Welcoming Messmer Saint Mary and Messmer Saint Rose Into the Seton Family

We are delighted to announce the integration of Messmer Saint Mary and Messmer Saint Rose into the Seton Family of Catholic Schools!  The integration of these elementary schools marks a strategic collaboration between Messmer and Seton, combining their strengths and resources to elevate high-quality K-8 Catholic education for children and families on Milwaukee’s North Side. Both organizations share a profound commitment to strengthening urban Catholic education in Milwaukee with rigorous academics built on a strong Catholic identity and culture, fostering not just learning, but also community engagement.

“Our goal for integrating Saint Mary and Saint Rose into the Seton Family will be to build on the successful Messmer model,” said Brian Couch, president and CEO of Seton Catholic Schools. “This will be achieved through additional investment of resources and best practices to further deliver a rigorous academic program, a strong Catholic identity and culture and an active effort to continue building a strong and vibrant school community. Seton has a proven track record of academic success for all students similar to the rich tradition of Messmer.”

This integration embodies Messmer’s dedication to addressing diverse educational needs and ensures students are equipped with the academic capability and cultural competence to thrive in a global society. It also opens doors to innovative opportunities for expansion and collaboration.

“This is the right time to integrate our elementary schools,” said Messmer Catholic Schools’ President, Jim Piatt. “As Messmer High School prepares for our 100th year in 2025-26 and expanding enrollment to 600 students, this step signifies a strategic shift, affording Messmer the opportunity to focus on enhancing Catholic high school education while Seton reinforces its proven model for K-8 education.”

On July 1, 2024, the start of the 2024-2025 school year, Messmer Saint Mary and Messmer Saint Rose will transition into Seton Catholic Schools and will join the 12 schools currently part of the Seton Family of Catholic Schools.