A charter school is a tuition-free public school created through a school district to use creative instructional techniques to deliver curriculum with a specific focus. In this case, Fond du Lac STEM Academy focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by using project-based learning techniques.

Fond du Lac STEM Academy is a charter school that is focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). STEM has both a middle school (grades 6-8) and a high school (grades 9-12). Our dedicated and certified teaching staff is well trained in Project-Based Learning (PBL) and develop projects that are integrated into their core instruction. Students take all core classes and elective classes throughout their day. STEM has a smaller student to teacher ratio (approx. 19:1), which allows teachers to develop stronger relationships with students as well as focus in on their academics in a personal way.

Yes,  Fond du Lac STEM Academy is a non-profit public charter school which is directly connected to the Fond du Lac School District.

Because STEM Academy is a part of the Fond du Lac School District, it will receive the per-pupil allocation from the District. Additional funding could potentially come from grants and fundraising activities.

No, Fond du Lac STEM Academy is a public school so there will be no fees to attend other than those fees typically required of students in the District.

Any current student who attends and/or resides in the Fond du Lac School District is eligible to apply to attend. Individuals who currently attend other school districts or live outside the Fond du Lac School District boundaries are eligible to apply during the application period and must also complete the open enrollment alternative application found at www.dpi.wi.gov.

The application period will begins in January and ends April 30th.  Both in-district students and out-of-district students must apply during this period.

Individuals can apply online through our website. Go to the homepage and scroll down to the “Enroll Now” link.

If we have more applicants than available spots, we will use a lottery process to fill the openings. The lottery, if necessary, will be held in early April and is a federal requirement to ensure a fair process.

Yes, the lottery process will also be used to create a waiting list if necessary. Should any of the originally selected students decide not to attend STEM Academy, students from the waiting list will be offered enrollment in priority order based on the lottery.

No, all applications submitted during the application period have an equal chance of being accepted if we were to have to have a lottery.

An application must be completed and submitted to the Fond du Lac School District office during the Wisconsin Open Enrollment Period.  A student’s acceptance into STEM Academy is contingent upon open enrollment paperwork being completed and submitted to the Fond du Lac School District in a timely fashion.  Open Enrollment applications can be brought to STEM Academy at 401 S. Military Road. The required open enrollment alternative application can be found at www.dpi.wi.gov.

We strongly encourage families who are interested in STEM to take a tour with us to learn more about our school. If you and your child are interested, you can either call us to set up a tour, or join us in February at our Information/Tour Nights.

STEM Academy is a technology-rich learning environment where sharing and collaboration take center stage. We believe in being very purposeful regarding what technology is learned and how it is being used. Our goal is to help our students become “makers” instead of simply being “users” of technology. To this end, we ensure a good number of coding and computer science classes, as well as technology classes that allow our students to learn how to do everything from simple typing skills all the way to AutoCAD software that work on our 3D printers, laser cutter, CNC mills, etc.

STEM Academy is located in the Franklin building. The address is 401 South Military Road, Fond du lac, WI 54935.

We partner with community businesses and individuals as academic partners. Individuals from Mercury Marine and other areas businesses contribute to STEM in several areas of expertise such as marketing, financial planning, program development, and hands-on learning activities.

STEM Academy teaches all core subjects as well as Art, Band/Orchestra, technology classes and coding courses, etc. STEM also has state-of-the-art learning labs including our Fabrication Lab, Audio/Visual Lab, Science Labs, and Fitness Lab.

Regarding after-school activities, where there is enough interest, extracurricular activities will be conducted at STEM Academy. Where there is not enough interest, students will be able to participate in those activities at their home middle or high school. STEM students also enjoy a host of clubs and activities that we do during the day (built into our schedule) as well as after school.

It is important that families understand that enrolling at STEM Academy is a commitment. While they are legally able to change schools mid-year, we ask parents and students to commit to a full year at STEM. Most students who stay the year, end up with us through graduation because they see the benefits of their learning with us.

STEM Academy currently has an approximate student to teacher ratio of 19:1. This does go up in certain classes and in certain years when enrollment is higher; however, we do our best to maintain a smaller ratio which allows us a more personalized approach to instruction and interventions.

We love having our families get involved with STEM. We believe, as guardians, parents, or grandparents, that you have an essential role both in and out of the classroom. If you want to volunteer, simply let our secretary know and she will give you an volunteer application.

At the present time, busing is not available to STEM Academy. If you have questions, please contact Fond du Lac School District Transportation Department at 920-906-6524.

STEM Academy is in session from 7:55 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.  STEM Academy’s annual calendar is consistent with the Fond du Lac School District relative to holidays, teacher training days, etc.