St. Augustine Preparatory Academy Raises $2.1 Million During 2023 Gala
More than 700 people gathered to provide critical support for the school’s continued growth, including the launch of a new elementary school and performing arts center opening in August
Milwaukee, May 5, 2023 – St. Augustine Preparatory Academy (Aug Prep), a high-performing K4-12 non-denominational Christian school on Milwaukee’s southside, announced today it raised $2.1 million during its annual gala celebration to support the growing reach and impact of Aug Prep. The school is widely supported by corporate and individual donors with 100 percent of the funds from the gala going to the classroom.
The event recognized two community leaders who go above and beyond in their support of the Aug Prep mission to graduate well-rounded, academically prepared students whose values, character, faith and leadership will differentiate them from other high school graduates and develop them to be leaders of tomorrow. Coreen Dicus-Johnson, president and CEO of Network Health, was recognized with the 2023 Founders Award. Tim Wallen, principal and CEO of MLG Capital, and Julie Wallen were the recipients of the 2023 Friends Award. The event was attended by over 700 supporters of the school including Mayor of Milwaukee Cavalier Johnson, Dale Kooyenga and Tim Sheehy of MMAC, Mary Ellen Stanek of Baird, and Giacomo Fallucca from Palermos Pizza.
“Every year I am re-energized by the overwhelming support and generosity that Aug Prep receives,” said Abby Andrietsch, chief executive officer of Aug Prep. “Milwaukee students deserve more great schools like Aug Prep. Today, our state provides significantly less funding for students and families who choose schools like ours, so our students’ success would not be possible without the relentless generosity of our supporters. Their investments allow us to provide our students with the spaces and resources they need to maximize their God-given ability and make positive contributions to Milwaukee and our broader world. All students deserve a quality education regardless of the school they choose to attend.”
The successful gala comes as Aug Prep prepares to open a new, state-of-the-art $49 million elementary school on its campus on the south side of Milwaukee. The 123,000 square-foot facility will have capacity for 900 K4 through 5th grade students and will increase Aug Prep’s total enrollment capacity to 2,400 students, making it the largest single campus school in Milwaukee next year. Located just across West Harrison Avenue from the current school, the new standalone elementary school was designed to emphasize Aug Prep’s four pillars of faith, family, academics, arts/athletics with modern classrooms and special education spaces along with a full-sized gymnasium, a small gym, a rooftop garden and play space, as well as a performing arts center with seating for over 600.
Aug Prep is so much more than beautiful facilities. For the second year in a row, Aug Prep earned five stars – the highest rating possible – from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. According to the state’s report card on school performance, Aug Prep is the top K-12 school in the state and the highest-rated high school in Milwaukee. Aug Prep student academic growth rated higher than 98.5 percent of all schools in the state.
The impact of Aug Prep extends beyond the classroom. Since its opening, crime in the area has dropped by more than 43 percent according to data from the Milwaukee Police Department.
Next month, Aug Prep will graduate 91 seniors. Almost a third of the class are the first in their family to pursue a college degree. Collectively, they have received more than 278 4-year colleges or university acceptances and over $3 million in scholarships. Over 95 percent have been accepted to attend a 2- or 4-year college, university, or technical school, and five students have committed to joining the US Marine Corps.
Aug Prep students are accepted on a first come, first serve basis with approximately 8 percent participating in Aug Prep’s special education program. Over 95 percent of students come from minority populations with 87 percent qualifying for the free or reduced-price lunch program.
To learn more about how to support Aug Prep, visit augprep.org.
