Explore Our Charter Schools

Appleton Bilingual School - Grades K-5
Opened September 2011

The Appleton Bilingual School develops academic excellence and language fluency in Spanish and English, builds cross-cultural relationships, and nurtures an enthusiasm for learning in order for students to achieve future educational and career success and to become active citizens in local and global communities. 

The Appleton Bilingual School is currently partnered with Columbus Elementary School, but will be moving to Huntley Elementary, 2224 N. Ullman St., for the 2025-2026 school year.

Appleton eSchool - Grades 7-12
Located within Appleton East High School
Opened September 2002

Fully virtual? Part-time online? Blended schedule? ‘A la carte’ online courses? Appleton eSchool has the flexibility to help you reach your goals! In addition, you can earn an “online course ready” badge for your high school transcript to demonstrate your online learning excellence for post high school readiness! 

Appleton Public Montessori - Age 4 - Grade 6
Opened September 2005

Montessori education emphasizes the whole child, and APM features individualized learning, Montessori-certified teachers, multi-age classrooms, Performing Arts instruction, Environmental Studies within Plamann Park, Community Art Partnerships, and fosters independence, respect, responsibility, and leadership.

Appleton Technical Academy - Grades 9-12
Located within Appleton West High School
Opened September 2014

The Appleton Technical Academy (ATECH) is committed to providing high school students with a jumpstart toward successful and rewarding careers within the modern manufacturing and technology industries. We offer a unique blend of academic content focus and skill development in a highly engaging hands on learning environment.

By partnering with Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) and local business/industry, we are preparing our students for indemand, high paying occupations in high in the area of technology/manufacturing. 

Classical School - Grades K-8
Opened September 1999

Classical School offers a structured day focused on teacher-led instruction, emphasizing critical thinking, writing, speaking, leadership, and citizenship. It follows the Core Knowledge® curriculum, prioritizing academic rigor and knowledge-centered education. Students are grouped by skill for math and reading, with reading instruction beginning in kindergarten and a focus on fluency, literary analysis, and vocabulary development. Grammar and writing are emphasized across all grades. Math instruction utilizes the Saxon Math program, aiming for mastery of skills with most students completing algebra or geometry by eighth grade.

Students also receive a comprehensive education in American and world history, geography, science, and fine arts, including art and music history. Spanish language instruction begins in kindergarten, with exposure to Latin starting at the same time. Logic instruction is provided in grades six through eight, and students participate in physical education, art, and music classes weekly, with opportunities for orchestra and band from fourth through eighth grade.

Foster Elementary Charter School - Grades K-5
Opened September 2006

Stephen Foster Elementary Charter School creates partnerships among students, staff, parents and community members to serve a diverse population of learners comprised of neighborhood and open enrolled students. Foster develops independent learners who: honor diversity; show respect for themselves, others, and the environment; and seek to use their unique strengths to lead efforts to improve the world around them. The innovative learning approach at Stephen Foster Elementary Charter School features the following components:

• Grade level community service projects tied to standards
• Activities that promote diversity and celebrate different cultures
• Common Core Standards based, differentiated instruction based upon informal assessment of student knowledge
• Strengths based career exploration
• An emphasis on educating the “whole child”

Fox Cities Leadership Academy (FCLA) - Grades 9-12
Located within Appleton North High School
Opened September 2007

FCLA offers a rigorous, contemporary & interdisciplinary curriculum that provides students with the opportunity to develop lifelong skills through our small learning community. Students will develop skills such as: Critical thinking, Problem solving, and Leadership.  

FCLA enhances your student's high school experience through an integrated curriculum, aligning standards from multiple subjects for deeper understanding. We tailor education to meet post-secondary goals over four years, with all courses marked as advanced on transcripts. FCLA offers a unique learning community focused on interdisciplinary coursework, internships, leadership development, and a Senior Capstone Project. Students earn a Wisconsin Youth Leadership Skills Certificate and gain real-world skills collaborating with peers, staff, and community members.

Fox River Academy - Grades K-8 
Located within and on the campus of Jefferson Elementary
Opened September 2005

Fox River Academy is a nationally-recognized Green Ribbon School with a focus on the environment. Students are prepared to use 21st century skills to problem solve. Fox River Academy integrates an environmental theme in all core subject areas as well as through technology and STEM. At FOX, students don’t just read about science, they experience it through observation and discovery. Students engage in meaningful community service-learning projects through which they develop skills and make contacts that will benefit them in college and future careers.

Teaming with local universities such as FVTC, UW-Fox and Lawrence University allows our students firsthand experiences that prepares them for higher education success. If your child is interested in the environment and you would like to see your child inspired to learn and excel academically, they will benefit from Fox River Academy!

