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Wausau board hears WAVE virtual school presentation; students, parents praise flexibility and opportunities
Summary
At its April 13 meeting the Wausau School District Board of Education heard a presentation on WAVE, the district's K–12 virtual program; presenters said WAVE serves hundreds of full- and part-time students statewide and offers dual-credit and apprenticeship opportunities, and students and parents credited the program for academic and extracurricular access.
Jenna Troy, WAVE principal, told the Wausau School District Board of Education on April 13 that WAVE is the district's virtual school serving kindergarten through 12th grade and "right now, we have 208 full time students and just under 400 part time students," along with seven full-time staff, eight part-time staff and about 20 adjunct instructors.
Troy said WAVE offers more than 200 unique courses and more than 20 dual-credit, work-credit or youth-apprenticeship opportunities, emphasizing that the program combines online instruction with in-person experiences "so it's not just a day on a computer." She told the board the program serves students across Wisconsin and supports a wide range of situations, from competitive athletes to students working full time.
Student speakers described how WAVE's schedule and staff supported both academics and extracurricular activities. "I've been a student here for six years," said Jack Fleming, a WAVE sophomore, who said the program let him participate in mock trial and DECA at a traditional high school while maintaining coursework. "Having the most amazing staff and teachers at WAVE has assisted me in my academic journey," he said.
Another student, Sawyer, described leadership, clubs and community service opportunities made possible through WAVE. Parent Tim Bandyette said the program's flexibility had improved his daughter's school engagement and mental well-being: "It definitely gives her that flexibility, because it's not school tied. It's structured, but kind of with the school. It has absolutely supported her in her academics and her emotional well-being."
Parent Kristen Calio said her WAVE senior was able to travel for an athletic season while maintaining strong academic outcomes: "She was accepted to 14 schools," Calio said, attributing those acceptances in part to opportunities preserved by the program.
Board members praised the presentation and encouraged broader outreach so more families know about WAVE. The board did not take action on the presentation itself; it was given as part of the meeting's "Excellence in Action" agenda.
