Marquette Elementary School

This is a great school. It is academically progressive, employing research-based best practices, and seems a very happy place for students and teachers. My son transferred from a big city "10 rated" school, where in the 2nd grade the homework load was insane, there was no recess, and while diversity/equity scores were high, the reality is that the students of color and low-income students who did not have very high test scores were forcefully directed to "special programs" (that had differeing standards) and/or other schools. Marquette is inclusive in every sense of the word. It is as diverse and as integrated a schoolenvironment as you will find in Madison, as is the connected middle school. My 3rd grader is a "student of color," and he is also quite eccentric in his dress and in his perspective. He has felt welcomed from day 1, and he considers every kid in his class a good friend. He is also advancing well academically. Having an appropriate level of homework and having the opportunity to engage in applied learning has allowed his creativity and initiative to blossom. He has also been identified for advanced learning opportunities (the district's gifted program). We're not big fans of segregating kids at this age, but so far it seems the school does a good job of integrating this program. Also, anecdotally, it seems kids referred for enhanced learning at Marquette include students with varying family incomes and levels of parental education. In our old district, "gifted" pretty much just meant wealthy, educated parents. No school is perfect, but we feel very grateful to have found Marquette. Oh, and the school is in a very beautiful and fun neighborhood (that is sadly rising in price, but still a great deal if you're accustomed to coastal housing prices).

my daughter attended Marquette after moving from a different town and not knowing anyone. It was a very open and friendly school and many wonderful teachers who made her transition much less difficult.