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Wisco charter reports steep enrollment growth; $564,000 federal charter grant application pending
Summary
Wisconsin Connect Charter School (Wisco) reported growth to 152 students in its third year (77 open‑enrollment students new to the district), outlined dual‑enrollment and AP credit opportunities that could yield up to 63 college credits, and said it applied for a $564,000 federal charter grant with award decisions expected in June.
Mandy Adams, coordinator for Wisconsin Connect Charter School (Wisco), told the Burlington Area School District board that the charter school has grown rapidly in three years — from 82 students in year one to 152 in year three — driven in part by open‑enrollment students returning to or joining the district. Adams said 77 of this year’s 152 students are open‑enrollment, and the school now supports hybrid in‑person options for 45 students on Wednesdays.
Adams emphasized academic gains and expanded opportunities: the school reported proficiency increases in ELA and math compared with internal goals and cited an average ACT score of 19 for last year’s cohort. She also described expanding dual‑enrollment and college credit pathways through Gateway Academies and Start College Now; administrators estimate a possibility of roughly 42 college credits through career academies plus about 21 credits via AP classes, for a potential total near 63 college‑level credits for some students.
Wisco has applied for a federal charter school grant totaling $564,000; the application covers two years of program investment but cannot be used for staff salaries or subscriptions, Adams said. The district and presenters expect a notice of award in June. Adams also outlined 'Beyond Wisco,' a high‑school enrichment program that pairs students with community partners for life‑skills workshops (resume and interview days, automotive basics, financial literacy, Stop the Bleed training), designed to support students who learn primarily online.
Adams told the board that the charter will continue informational sessions for prospective families, increase marketing in nearby communities, and that 22 seniors are expected to graduate this year — up from seven last year. She thanked staff and community partners for support and asked to return with updates on the grant decision and program development.
