HAPA: Hmong American Peace Academy

08/25/2026

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Looking for a great fall activity for your high school scholar? Consider cross country!

It's one of the easiest sports to jump into: No previous experience is required, everyone makes the team, and very little equipment is needed — just running shoes and athletic clothing.

Along the way, scholars build fitness, confidence, mental toughness, time-management and leadership skills. They'll make friends, travel to courses around the city and state, and experience what it means to commit to a team and work toward a goal together.

Encourage your scholar to give XC a try this fall! 👟 It's not too late to join. Even starting next week or the first day of school, there's still plenty of time — just make sure your scholar has a current sports physical on file. 😊

08/25/2026

In case you missed it … we earned some national recognition! 😊👀

HAPA High School has been named among the Best High Schools in the country in U.S. News & World Report's latest annual rankings.

We're proud to see HAPA recognized on a national stage ... and even prouder of the scholars and staff members whose hard work continues to move us Forever Forward. 💜

08/24/2026

Now that fall is upon us and so many of our scholars are kicking it back into high gear, we thought we'd share a little inspiration.

These photos were taken by Sarina Thao, now an incoming HAPA junior, while accompanying the Milwaukee Youth Council to Washington, D.C. for the National League of Cities’ Congressional City Conference Youth Program.

Sarina spent the March trip connecting with young leaders from across the country, meeting policymakers and bringing issues the Milwaukee Youth Council has been working on — including ni****ne prevention and neighborhood revitalization — to the offices of Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

In Sarina's words: "I had the opportunity to make professional and meaningful connections with youth around my age who hold the same passions as me. I am so excited for all of the opportunities that are coming from them."

So, to every HAPA scholar gearing up for another year ... and anyone wondering what young people are capable of: Who says we can’t do big things?

The future is in good hands. 💜

08/21/2026

See you next THURSDAY, friends! 💜

08/20/2026

What makes HAPA a Top Workplace for Purpose and Values? We could tell you ... but we'll let our employees take the reins.

💬 "I am constantly learning, whether it's about staff culture, the diversity of students, or, most importantly, my own growth as a teacher and a learner."

💬 "I feel that my work has real value, and I am empowered to lead changes that improve the lives of the scholars and families we serve."

We're proud to be recognized, and even prouder of the people who make HAPA what it is. 💜

08/18/2026

Ms. Shipman's description of acting out the Junie B. Jones books is SO pure. We'd say, "More teachers like her, please!" But the best part is, we have them already. 💜

08/17/2026

Kind of chic, hopping on a social media trend. 💜

08/14/2026

Dual enrollment is so, so valuable to our scholars. Just ask Pearl.

"Throughout high school, I've taken a number of dual enrollment courses. My first was Hmong Language 107 through UW-Milwaukee during my sophomore year, where I learned about Hmong consonants, vowels and tones. That experience was especially valuable because it gave me an opportunity, very early in high school, to see what college-level coursework could be like."

"It was also incredibly convenient to have these courses available right at my school. I could challenge myself with college-level classes without having to navigate a college campus. Many students like me have taken advantage of these opportunities, completing most, if not all, of the dual enrollment courses HAPA offers. When I add up the college credits I’ve earned, I’m entering college with roughly sophomore standing. That has saved my family and me an enormous amount of money, while also giving me a significant head start toward my degree."

"I would highly recommend dual enrollment to other students. These courses gave me the chance to challenge myself, experience college-level learning while still in high school, and begin college already having made meaningful progress toward my future." 💜

08/12/2026

Real ones know.

08/12/2026

Just a friendly reminder that THIS page (scroll to the bottom!) is where you'll find school supply lists. https://www.myhapa.org/academics/

And while you're at it ... do us a favor and complete your online registration today, if you haven't already? Thank you, HAPA family!

I mean... it wouldn't be the *worst* time to start stocking up on back-to-school supplies. 😉

We know Open House is still a month away, but the good deals (and the good notebooks 😅) have a way of disappearing fast.

Need your scholar's checklist? Head to this link: https://www.myhapa.org/academics/ and scroll alllll the way to the bottom of the page. You'll find updated back-to-school supply lists, organized by division. Happy shopping!