Karcher Purpose Statement

To challenge all to grow intellectually, socially and emotionally in a safe and tolerant environment.

At Karcher Middle School, our core purpose is to challenge all to grow intellectually, socially and emotionally in a safe and tolerant environment. In order to accomplish this, we expect students to be safe, be responsible, be respectful, and be kind. We feel, that if we all live by “The Karcher Way,” our goals and values will come to fruition.

About our Learning Environment

Karcher Middle School opened in Fall of 2021 to serve students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Starting in 2024, Karcher welcomed grade 5 to the building.

In addition to learning studios for required courses, the building features a music area with improved instrument storage and practice rooms, a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) instructional area with 3-D printers, a fitness room, and many places to showcase students’ work. The commons area can be used as the cafeteria and as a large gathering space. The gym bleachers can fit the entire student body for assemblies and the gym floor can be separated into four areas for wellness and community education programs.

The building is named after Nettie E. Karcher. Ms. Karcher graduated from Burlington High School, then earned her law degree in 1915. She was the first woman attorney in Racine County and served on the grade school board for 32 years and on the high school board for five years. From 2000-2021, Karcher Middle School was located in the former high school. That building, which opened in 1925, had additions in 1956, 1959, 1963, 1968, and 1986. The new school nods to that progress by naming its academic and elective wings after decades.

• The 1920s wing - 5th/6th grade
• The 1960s wing - 6th/7th grade
• The 1980s wing - 7th/8th grade
• Future wing - =Electives (STEM, Art, Makerspace, Spanish)
• Wellness/Music wing = Physical Education, Health Ed, Band, Orchestra, Choir, General Music classes

The original building budget for the middle school was $32.7 million. Because the building was completed on-time and under budget, the district had funds to relocate Project WIN, Community Education’s Star Stuff Theater program, and the district office. The city approved closing portion of Wainwright Avenue to connect the middle school campus with a football field and track, a soccer field, and the district office at 209 Wainwright Ave.