Capital High - Referendum 2020

Capital High students are vibrant young people who have proven they can thrive in a smaller, close-knit learning community that supports their interests and goals and that values respect for self and others.

A school building to learn in

Every student should be able to learn in a school building. We believe that it is time to invest in a facility for our students attending the sixth high school in Madison.

Currently, Capital High’s 190 students are split between two buildings. Ninety students receive their education in a leased strip mall site with a 60-person capacity on the far West side of Madison. Capital High Eastside students borrow space on the third floor of 4K-2 Lapham Elementary School.

An opportunity for the community

Hoyt School, which currently houses our Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR) administrative offices and programming, is the only available building that MMSD owns that has the potential to meet Capital High’s academic vision for its students.

We believe that renovating Hoyt for twenty-first century learning will not only better serve our students in need of an instructional space where they can flourish, but would also provide a valuable return on investment to the Hoyt neighborhood.

As a treasured community space, a renovated Hoyt School would continue to serve as a hub for families and students seeking rich, innovative programming opportunities in the evening and on weekends.

Some areas in need of addressing

• Poor site grading, pitching toward building
• Roof and gutters are original construction
• Windows are single-pane, non-insulated
• Ramps in lower level are not ADA compliant
• Flooring is cracked throughout the building
• Settlement has occurred in east classrooms
• Casework not ADA compliant and chipping
• Poor ventilation
• Restrooms not ADA compliant

Imagine a community-based school where students, families, and neighbors know one another, understand and support each other, and work together to continue to strengthen community ties. Envision a flexible and multi-use space built specifically for a new, innovative instructional design model as well as community partners.

Picture a Welcome Center for community members and families, large common areas including an auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria, industrial kitchen, and onsite childcare.

This is the kind of space that we see for our Capital High students. A space that reflects their voice and choice, with dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces for electives, clubs, and career exploration.

But this vision is incomplete. We need your ideas as we imagine and design the Hoyt building for the future. You have a voice in how we serve Capital High students and the community for generations to come.