Madison Reporter

The Capital High Parenting Program, launched in August 2023 at its new location, offers a comprehensive four-year educational pathway for students who are pregnant or parenting. The program aims to equip young parents with essential academic and caregiving skills. Jessie Loeb, an MMSD Parenting and Childbirth Health Educator, emphasized the commitment of these students: “The students who come to the program, they want to take care of themselves through education, because they want to do right by their children.”

Sophomore Rashell, a participant since September 2024 and mother to two-year-old Angel, expressed her gratitude for the support received: “If any student does end up getting pregnant at an early age, they should come to Capital High so they can learn everything they need.” She noted how partnerships with Reach Dane and UW-Madison have been beneficial for her child.

In addition to regular academic courses, the program provides specialized classes in parenting skills and prenatal health. It also includes practical resources such as free childcare through Reach Dane's Early Head Start program and car seat safety training provided by Safe Kids Wisconsin in partnership with UW Health.

Loeb leads pregnancy and parenting classes designed to address real-time concerns without judgment or stigma. She explained the objective: “The goal is to give students a place and time just to know that there are other shared experiences.”

School counselor Marianne Matt has ensured dedicated class time for these programs. Meanwhile, school social worker Kelli Semrau and registered nurse Stephanie Gramann offer continuous support. Gramann worked alongside Loeb and former volunteer Kate Westaby on securing a $50,000 grant from the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment.

Westaby's work extends beyond grant writing; she founded the Young Parent Collective aimed at supporting young parents across Dane County. She highlighted significant challenges faced by young parents in accessing postsecondary education.

The grant will help fund various initiatives including improved healthcare access for young parents across MMSD high schools. Westaby stressed the importance of support systems: “I want young parents in the district to feel supported and...to have strong pathways to college where they often don’t exist.”

Loeb concluded by reflecting on societal perceptions of teen pregnancy: “We as a society might think we know the story behind a teen pregnancy...it’s not our story to tell.” The Capital High Parenting Program continues its mission of providing tailored educational opportunities for all its students.