approved a new name for the school, Milwaukee Parkside School for the Arts, effective with the 2013-14 school year.
Both Dover Street Elementary and Tippecanoe School for the Arts & Humanities were rooted in the rich histories of their respective Bay View neighborhoods. Here is a look at that background:
- The first school in Bay View was built in 1883 and was replaced six years later by New Seventeenth District School, later called Dover Street School for its location at 619 E. Dover St.
- In 1893, the number of classrooms was expanded from three to five.
- Moviegoers enjoyed Saturday “penny shows” at the school during the 1920s and 1930s.
- In 1929, Tippecanoe School was established in the Town of Lake, which was annexed to the City of Milwaukee in 1954.
- The school was renamed Tippecanoe School for the Humanities in 1989, with its focus on history, literature, philosophy, drama, dance, languages, language art and visual arts. The name was later changed to Tippecanoe School for the Arts and Humanities.
- Dover Street Elementary School initiated its “City Within a School” program in 1996.
- In 2001 Dover Street School was recognized by the Bay View Historical Society as a historical landmark.
- In 2011 Dover Street Elementary School and Tippecanoe K–8 School for the Arts & Humanities were relocated to the former Fritsche Middle School building located at 2969 S. Howell Ave.
- In 2012, the Milwaukee School Board approved a merger between Dover and Tippecanoe schools
- In 2013 the MPS Board approved the request to consolidate the schools’ educational programs and form one school: Milwaukee Parkside School for the Arts, which offers an integrated arts school with a community focus.
Highlights:
- Type: Neighborhood Specialty School
- Hours: 8:55 a.m. – 3:55 p.m.
- Special Programs/Partnerships: PBIS, Junior Achievement, Girl Scouts, Student Council, Artists In Residence, Aquaponics and Agricultural Program, Arts @ Large, Danceworks, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Art Museum, First Stage Children’s Theater, Athletics
- Extended Day Activities: At Camp Parkside, before-and after-school care is offered along with day care during the school day for 3-year-olds in the neighborhood.
- Special Education is important at Milwaukee Parkside. Cross categorical and MRP educational programs are offered.