Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Catholic High School in Milwaukee, WI
Founded in 1929 under the direction of the Pallottine Fathers and School Sisters of St. Francis, Pius XI Catholic High School has served as Milwaukee's premier coeducational Catholic high school for over nine decades. Guided by Franciscan values of dignity, peace, and respect, we prepare a diverse student body to achieve their highest potential through academic excellence, moral development, and service-oriented leadership. Our college preparatory curriculum includes Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses, a nationally recognized four-year fine arts program, and a Project Lead the Way Engineering pathway accredited by STEM.org. With 24 athletic programs and over 24 co-curricular activities, we foster holistic growth in a community that values individuality and inclusivity.Our faculty and staff are committed to nurturing students' intellectual, spiritual, and personal development, as evidenced by our 96-year legacy of producing graduates who excel in college, career, and life. We maintain rigorous academic standards while emphasizing character formation through faith-based education, community service, and retreat programs that align with Catholic teachings. Our commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through our Special Studies program for students with learning disabilities and our diverse student population of approximately 720 individuals. This enduring dedication to educational excellence and moral formation has established Pius XI as a trusted institution in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Services
College Preparatory Programs
STEM Education
Performing Arts
Theology Programs
Special Education
Details
- Year established: 1929
Highlights and features
- Established in 1929 with 96 years of educational excellence
- Nationally recognized four-year fine arts program
- STEM.org accredited Project Lead the Way Engineering pathway
- Special Studies program for students with learning disabilities
- Diverse student body representing various backgrounds and cultures
Associations and certifications
- STEM.org
What people say
Outstanding faculty
Caring staff
Diverse community
Confidence and belonging
Excellent college prep
Services
College Preparatory Programs
Our college preparatory curriculum includes 25+ credit requirements across core subjects, with Advanced Placement courses and dual-enrollment opportunities preparing students for higher education success. The program emphasizes critical thinking, writing proficiency, and STEM competencies while maintaining Catholic educational values. Graduates consistently achieve above-average college acceptance rates and scholarship awards.
STEM Education
STEM.org accredited Project Lead the Way Engineering pathway offers hands-on learning in civil engineering, biomedical science, and robotics. Students gain practical experience through lab work, industry partnerships, and end-of-course assessments recognized by universities nationwide. The program prepares students for STEM careers while emphasizing ethical responsibility in technological development.
Performing Arts
Our nationally recognized four-year performing arts curriculum includes theater, music, and visual arts with professional-grade facilities and production opportunities. Students develop creative expression through ensemble performances, art exhibitions, and technical theater training while earning fine arts credits toward graduation requirements.
Theology Programs
Four-year theology curriculum integrates Catholic doctrine with moral philosophy, social justice, and spiritual development. The program includes retreats, service learning, and sacramental preparation aligned with Franciscan values, fostering students' spiritual growth and community responsibility.
Special Education
Special Studies program provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities through certified special education teachers and customized learning plans. The program maintains academic standards while offering accommodations that promote success in college preparatory coursework and social integration.
People
Ryan Krienke
Principal
Educational leader with extensive administrative experience, overseeing academic operations and institutional development at Pius XI Catholic High School.
Jesse Stewart
Athletic Director
Former student-athlete and educator with deep institutional knowledge, directing athletic programs that have earned 195 conference and 99 state championships.
Tom Holschuh
Campus Minister
Spiritual leader responsible for faith formation programs, retreats, and service initiatives that align with Catholic teachings and Franciscan values.
Questions
What academic programs does Pius XI offer?
We provide college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, STEM.org accredited engineering, fine arts, theology, and Special Studies programs for learning disabilities.
Is Pius XI religiously affiliated?
As a Catholic high school founded by Pallottine Fathers and School Sisters of St. Francis, we integrate Catholic teachings with Franciscan values throughout our curriculum and community life.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer 24 athletic programs, 24+ co-curricular activities, including performing arts, academic clubs, and faith-based organizations.
How diverse is the student body?
Our student population of 720 represents diverse backgrounds, making us Milwaukee's most diverse co-educational Catholic high school.
What accreditation does Pius XI hold?
We maintain STEM.org accreditation for our engineering program and follow Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction standards.
What community service opportunities exist?
Students participate in service learning through retreat programs and local partnerships with organizations like Hunger Task Force and Kinship Community Food Center.
Reviews (5)
Lewis Higgins
Jan 21, 2019
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Please be careful. The staff is extremely corrupt, especially the student dean. They shamelessly intimidate and interrogate staff and students. Don't trust them, your future will depend on it.
Sean Higgens
Dec 11, 2017
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Pius is absolutely a joke and a rip off. Nothing but drugs and teachers who are convinced they know what there doing . Why do you think enrolment has gone down so much? Might as well be MPS
Allen Vincent
Oct 09, 2017
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DONT GO HERE BECAUSE OF Kara Rogatzki. She is very unprofessional, and is rude to students in and outside of school. Ruined my last year of Highschool here. Hope she gets fired. Came to her with a serious concern because I was scared to take legal action at that age, and she did nothing and told me repeatedly that if she wasnt holding my phone, and looking through all of my texts, that I am a liar, and everything I told to her was a lie. So THANK YOU KARA for being you! What a star.
Jack Engel-Kaminsky
Jun 18, 2016
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It's a good school, teachers are alright atmosphere is great, but some teachers are pretty mean and have no souls but every thing else is good
Hippie Hound
Dec 26, 2013
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Awesome school! Great interesting teachers who care. Great Arts, theater, engineering, and great students. A feel good atmosphere.
