Hmong American Peace Academy Awarded for Academic Growth

One of only two schools in Wisconsin to win national award for exceptional student achievement.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:12pm

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Hmong American Peace Academy, a Milwaukee charter school serving students from kindergarten to 12th grade, was recognized in 2025 by the Elementary School and Secondary Education Act Network as a distinguished school for exceptional student performance and academic growth. The school achieved this recognition through its efforts to address chronic absenteeism, retain teachers, and expand college and career programs.

Why it matters

HAPA's success highlights the importance of culturally-responsive education, strong teacher support, and comprehensive student services in driving academic achievement, especially for underserved communities. As many schools across Wisconsin have struggled with teacher retention and chronic absenteeism, HAPA's model provides insights into effective strategies to address these challenges.

The details

HAPA's efforts to retain teachers included reducing workday minutes and calendar days, improving compensation, adjusting class sizes, and providing more professional development. The school also invested in student services staff to identify and address the root causes of chronic absenteeism through a multi-tiered system of supports. Additionally, HAPA expanded its college and career programming to better prepare students for post-graduation success.

  • In 2025, HAPA was recognized as a distinguished school by the Elementary School and Secondary Education Act Network.
  • HAPA has served students from kindergarten to 12th grade since its founding.

The players

Hmong American Peace Academy

A Milwaukee charter school that serves students from kindergarten to 12th grade with a curriculum rooted in Hmong cultural values and heritage.

Brendan Kearney

The chief academic officer at Hmong American Peace Academy.

Austeen Yang

A middle school English Language Arts teacher at Hmong American Peace Academy who is in her fourth school year at the institution.

Eva Vang

A senior at Hmong American Peace Academy who has attended the school since kindergarten.

Angelina Yang

An 18-year-old senior at Hmong American Peace Academy who plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison next year.

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What they’re saying

“HAPA is amazing at asking for our advice and then making decisions based off of that advice.”

— Austeen Yang, Middle school English Language Arts teacher (urbanmilwaukee.com)

“Having that support really builds our self-esteem and making sure that we know what we want to do in the future and how we can go to college or enter the workforce.”

— Angelina Yang, Senior (urbanmilwaukee.com)

“HAPA does a really great job at hiring teachers who actually really care about their students and their well-being. Having that support makes me feel more inclined to go just because I have a space that I know that I am welcome in.”

— Angelina Yang, Senior (urbanmilwaukee.com)

What’s next

The school plans to continue its efforts to address chronic absenteeism and support teacher retention in order to maintain its academic success and recognition.

The takeaway

Hmong American Peace Academy's model of culturally-responsive education, strong teacher support, and comprehensive student services has enabled the school to drive exceptional academic growth and achievement, providing a blueprint for other schools serving underrepresented communities.