Welcome to Nativity Jesuit Middle School

The Story of Nativity Jesuit Middle School
The seed was planted for Nativity Jesuit Middle School long before its founders were aware. More than 35 years ago, Larry Siewert, who was in the early stages of what would be a long and successful tenure at Marquette University High School, met a freshman named Bill Johnson. Siewert was Johnson’s football coach. Little did the two know then how their lives would intersect again in the future.

Years after high school, Bill Johnson followed his calling to become a Jesuit priest…he also acted on a calling to establish a school for Latino boys that would set a foundation to develop future Christian leaders in the community. Fr. Bill Johnson knew he needed a strong partner to bring his mission to fruition, so in 1992 he contacted his former football coach. Siewert not only agreed to help with the project, he left his position at Marquette High to serve the budding school full-time as its principal.

The humble beginnings of Nativity Jesuit Middle School were fostered at St. Patrick’s Parish on the south side of Milwaukee. The parish had a small school facility and the necessities needed to build the foundation for a new educational establishment.

In 1993 the school served 14 incoming sixth-graders. And like other Nativity schools, it started its school year with a summer camp which combined learning, prayer and typical summer camp fun.

The school continued to grow, adding more students to its rolls, and increasing staff, benefactors and supporters. With each year brought more success, and more students leading to a need for a new facility. In 2004 Nativity moved to its current location on South 29th Street, a few miles west of St. Patrick’s. The new school provided a modern and spacious setting to educate and guide Milwaukee Latino boys as they prepare for their futures.

Shortly after moving into the new school, Fr. Bill received another calling that would once again change his life. He resigned from his post at Nativity to serve as student recruiter for the new Cristo Rey High School in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Carrying on Fr. Bill’s legacy, the school continues to thrive under the continued leadership of Siewert, co-founder and director of graduates, principal Melodie Hessling, Board Chairman Bob Wisniewski, and President Greg Meuler.

Meuler had been serving as coordinator of programs for the Jesuit high schools of the Missouri and Wisconsin provinces of the Society of Jesus. Prior to that, he had served for 30 years as a teacher and administrator, including principal, at Marquette University High School.

Nativity-model schools are critically important for contemporary Jesuit education. Nativity Jesuit Middle School captures the spirit of why St. Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), saw education as a valued ministry.