Carmen Schools of Science and Technology
Carmen Schools of Science and Technology (Carmen) is a leading public charter school network of six schools across Milwaukee that serves more than 2,000 students in grades 6 through 12. Since opening their doors in 2007, Carmen has bridged the education gap in Milwaukee by providing access to high-quality public education for every child, in every neighborhood, from every background.
At Carmen, every effort is driven by its mission of graduating all students as critical thinkers and self-directed learners prepared for success in college, meaningful careers, community involvement, and family life. Early on in their high school journeys, students explore college possibilities through campus visits, seminars, college fairs, and personalized guidance from the College Team.
The most recent graduating class of 2025 exemplifies this spirit: 99% of seniors were accepted to college, collectively earning nearly $29 million in scholarships. Beyond the numbers, these achievements reflect the determination and passion that Carmen students apply to all their pursuits.
The journey continues after graduation, with Carmen advisors checking in, visiting alumni on college campuses, and supporting them all the way through to their next educational milestone.
Students at Carmen bring energy and potential to everything they do. Even when faced with obstacles, they rise and achieve remarkable outcomes. Families place their trust in Carmen year after year — like the Perez family, with more than 21 members who have attended Carmen Schools.
As part of a collaborative financing effort, NFF – together with LIIF and IFF – is providing a $6 million source loan to a $66 million New Markets Tax Credit deal to finance the acquisition and construction of a new three-story, 120,000-square-foot high school campus on Milwaukee’s South Side. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, two of Carmen’s high schools will unite to form one new school, housed in a facility designed for 1,100 students.
NFF’s loan participation is backed by a U.S. Department of Education credit enhancement, which gives us the opportunity to provide loans to early stage, single- or multiple-site charter schools for acquisition and construction.
Carmen’s new campus is more than a building – it’s a promise to honor students and families with investments that foster their lifelong learning and success.
We’re excited about our partnership with NFF because it’s helping us strengthen our financial foundation and expand opportunities for our students and families. Through NFF’s mission-driven support, we’ve gained access to flexible financing and strategic guidance that aligns with our vision for growth. This partnership allows us to invest in our schools, create more innovative learning spaces, and build a brighter future for our community and city.
Carmen has a few words of wisdom for organizations committed to creating lasting community impact:
“Always lead by listening and recognizing the incredible assets and strengths within the communities you serve.
We believe our students, families, and neighborhoods already hold the brilliance, resilience, and potential needed to create positive change.
Our role is to listen deeply, understand their aspirations, and help channel those strengths into opportunities that open doors for the future. By centering the voices and talents of our community, we create environments where students thrive and positive change ripples far beyond our schools.”
Interested in learning more about our work with charter schools like Carmen Schools? Visit the Charter Schools page of our website.