Hmong American Immersion School (HAIS) - Grades 4K-5
Located within Johnston Elementary
Opening fall 2025

The Hmong American Immersion School abbreviated as HAIS which in the Hmong language translates to "to speak." Students at HAIS will use their voices to positively impact changes in their community. Students at HAIS will be able to speak, read and write fluently in both the English and Hmong languages. HAIS is designed to be responsive to the needs of our underserved students, including English language learners.

By focusing on culture and language, HAIS aims to support the academic success of all students while promoting identity, diversity, justice, and action. The vision of HAIS is for students to embrace their cultural identity through rigorous academic experiences with an emphasis on the Hmong history, culture, and language to be active and contributing community members in advocating for themselves and the diverse community around them.

HAIS’ pillars of success include Hmong cultural immersion, Hmong language development and rigorous academics. Our core values include high expectations and results driven, Hmong identity and Hmong culture preservation, academic language development, social and emotional learning, social justice education, and family and community engagement. HAIS strives to create a supportive learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging and enhances the social and academic well-being of all students.

Kaleidoscope Academy - Grades 6-8
Opened September 2007 

Kaleidoscope Academy is a dynamic middle school focused on the individual and 21st century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and effective communication skills. Students have more choices in how they structure their day which include dance, art, graphic art and design, computer coding, creative music making, theater, band, orchestra, choir, technology engineering, family and consumer education, and world language.

Kaleidoscope Academy uses flexible blocks of time with interdisciplinary teaming in a technology rich environment. Instruction is inquiry based and progressively project based. Transitioning from elementary school is smoother as students work within a two teacher team for two-thirds of their day. For students looking for an innovative and collaborative learning environment, Kaleidoscope Academy provides the opportunity for students to make their own choices, develop their interests at an earlier age and prepares them with the skills needed to tackle complex tasks in an ever changing global society.   

The Ọmọladé Academy - Grades K-4
Located within Huntley Elementary
Opened September 2024

Named "The Ọmọladé Academy"- which translates to "Child of the Crown" in the Yoruba language - this charter school aims to provide a holistic educational experience that celebrates the cultural heritage of African descendants while fostering intellectual, leadership, and entrepreneurial talents in students.

The Academy will teach an African-centered core curriculum approach, along with a rigorous STREEAM curriculum, integrating Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Arts, and Math. The mission of The Ọmọladé Academy is to ensure that each child becomes a competitive and bold change-maker in our global society.

The Renaissance School for the Arts - Grades 9-12
Located within Appleton West High School
Opened September 2000 

At RSA, we blend high-quality arts education with advanced academic coursework in a flexible, college-like schedule. Our goal is to nurture every student's creative potential, enabling them to apply that creativity and critical thinking skills to meaningful academic and artistic pursuits.

RSA students complete their ELA, social studies, fine arts, and physical education requirements in the afternoon at RSA while taking other graduation courses in their “morning school” of choice (West, East, or North). RSA is structured to encourage and foster students who:

• Aspire to attend a 4-year university and desire college preparatory academics.
• Have a passion for exploring diverse art forms, including Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, Creative Writing, and Music.
• Seek a small, close-knit school community (fewer than 200 students) that emphasizes tolerance, family-like connections, and a supportive environment.

Tesla Engineering Charter School - Grades 9-12
Located within Appleton East High School
Opened September 2002

Provides a comprehensive, challenging educational experience created to meet the needs of students with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or STEM. Implementing a course of instruction developed and supported by Project Lead The Way, Tesla strives to help students understand the practical application of math, science, and technology in the context of engineering and design.   

Valley New School - Grades 7-12
Located in City Center East in downtown Appleton
Opened September 2003

Valley New School is a learning community that empowers  individuals to become purposeful adults. VNS offers students an innovative culture where every student designs and implements a Personalized Learning Plan based on his/her passions, future goals, current strengths, and areas for personal and academic growth. Through project-based learning, students learn how to learn, conducting in-depth research on topics of interest and creating high quality products that analyze, synthesize, and evaluate what they have learned and accomplished.

Our 17:1 student-advisor ratio ensures long-term relationships and individual support—whether virtual or in person. VNS graduates are self-aware, community-minded, and versatile. They communicate effectively and have learned to manage their time and tasks, set and accomplish goals, utilize technology and resources, and collaborate to create innovation.

Wisconsin Connections Academy - Grades 4K-12
Opened September 2002

A leader in virtual education, Wisconsin Connections Academy (WCA) creates dynamic opportunities for learners to succeed. At the heart of WCA is a standards based curriculum. This comprehensive curriculum affords WCA students the ability to receive a quality education within an environment that is most conducive to their learning while parents enjoy a greater involvement in their children’s educational life.The curriculum is delivered via the internet with online materials including lessons, textbooks, workbooks and other supplementary materials. 

Although students attend school from a variety of locations, WCA is committed to making each experience meaningful and successful in an environment that is most conducive to student learning. Therefore, each student works with Wisconsin licensed teachers and a Learning Coach (usually a parent). These individuals work together to combine the best in virtual education with very real connections among students, families, teachers, and community.