Expanding Dual Enrollment and Career Opportunities for Students
EASD is growing! The district is proud to announce its newest charter school, Southern Lakes College Academy (SLCA). Housed at Gateway Technical College and born out of the Edge Program, SLCA offers a unique opportunity for students to earn their associate degree, tuition-free, before graduating high school. Principal Kelly Demerath explained, "The idea began as a small program within the Career & College Academy. We were inspired by other states that offer pathways to an associate degree during high school, so we launched Wisconsin’s first in-person pathway to an associate degree—bringing college opportunities directly to our students. From the start, we believed in the power of a supportive, motivated cohort, giving students a community to grow and succeed together." What started with 16 students three years ago has now grown into a group of over 90 learners who spend part of their day in a true college environment with college professors, while still enjoying all the best parts of high school—clubs, athletics, classes, and time with friends.
Demerath shares, "the ideal SLCA student is looking for greater academic rigor, excited by the challenge of true college-level coursework, and interested in accelerating their educational journey to complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree while in high school."
"The Career and College Academy remains centered on career-specific pathways that give students real experiences connected to high-demand fields. Students can still earn tuition-free technical diplomas and associate degrees, but each pathway is intentionally focused and paired with youth apprenticeship opportunities in our community," says Demerath. At the CCA, students are immersed in hands-on programming—Machining, Culinary, Cosmetology, Nursing, Welding, Criminal Justice, Manufacturing, and the Construction Trades—pathways designed to spark interest, build skills, and launch meaningful careers.
Options Virtual Charter School continues to expand programs, recently partnering with UW-Green Bay to offer students the opportunity to enroll in the Rising Phoenix early college program. The Rising Phoenix program is a dual-enrollment opportunity for high school juniors and seniors. Students can earn up to 60 college credits, for free, while still in high school. "If you are someone who knows what their goals are for the future, you know what you want to do, and you're ready to get started, you can do that through dual enrollment," OVCS Dual Programming Specialist Becca Kunitomo tells us.
OVCS has a robust dual-credit program that works
with dozens of Wisconsin universities and technical colleges. From Gateway to UW-Madison, through these partnerships, Options students can earn college credit, certificates, technical diplomas, and associate degrees, all from the comfort of their laptops. And all for free! "It’s the best opportunity I never knew I had," said Constance, a senior at Options Virtual Charter School, who is currently earning college credit at UW-Whitewater.
Recently named the #1-rated virtual school in Wisconsin, Options has formed partnerships with other districts seeking to offer virtual and hybrid programming to their students. Williams Bay School District and Silver Lake Jt. 1 are local partners leveraging EASD’s experience and success in virtual programming. "I love that we can offer individual experiences where students have the flexibility to accomplish their dreams while completing their education," says District Administrator Jason Tadlock.
Families interested in exploring dual credit and dual programming opportunities are encouraged to contact Southern Lakes College Academy at 262-741-9452 and Options Virtual Charter School at 262-723-1696.