Letter from a Former USM Parent

Message: My experience with the teachers and administration at USM is a bit different than what has been highlighted recently. My children attended USM from JK until 2nd grade then our family relocated to London for 5 years. The USM we returned to in 2017 was a completely different school.

The Board of Trustees and Head of School, Laura Fuller, made intentional changes to the resources available, curriculum and staff. I immediately noticed a lack of focus on the basics of what children need to be successful in a very competitive global environment. I talked with the middle school teachers during conferences and met with former head of the middle school Pam Nosbusch. I was concerned about the lack of spelling tests, proper writing and English instruction and prioritizing basic math facts. I was told by a teacher “that is what spell check is for.” I was concerned with 6th grade world history and the huge gaps in what was being "taught". "The focus of the class is not geared toward memorizing dates, places, and names, but rather an ongoing discussion of change and continuity over the centuries.” https://www.usm.org/middleschool/6th-grade

Another highly touted signature 6th grade project is the annual Comic Con event where teachers parade around in superhero costumes under the guise of teaching creative writing.

University School of Milwaukee was once a unique place to have your children educated. In my opinion the school became focused on increasing enrollment and as a result lowered the academic rigor.

One of my children was regularly targeted for having more conservative beliefs by his teachers. He did not feel safe or supported from faculty. It was completely inappropriate and a distraction from the actual teaching that should have been taking place. No child should be forced to defend their beliefs in front of a class at age 13.

In a final meeting with Gregg Bach, Laura Fuller and Elaine Griffin I was ultimately banned from having any further communication with the school. In a letter dated 11/4/2019 it clearly states that all communication with the school was to be channeled through my husband.

No child should feel unwelcome or unsupported at their school no matter their skin color, gender or religious beliefs.

Thank you to the Robinsons for bringing attention to the complete hypocrisy of the Common Trust.