Serving 139 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Vel R Phillips School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Wisconsin for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤20% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤10% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 38%).
The student-teacher ratio of 5:1 is lower than the Wisconsin state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 139 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: ≤20% (Btm 50% in WI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: The Plank Road Complex serves the southern part of Milwaukee, WI, covering an area of approximately 0.6 square miles. Families in this attendance zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of about 0.5 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 0.8 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Vel R Phillips School's student population of 139 students has grown by 183% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has grown by 38% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
139 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Vel R Phillips School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,962 schools in Wisconsin (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Vel R Phillips School is 0.39, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.54. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1766 out of 1962 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
13%
14%
Black
77%
9%
White
2%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≤20%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)100%
24%
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
8%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vel R Phillips School's ranking?
Vel R Phillips School is ranked #1766 out of 1,962 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Wisconsin.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WI state average), while ≤10% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% WI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Vel R Phillips School?
The graduation rate of Vel R Phillips School is 20%, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 90%.
How many students attend Vel R Phillips School?
139 students attend Vel R Phillips School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Vel R Phillips School students are Black, 13% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Vel R Phillips School?
Vel R Phillips School has a student ration of 5:1, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 13:1.
What grades does Vel R Phillips School offer ?
Vel R Phillips School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Vel R Phillips School part of?
Vel R Phillips School is part of Wauwatosa School District.
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