One area we are beginning to explore is adding a full-time online learning option. To be clear: Our goal is not to pull students out of our buildings. We firmly believe there is great value in the experiences that happen everyday in our classrooms. At the same time, we understand some families are looking for a virtual option, and we want to explore whether that need can be met within our district.
Currently, families seeking online schooling must leave our district. We believe there may be an opportunity to address that need while allowing students to remain connected to Onalaska, even if they are learning in a different way. In addition to our resident students, this program would also be available to any K-12 families across Wisconsin that are interested in a virtual option through a high-achieving district like Onalaska - adding another tool to support our continued standing as a district of choice.
While no decisions have been made, the district has already started researching what this could look like. If an online program were established, it would be required to operate as a charter school and be overseen by a governing board primarily made up of non-district staff. As this work is still in the early stages, we wanted to gauge interest from families and community members who may wish to service in this role. Those who may be interested are encouraged to complete the form linked here.
