SCHOOLYARD RENDERINGS PRODUCED BY UWM’S School of Architecture and Urban Planning (SARUP)

*Renderings are intended plans for the schoolyard and are subject to change.

Milwaukee French Immersion School’s community and partners have developed a common vision for a redeveloped greener, healthier schoolyard. The school is actively fundraising to help transform their conceptual plan into reality through December 2025.

Milwaukee French Immersion School is located within the Milwaukee River Watershed and Combined Sewer Service Area. The conceptual plan calls for removal of asphalt and replacing it with new green space and mixed-use recreation and educational areas. The design includes multiple outdoor classrooms, bioswales, and the addition of many stormwater trees. The inclusion of a variety of native plantings allow for unique spaces on the schoolyard that can represent natural Wisconsin ecosystems, complete with student-created signage. The vision also includes a porous, synthetic turf soccer field with an underground cistern beneath it to further manage rainwater where it falls.

Learn About the Plan

BEFORE Redevelopment

Aerial Perspective - Soccer field, bioswales, pathways, green space, native WI plantings, loose parts, nature play, outdoor classrooms, seating areas and trees

Conceptual Design Plan

Perspective Drawing showing bioswales, green space, pathways and seating areas

Perspective Drawing showing an outdoor classroom, loose parts play, green space, trees and a gaga ball pit.

Green Team Documents & Resources

Conceptual plan drawings
Meeting Minutes
Project Folder

Milwaukee French Immersion School
2360 N 52nd St.,
Milwaukee, WI 53210

CONTACT INFORMATION

Jenna Harer
Principal
Milwaukee French Immersion School
harerjm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Chloe Croke
K5 Teacher
Milwaukee French Immersion School
crokecm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Brianna Laux Kocis
School Social Worker
Milwaukee French Immersion School
lauxkobr@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Lisa Neeb
Green & Healthy Schools Program Manager
Reflo - Sustainable Water Solutions
lisa.neeb@RefloH2o.com

When I first heard about the schoolyard development grant, it was during my first year as principal here at MFIS. I became incredibly excited for this opportunity. As a principal and a parent, I don’t find our schoolyard appropriate for our kids’ needs. Receiving the schoolyard grant is allowing us to provide our children with a safe place to play, outdoor education opportunities, and a cooler environment in the summer. I am so excited for our children to have this opportunity!

- Jenna Harer – Principal