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Planning commission approves Academy of Excellence high school use at former St. Rita’s campus
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use permit allowing Academy of Excellence to occupy the former St. Rita’s school at 6021 W. Lincoln Ave.; the school expects initial enrollment of about 100–125 students, will stage 4–5 buses on‑site and lease the gym and north parking lot from St. Barnabas.
The West Allis Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit for Academy of Excellence to operate a Christian high school in the former St. Rita’s school building at 6021 West Lincoln Avenue, subject to standard building and occupancy permits and council review.
Why it matters: The proposal repurposes a multi‑story former parochial school into a high school that Academy of Excellence says could begin classes September 1. The move affects on‑site circulation because the school plans to stage four to five buses in the leased north parking lot and to lease the adjacent gymnasium for physical education and school activities.
Details: Staff told the commission the property's zoning (C‑2) allows schools as a conditional use. Academy of Excellence said it expects roughly 100–125 students initially and could grow to about 250 over time; the applicant noted the building historically held far larger enrollments. The school plans typical hours (about 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) with after‑school activities anticipated. The leased north parking lot contains roughly 60 stalls; Academy said most students will arrive by bus while about 25 staff members will drive and park on the eastern portion of the lot. Meals will be prepared off‑site and brought in by Center for Independence; no on‑site food preparation is planned.
The school building’s first and second floors will house classrooms, offices, a library and cafeteria space; the third through fifth floors are currently unprogrammed and would remain unused unless enrollment increases. Staff recommended, but did not require, additional landscaping at the primary driveway and noted that building permits and occupancy review will be needed to verify code compliance given a recently recorded new property line.
Vote and procedure: The commission moved and seconded approval; two commissioners recorded abstentions during the vote as shown in the meeting transcript, and the motion passed. The item is scheduled for Common Council public hearing on March 18 at 7 p.m.; property owners within 200 feet will be notified and a newspaper notice will run.
Next steps: If council approval follows, Academy of Excellence plans to close on purchase of the school building and continue leasing the gym and north parking lot from St. Barnabas, with future campus expansion under separate review.
