Academic Excellence

Given our commitment to engaging the whole child and our extensive learning support and enrichment opportunities, we are proud to have earned the highest possible rating on our State of Wisconsin Report Card, Significantly Exceeds Expectations for the past 3/3 academic years.

As a school, St. Sebastian Catholic School consistently outperforms schools across the greater Milwaukee area, as well as exceeds the state averages in the assessed categories of Reading and Math. Additionally, our students excel in the content areas of Science and Social Studies, neither of which are visible on the  State of Wisconsin Report Card.

Our graduating 8th grade students leave St. Sebastian Catholic School well prepared for the next level of rigor at area Catholic high schools, as well as local public high schools they might attend.

What We Factor In

  • Standards based instructional planning and assessments.
  • Core courses include:
    • Math
    • English Language Arts
    • Science
    • Social Studies
    • Religion
    • Specials: Physical Education, Art, Music, Technology
  • Engaging instructional delivery, actively involving students in their learning.
  • Differentiation of instruction across all grade levels in content, process, and product.
  • Attention to a growth mindset approach to learning.
  • A staffed Learning Center provides enrichment opportunities for students who may be advanced in one or more subject areas.
  • Title I program support in Reading and Math for students who may need remediation or adapted courses of study.
  • Trauma-informed awareness and approach to each child’s learning needs.
  • Data-driven analysis and staff collaboration guide instructional goals and objectives.
  • Curriculum resources and instructional materials are evaluated annually by school administration and faculty.
  • Educational program goals and content are reviewed annually by the faculty, principal, and parent representatives serving on our School Committee.
  • Cooperative learning, project-based learning, and problem-based learning are additional ways that our teachers build intellectual and social character through instruction.  
  • Extensive professional development for all staff each year in targeted areas for growth that directly impact and benefit student learning outcomes.

Math Instruction

We believe that all students can love math! Math can be a joyful, exciting time of every school day.


We believe in inspiring students to build their resilience, confidence, and tools to persevere through difficult tasks so that students believe in their ability to problem-solve.


We believe in fostering a culture of vulnerability and growth, where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and view challenges as opportunities to grow, even and especially when it is hard and no matter one’s level of proficiency.  


We believe that developing strong fluency and automaticity with math facts builds stronger math understanding and efficiency.


We believe all students can engage in rigorous, hands-on problem solving and dialogue.


We believe all students can grow a deeper understanding of math sense, given opportunities to choose which strategies, representations, and models they use to solve problems. 


We believe that learning in a variety of formats (whole group, small group, and independent practice) best meets the needs of diverse learners.


We believe students grow in math when thinking critically and problem solving.


We believe that the work needs to be rigorous but also responsive, so that every student receives the support they need with timely feedback and targeted small group instruction. 


We believe that math instruction must prepare students to excel in their continued education and life opportunities beyond St. Sebastian School. 

Educating the Whole Child

The St. Sebastian community has a long history of a strong commitment to educating the whole child, evidenced in our striving to meet the needs of every student seeking a Catholic education at our school.


In 2018, St. Sebastian Catholic School was awarded the distinction of an “Exemplary Award in Educating the Whole Student”  from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. 


Below are just some of the factors that make our school special:

  • Our amazing students! 
  • Every classroom is unique and diverse – economically, racially, geographically (students from over 20 zip codes), in learning styles and needs, and fun personalities.
  • We strive to acknowledge, affirm, and capitalize on each child’s unique and shared gifts.
  • Families committed to growing in faith, academics, and community.
  • Faculty & Staff who are loving, dedicated, and passionate about kids and equity in education.
  • Focus on differentiating the instruction in order to meet students’ diverse needs.
  • Small class sizes (average of 18 students), with two classes per grade level.
  • Our incredible Student Support Team, who further support students, teachers, and families in collaborating on how to best meet the needs of our students, from remediation to enrichment.
  • Our innovative Student Support Team includes the following positions and expertise:
    • Director of Student Support
    • Special Education Teacher
    • Speech and Language Pathologist
    • School Counselor
    • Title I Teacher and Interventionist
    • Math Specialist
    • (2) Student Instructional Assistants
    • Dean of Students and Culture
    • Principal
  • Regularly scheduled response to Intervention (RTI) meetings and strategy sessions with Teachers and Support Staff.
  • Our 60+ years partnership and integration with Saint Coletta Day School, a school serving. amazing students with special needs. St. Coletta is housed within Saint Sebastian School.
  • Our partnership with Mount Mary University’s Occupational Therapy Program.
  • We use the “Zones of Regulation” to help students self-identify feelings and behaviors.
  • Love & Logic philosophy for behavior management, problem solving, and communication.
  • Our Specials curriculum includes – Physical Education, Art, Music, Library, and Technology.
  • A reliable and engaging before and after school care, known as our “PAL program.”