Brookfield Academy

Founding Era

Founded in 1964 by a group of Milwaukee area businessmen, Brookfield Academy has become one of the premier college preparatory schools in the Midwest. Offering a plurality of AP and honors courses from highly qualified teachers and staff, the Academy has earned the respect of universities who have heard of the tiny institution. Students who graduate from the Academy are consistently accepted into top schools with most graduating classes placing 10% or more of graduates at Ivy League schools. Put in context, this amounts to about four students per class.

Long-time Academy teacher and coach Robert Solsrud was named Head of School in 1993. In 1995, as enrollment crept up to nearly 600 students, a new opportunity surfaced: the purchase of a convert|100|acre|km2|sing=on farm on the west side of Brookfield Road, now developed into a first-class athletic complex serving the needs of more than 700 students.

Despite the tremendous physical growth of the Academy, the core philosophy has not changed. With the guiding values of Intellect, Character, Truth, Individuality, and Heritage, a demanding program, small but ever-expanding classes, and texts and materials chosen for their consistency with time-proven Judeo-Christian values, the Academy pleases many parents with an unparalleled education, preparing students for college and for life. Brookfield Academy has been accused of being very right-wing, thus people with progressive values often shy away. Also of note, some might say that they simply remove students, without a tuition refund, who do not appear to be college material.

As an institution dedicated to excellence in education, Brookfield Academy is continuously searching for and selecting what appears to be best in everything it undertakes. The founding philosophical pillars of classical liberal education, free market economics, Judeo-Christian monotheism, constitutional limited government, and individual freedom with personal responsibility are exemplified by the Academy's Five Stars: Intellect, Heritage, Truth, Individuality, and Character.

The Academy has recently completed a multi-million dollar athletic facility and is now moving on to a massive capital campaign to finance an upper-school expansion project. Also in recent years the Academy has embarked upon an endowment expansion plan that will ensure that the quality of education received by students is never compromised.

Upper School

The Upper School continues the academic excellence that exists in the Middle and Lower Schools. The Upper School prepares students for college using great study skills and by entering tough classes. There are many notable teachers at Brookfield Academy. Economics teacher, Mr. Bruce Rottman, teaches students with his award winning Micro Monthly Mystery curriculum, subject that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The administration does a great job and most students leave the academy very happy. The head of the Upper School is Daniel Davis with assistant head Gloria Renkert.

Middle School

Middle School students continue to build on the basics and at the same time expand their skills and knowledge to prepare for Upper School. To tap into the energy of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, teachers use creative methods and tools, including games such as History Tic-Tac-Toe, Math Baseball, Readers' Golf, and a Latin Declension Derby. Our Middle School curriculum prepares students for success in the Upper School.

Brookfield Academy Middle School students complete two years of U.S. history, read and write extensively in English courses, and build a solid foundation of understanding in science and math. Whether they're creating "novels" using their knowledge of word processing and computer graphics, participating in a simulation government and economy, performing plays in drama class, or attending a two-day camp and discovering the wonders of nature and the outdoors, students learn to stretch their minds in new ways.

Brookfield Academy's learning environment encourages strong relationships between students, teachers, and parents, helping our students reach high goals in both academics and character development. After school, students have an opportunity to sharpen their athletic, interpersonal, and leadership skills through involvement in a variety of sports and club activities.

The Head of the Middle School is Douglas Ricci.

Lower School

Brookfield Academy's Lower School is a Pre-K through Grade 5 program. Lower School students begin with the basics. We teach the 4 R's: Reading, 'Riting, 'Rithmetic, and Responsibility. Students are taught to read through a phonics program that helps them understand not only how to read, but also how to spell and write. As the students begin to write, they are taught the basics of grammar and the building blocks of good sentences and paragraphs, which later serve as elements of composition. Throughout the Lower School years, students are introduced to classic works of literature. The Academy's reading list prepares students for future academic and lifelong learning. We also teach history, science, languages (French, Spanish, and Latin), art, and music. Learning activities include hands-on experiments in physical, earth, and life sciences, nature walks, trips to the theater, and visits from artists and historians. Our aim is to spark enthusiasm for learning at an early age.

Homework is an important part of our program throughout the school. It is in fact so paramount that students were expected to complete assignments on September 11th, 2001. Parents in Lower School sign their children's homework, so they're aware of their child's progress through the curriculum and can help encourage good study habits. In addition, all parents are welcome to visit classes to share special knowledge and skills with students.

Brookfield Academy's small classes and family atmosphere make it a friendly and safe environment for learning. The teachers are caring, and the students show concern for the needs of others. Outside the classroom, students learn to play together and build lasting friendships.