WL School

School introduction

WL is a private coeducational high school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serving grades 9–12. Its educational roots date to 1903, with a separate school organization established in 1955. The setting connects a Lake Michigan city with everyday Midwestern school life.

College preparation sits alongside practical work, the arts and athletics. Personal growth, cooperation and service are central to the school’s approach, within an explicitly Lutheran Christian environment that emphasizes faith, character and community responsibility.

The school reports WELSSA, WRISA and NCPSA accreditation. In September 2026, four seniors were recognized as Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic distinction rather than a scholarship award.

Curriculum

English 9 develops literary analysis, writing and oral communication. Biology or Honors Biology is available in grades 9–10 according to placement. Composition, Speech and Chemistry serve grades 10–12, while grades 11–12 include American Literature and advanced options such as AP Biology and AP Chemistry. Grade 12 includes AP English Literature/Language and Composition.

Engineering Essentials in grades 9–10 introduces design approaches to practical problems. Introduction to Engineering Design, for grades 9–12, uses 2D and 3D modelling while developing teamwork. Later options include Principles of Engineering and Engineering Design and Development, subject to prerequisites.

The wider curriculum includes mathematics, social studies, theology, music, visual arts and physical education. Real classroom projects have included tabletop chain-reaction machines and outdoor brain and neuron diagrams, connecting academic ideas with collaborative activity.

Previous short visits typically lasted about one week, combining regular classes with cultural activities. These are examples of the regular curriculum; ask an advisor about the actual visiting timetable, prerequisites, language needs, activities and dates. Groups are agency-organized with adult chaperones.

• Chapel and theology are part of regular school life. First-year full-time international students without a Bible background must take Introduction to Christianity. Ask an advisor about religious participation for a short visiting group.
• Groups generally comprise students aged 13–17, with applications coordinated by an agency and one or two adult chaperones according to group size. Ask an advisor about size, duration, costs, housing and winter dates.
• Previous groups usually used school-approved host families. For a day arrangement, ask an advisor to verify school approval, adult supervision, transport and activity logistics.

School features

• Educational roots in 1903; private grades 9–12 high school
• Grade-specific English, science and engineering study
• Previous groups combined classes and culture for about one week
• School-approved host-family arrangements for group enquiries

Grades available for short-term study & entry requirements

Grades available for short-term study

Groups usually ages 13–17; contact an advisor about grades

The age range describes the school’s group experience; it does not establish eligibility for every grade or independent applicants.

School application requirements

• For agency-organized groups, with applications collected and submitted by the agency.
• Groups usually travel with one or two adult chaperones, depending on group size.
• Previous programs combined regular classes with American students and cultural activities.
• Contact an advisor about independent applicants, group size, dates and fees.

Dates, duration & fees

Duration

Previous groups usually stayed about 1 week; contact an advisor about your visit

Dates

Dates are arranged for each group; contact an advisor about winter 2027 availability.

Fees

Contact an advisor

Accommodation & documents

Accommodation

Homestay; contact an advisor about day attendance

Previous groups typically stayed with school-approved host families. Contact an advisor about day attendance, independent housing and host placement.

Documents typically needed

• Contact an advisor for the application checklist and submission arrangements.

More campus & classroom photos

Regional location