Wisconsin is quite unique in the fact that we have a variety of educational options available to families.  Not only are there public schools, private schools, and Christian schools....but there are charter schools, virtual schools and homeschools!  No matter what your circumstances, there is a wide range of choices out there.

As Christian families we often sense that the popular cultural values on display in our public and private schools are completely at odds with our moral values.  Many times the option chosen is a Christian education at a accredited Christian school.  We are fortunate to have access to fine Christian schools in our community.

However, not everyone can afford the tuition...are there options then?

If you have at least one parent at home full-time - or a couple is committed to sharing the teaching responsibilities - homeschooling is an option.  Wisconsin has a very active homeschooling population, and we do have a local homeschooling group here in our area called CHEFS - (Christian Home Educators Family Support Group) of Dodge County: Steve & June Schaeffer, 412 S. Larabee St., Horicon, WI 53032 ph. 920-485-2061  CHEFS Yahoo Group page

Below are valuable links to Wisconsin Homeschooling Resources.

Homeschool in WI blog

But what if I do not feel comfortable taking on the entire responsibility of educating my child...is there another option?  Yes, there is -- virtual schools!  Virtual schools are charter schools and they combine features from public school & homeschool.  Children access their education at home on the computer. Enrollment is free (often the computer and web-cam are provided at no charge) and lessons are taught by certified teachers.

  Below are links to several virtual school programs available in Wisconsin.

Article about Wisconsin Virtual Schools

WISCONSIN HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES

Wisconsin Christian Home Educators Association
Wisconsin CHEA is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving all home educators in the state of Wisconsin. Our leadership are all born-again Christians.

Wisconsin Parents Association
WPA is an inclusive grassroots homeschooling organization that provides information, support, and encouragement for families through its voice mail, 285-page handbook, annual Conference and Curriculum Fair, quarterly newsletter, network of Regional Coordinators, and web site.

Wisconsin Homeschooling events - May 2-3, & May 29-31, 2008

A to Z Home's Cool Homeschooling - Wisconsin Links

Homeschool Sports in Wisconsin

ONLINE Homeschooling magazine

WISCONSIN VIRTUAL SCHOOL RESOURCES

Christian High Online

Wisconsin Virtual Academy ~ As a virtual public charter school, the Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA) makes it easy for you to get actively involved in your children's education. Under the guidance of teachers, parents help children learn at home using comprehensive educational materials provided by WIVA in conjunction with K12 Inc., our school's curriculum supplier. Teachers manage the learning process and ensure that students achieve mastery of learning objectives. They also provide instruction, guidance, and support, focusing on their individual needs. Because WIVA is a public charter school, there is no tuition*.

Waukesha - High School
iQ Academies at Wisconsin is a high school program with tuition free to all Wisconsin residents who enroll in the states open enrollment takes place in February preceding the school year.  Student tuition is then covered by the Wisconsin public school system.

Wisconsin Connections Academy K-8
There is no tuition for students to attend. Students are considered to be enrolled in a public school in the Appleton area school district. All materials, including the computer and reuseable curriculum materials must be returned if the student is no longer enrolled. Students may be disenrolled if school participation criteria, including student/teacher contact and learning coach responsibilities are not met.

This school offers a full-time program. Dual enrollment is not permitted! Please contact the school or the Appleton school district for more information.

Wisconsin Virtual School - Middle & High School
Wisconsin Virtual School (WVS) is a service provider that partners with school districts throughout the state, to offer online education to middle and high school students. Fifty-five percent of students take WVS courses to make up credits. Other reasons include schedule conflicts, an accelerated pace, the experience of online learning, limited curriculum offerings, homebound status, study abroad, special education needs, expulsion, teen parents and gifted students.
The WVS program is managed by Cooperative Educational Service Agency #9. CESA #9 trains Wisconsin—certified teachers to facilitate its online courses.
What types of students can benefit from using WVS?

Expelled
Home schooled
Alternative or at-risk students
Homebound
Credit Deficient
Gifted or advanced students 
Remedial students who require one-on-one support
Students wanting to improve their skills in a particular subject
Any other student that would benefit from non-traditional instruction formats

Kiel's Integrated Electronic Learning Charter School (grade 7-12)
 is open to  children who are disenfranchised, home-schooled, or credit-deficient due to academic or behavioral challenges, students who feel uncomfortable or unsafe in the school setting, transient students, school-age parents or self-supporting students, and any student who fails to achieve his or her personal best in the traditional classroom are the target population of Kiel's Integrated Electronic Learning (K.I.E.L.) Charter School.

The Monroe Virtual Charter Middle School

Monroe Virtual High School

Online Programs:

• Wisconsin Virtual School
• WiscNet Digital Districts Online
• Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth (WCATY)
  

Virtual Charter Schools:

• Appleton eSchool: Grades 9-12
• Insight School of Wisconsin: Grades 7-12
• iQ Academies at Wisconsin: Grades 9-12
• Janesville Virtual Academy
• JEDI Virtual High School: Grades 9-12
• Kenosha eSchool
• Kiel eSchool: Grades 7-12
• Monroe Independent Education Charter School: Gr. 9-12
• Monroe Virtual Charter Middle School
• Northeast Wisconsin Online Charter School: Grades 6-12
• Rural Virtual Academy: Grades K-8
• Wisconsin Connections Academy: Grades K-8
• The Wisconsin Virtual Academy: Grades K-7