Appleton Charter Schools

You Have Choices in the AASD
Charter schools in Appleton are all unique in their mission and offer diverse programming such as environmental education; engineering; fine arts; Montessori education - to name a few.

AASD offers a wide variety of unique academic programs, supports, and extracurricular activities in locations across Appleton at our 14 different charter schools, ensuring students have access to the tools they need to thrive and be successful. 

To fully compare school options and make informed selections we encourage our families to engage with ALL of the schools that interest them.

Explore Our Schools
Choosing a school for your child is an extremely important and personal decision, and it requires some research. We do our best to provide you with all the information we can through this website and our social media channels, but nothing can replace visiting a school in person to ensure the climate, culture, and academic offerings of the school will meet your student’s needs.

The most important information is collected through personal experience, and we encourage prospective families to visit schools you are interested in and ask lots of questions so you can make an informed choice for your student.  

School Tours & Visits
Schools may host virtual events and online informational sessions along with in-person tours and shadow days. Check school websites and the social media channels of schools you are interested in, or contact the school directly, to learn more about its plans.


Visit the websites of each Charter School by clicking their name in the sidebar to the left for more information.


What is a Charter School?
Charter schools are public, free, nonsectarian schools created through a contract or "charter" between the operators and sponsoring school board. The Wisconsin charter school law gives charter schools freedom from most state rules and regulations in exchange for greater accountability for results. The charter defines the missions and methods of charter school; the chartering authority (school board) holds the school accountable to its charter.

Charter School Facts
• Charter schools are tuition free and enrollment is voluntary
• Charters have the flexibility to design and deliver innovative curriculum in nontraditional ways in order to meet the needs of participating students
• Charters may not discriminate in admissions, programs, or activities
• Students take state tests required of other public school students
• Teachers are certified and licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
• Staff are district employees and subject to all district policies and regulations

Ready to apply?

Only in AASD


Charter School Newsletter 

(view a pdf here) 

(view in Spanish here)

(saib in hmong here)

Hmong

District Charter School Handbook


AASD Charter School Timeline

1999: Classical School
2000: Renaissance School for the Arts
2002: Appleton eSchool
2002: Tesla Engineering Charter
2002: Wisconsin Connections Academy
2003: Valley New School
2005: Appleton Public Montessori
2005: Fox River Academy
2006: Foster Elementary Charter
2007: Fox Cities Leadership Academy
2007: Kaleidoscope Academy
2011: Appleton Bilingual
2014: Appleton Technical Academy
2023: The Ọmọladé Academy