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- Hmong American Peace Academy (HAPA)
Hmong American Peace Academy (HAPA)
We are Wisconsin's first Hmong charter school. Founded in 2004 with just about 200 scholars, our campuses now serve more than 2,000 students from K4 through 12th grade. Many students — and staff — remain part of the HAPA community for years; for example, 65 scholars in the graduating Class of 2026 (out of approximately 120) have attended HAPA since their earliest school years.
As a Hmong school, we are deeply committed to preserving and teaching Hmong language and culture, while also operating as a public charter school that welcomes anyone seeking a culturally affirming educational environment, Hmong or non-Hmong. Located on Milwaukee’s northwest side, HAPA includes a dedicated Foundation that supports our mission through fundraising. Our community is sustained by about 210 educators and staff members who share a strong sense of purpose and pride in serving scholars and families.
As a Hmong school, we are deeply committed to preserving and teaching Hmong language and culture, while also operating as a public charter school that welcomes anyone seeking a culturally affirming educational environment, Hmong or non-Hmong. Located on Milwaukee’s northwest side, HAPA includes a dedicated Foundation that supports our mission through fundraising. Our community is sustained by about 210 educators and staff members who share a strong sense of purpose and pride in serving scholars and families.
Purpose
To lift up the next generation of Hmong-American scholars by providing a culturally affirming education that prepares them to become first-generation college graduates, engaged leaders and lifelong learners—strengthening our city, our state, and the global Hmong community in the process.
Mission
Hmong American Peace Academy provides our scholars with rigorous academics, character development, and Hmong cultural values, preparing them to excel in colleges, careers, and peaceful community leadership.
Additional Culture Details
We promote HAPA culture, or doing things "the HAPA way."
-We ALL choose HAPA and commit to our mission.
-We put scholars first and are all accountable for scholar success.
-We hold ourselves to rigorous expectations and help one another grow.
-We treat our colleagues with care, trust, and respect to joyfully serve our scholars.
-We center Hmong culture, and value diversity.
-We model peaceful community leadership, inside and outside of our school.
-We ALL choose HAPA and commit to our mission.
-We put scholars first and are all accountable for scholar success.
-We hold ourselves to rigorous expectations and help one another grow.
-We treat our colleagues with care, trust, and respect to joyfully serve our scholars.
-We center Hmong culture, and value diversity.
-We model peaceful community leadership, inside and outside of our school.
Headquarters
Milwaukee, WI
Employees
210 US Employees
Industry
Primary / Secondary Schools
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