Frequently Asked Questions
What is Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin?
Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin (ALAW) provides a form of free public school where students attend virtual classes from home or another location outside a traditional classroom. This is a unique program that combines strong parental involvement, expertise and accountability, and a flexible learning environment. The Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin provides Wisconsin Certified Teachers to help guide your student and ensures that your student receives a high quality education. It provides the tools and support students need to learn in the non-classroom setting.
What grades does Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin serve?
Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin serves students in grades K–12.
How much does the program cost?
We are a free public school. Access to the Internet is required.
What does an Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin family receive?
First-Class Curriculum: Our program features curriculum developed by leading educational publishers that are focused on virtual courses and classes. Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin families receive textbooks either in print (when available) or electronically, comprehensive lesson plans, and exciting enrichment courses.
High-Quality Teaching: Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin's professional teachers work one-on-one with students and their parents to instruct, review assignments, and customize the curriculum, including extra help for struggling or gifted students. Parents will also benefit from local educational guides who help monitor the work.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Laptops are available for students; online communication, planning, and learning management tools; online lessons and library resources; and technology literacy courses.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
The amount of time a student spends on the computer varies by grade. It is recommended that a student spends a minimum of one hour per day per class. Younger students spend approximately 50%, middle school students spend about 70%, and high school students spend about 80% of their time working on the computer.
I've heard BYU is a religious institution, can a public school use courses from a private school?
BYU offers secular accredited programming similar to other major universities such as UW Madison, Gustavus Adolpus, Notre Dame. BYU is an industry leader in independent study & online education. BYU Independent Study Program has been offering courses since 1921, their high school courses are fully accredited by the NWAC (Northwest Accreditation Commission) and DETC (Distance Education and Training Council) accreditation organizations and continue to demonstrate excellence in non-traditional distance education courses by winning national awards from the American Association of Collegiate Independent Study (AACIS) and the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA). We are one of the largest distance education programs in the country with enrollments in all 50 states and 58 countries throughout the world.
What computer skills do students and parents need?
Students and parents do not need advanced computer skills to attend Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin. We will make it easy to become completely familiar with our system by providing orientation courses to students and parents.
Will my child be required to take standardized tests, and where?
All students must complete the standardized tests required by the state of Wisconsin. We also use standardized assessments to help place a student in the grade level and curriculum that best matches his/her needs and abilities. Specific testing dates and times will be communicated to parents and students well in advance of the testing periods.
How do I enroll in Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin?
Please call the ALAW Office for more enrollment information. 715-537-5627 Ext. 153 If you are a non-resident of the Barron Area School District, it is also necessary to open enroll into the District. Visit the Department of Public Instruction’s website to learn more about public school choice and to download the open enrollment application https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment
Can I enroll my child after the school year has started?
Yes,district residents students may generally enroll after the start of the school year if space is available, subject to any other local limitations. Any application for enrollment, and request for open enrollment exceptions, received after the fourth week from the start of the semester will not be allowed to enroll for that semester. All applications will be considered for the start of the next semester, or new school year if the application is received in the Spring semester.
Is Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin a non-profit organization?
Yes, Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin is a public charter school and has non-profit status through the Barron Area School District.
Is the Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin program home schooling?
Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin is not home schooling. Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin is a public virtual school program. We provide a defined set of curriculum that have been specifically aligned to state standards and use Wisconsin certified teachers to evaluate student performance, including decisions concerning the child's grade level promotion. All Advanced Learning Academy of Wisconsin students are required to take state standardized tests and the schools are accountable for the students' performance to regulatory authorities.
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