Wausau virtual school WAVE highlights flexibility, dual-credit growth

WAVE, the Wausau School District’s virtual program, told the board that it now enrolls 208 full-time students and just under 400 part-time students and provides more than 200 unique courses and over 20 dual-credit, work-based or youth apprenticeship opportunities.

"For those of you who don't know, WAVE is our virtual school in the Wausau School District, and we serve students in kindergarten through twelfth grade," said Jenna Troy, WAVE principal, as she described staffing levels—seven full-time staff, eight part-time and nearly 20 adjunct instructors—and the mix of in-person and online learning opportunities the program offers.

Student speakers and parents credited WAVE with giving students flexibility and access to extracurriculars. "WAVE has given me some incredible opportunities," student Jack Bunman said, citing chances to participate in mock trial and in-person classes. A junior who identified only as Sawyer said WAVE ‘‘allowed me to have a very flexible schedule’’ and to assume leadership roles in clubs. Parent Tim Bandyat said WAVE had helped his daughter’s academic progress and emotional well-being during a period of heavy athletic travel.

Parent Kristen Calio told the board her WAVE senior had been accepted at 14 of 14 colleges she applied to, saying the program enabled her to maintain competitive athletics while pursuing postsecondary options.

Board members praised the presentation and urged broader community awareness of the program’s offerings. The board also noted that some families and students continue to benefit from online learning even after pandemic-era shifts in attitudes toward technology.

The board thanked Troy and the WAVE students and families for the presentation; no action was required.