Not every student thrives in a traditional high school setting. Some do best in a smaller, more personalized environment.
“I was expelled from my high school in the third quarter of my junior year,” shared Joe Franklin. “There were 30 kids in each class, which meant less interaction with my teachers. I was more of a hands-on learner, and honestly, I just didn’t want to be there. Once it got nice outside, I started skipping school.”
Joe and his parents found Kradwell School through their own online research. Located on the campus of Aurora Psychiatric Hospital in Wauwatosa, WI, Kradwell helps students who struggle in traditional school settings by providing individualized instruction and a unique curriculum tailored to the emotional and academic strengths of each student. It ended up being a perfect fit for Joe.
“I felt like the teachers actually cared. Class sizes were much smaller with just a few students in each class, and it was one-on-one learning. If I was ahead or behind in a subject, I could learn at my own pace.”
Additionally, Joe had the opportunity to graduate early.
“It was the end of my junior year when I enrolled at Kradwell,” he explained. “I was given the option to continue classes over the summer so I could earn enough credits to graduate a year early, which was extra incentive for me to go to class each day and work hard.”
After graduation, Joe enrolled at Milwaukee Area Technical College, where he studied firefighting. Deciding it wasn’t for him, he got a job working in residential construction.
“Then I ran into a buddy from high school, who had joined a local union and worked at Berghammer Construction doing commercial projects. I didn’t have any health insurance or benefits, so I decided to apply.”
It would turn out to be one of the best decisions Joe has made.
“If I could go back to when I graduated high school, I would have walked straight into the union office and signed up,” he said. “I get paid well, I have great benefits and I love my job.”
Berghammer also brought Joe back to Kradwell. The school, which is supported by philanthropy, is raising funds to renovate the art room. Berghammer is the contractor, and Joe was part of the crew working on the new space.
“I got to go back to Kradwell for a couple of weeks, and it was like a trip down memory lane. It’s been 14 years since I graduated, but some of my old teachers were still there, and they remembered me. They told me how proud they are that I’ve found a career I’m passionate about. It was great to catch up.”
Joe also got to talk to some students about his work.
“There was one student in particular who had questions about carpentry, and I was happy to answer them,” Joe shared. “It’s important that kids know there are options besides college.”
How you can help
Kradwell School relies on charitable gifts for projects like the art room expansion and to help families with tuition costs. Kradwell is a private school that receives no state or federal funding, and tuition can be a significant obstacle to what may be a child's last hope for a better future. Thanks to generous donors and their ongoing support over the years, Kradwell is able to help students like Joe pursue a better educational path.
“I probably wouldn’t have a high school diploma if it wasn’t for donors to Kradwell. I’m extremely grateful for my education, and I don’t think I’d be where I am today if I hadn’t found Kradwell.”
If you would like to contribute to our mission, make a gift today.