Nekoosa Academy
310 1st Street
Nekoosa, WI 54457
Phone: 715-886-8190 Fax: 715-886-8191

 

Nekoosa Academy is an alternative high school program in the Nekoosa School district.  The teacher is Ann Lepak, the teacher assistant/secretary is Sarah Krubsack and principal is Dr. Wayne Johnson. The program’s hours are from 7:15 am until 3:45 pm. The students attend a morning session, 8:30 am until 11:30 am, or the afternoon session, 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm.  The program has the capacity of having 12 students in each session. The grade levels served are 10th through 12th grade including older students that had dropped out or fell far behind in their traditional high school.

 Unlike a regular high school, where you receive coursework on a semester basis, in this program you receive all of your work at the beginning of the year.  The students work at their own pace which allows early completion of course work or the extra time needed to master a subject. It also allows for more in-depth learning based on the student’s ability. It also allows students to accelerate learning by starting new classes any time during the school year.

 The learning atmosphere at the Academy is very supportive with a significant amount of one-on-one teaching assistance. It also provides a learning environment which is nonthreatening, safe, and allows for student individualism. The primary rules for participation in this program include respect, attendance, and a desire to become successful.

 Some of the classes are learned through an internet program called Nova Net. Nova Net has lessons, quizzes, and tests for each subject.  This is an alternative way for student learning rather than the traditional classroom. It is also based on current technology and is WEB based. Instruction is also provided through student/teacher interaction with traditional textbooks as a tool for learning. The students also have the chance to learn Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

 Along with Microsoft, students have a work component where they learn on the job while earning credits toward graduation. Whether it is a job or community service, they are required to work a minimum of 120 hours per semester or 15 hours a week to obtain a half credit per semester. Once all requirements have been met at the Academy, the students graduate with a Nekoosa Academy diploma. Diplomas are awarded at the end of each semester for those students meeting graduation requirements. This diploma is the same as a regular high school diploma where a student may enter the military, attend tech school or a university or enter the work force.

 All the students at the Nekoosa Academy are taking advantage of their second chance to graduate. Here is what some students have to say about the program:

 “I prefer to work at my own pace and I am not competing with anybody else.”

 “If it wasn’t for this program, there is no way I’d be starting college in the fall.”

 “I am able to get the one on one help I need to be able to complete and understand my school work.”