Academic Rigor in Action: What our latest results reveal about learning at TLA

At The Lincoln Academy, Academic Rigor is not a slogan—it is a daily commitment. It is reflected in the expectations we set for our scholars, the instructional practices our staff uses, and the systems we put in place to measure progress and growth. Most importantly, it is reflected in our results.

As we approach the open enrollment time period for the 2026–2027 school year, I want to take a moment to share what our most recent academic data tells us about learning at TLA—and why it matters for both current and prospective families.

Measuring What Matters: Scholar Growth and Progress

One of the ways we ensure strong Academic Rigor is through intentional, consistent assessment that informs instruction. This year, scholars in grades K5–11 participated in Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) MAP testing in reading and math.

MAP testing allows us to monitor individual scholar growth, set personalized learning goals, and create targeted instructional plans through tools like IXL and ACT-aligned skill pathways. Each scholar’s progress is measured against their own performance over time, not just a single benchmark.

Our schoolwide goals are ambitious by design:

• A minimum of 50% of scholars in each grade meeting their individual growth targets

• 130% of average grade-level growth, placing scholars on track to make more than a year of academic progress in a single school year.

These targets reflect our belief that every scholar—regardless of their starting point—deserves instruction that pushes them forward.

A Broader Picture: Wisconsin DPI School Report Card

While MAP assessments help us understand individual progress, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) School Report Card provides a broader view of school performance across multiple measures. For the 2024–25 school year, The Lincoln Academy earned a 4-star rating, “Exceeds Expectations.”

This rating reflects performance across four key priority areas:

• Achievement (state assessment performance)

• Growth (year-to-year scholar progress)

• Target Group Outcomes (outcomes for scholars with the lowest test scores)

• On-Track to Graduation

TLA’s results tell an important story:

• Our overall Achievement score increased by 8.4 points

• Target Group Outcomes improved by 10 points

• We surpassed the state average in growth for both ELA and Math

• Every scholar group—across race, economic status, English Learner status, and disability status—outperformed the state growth average.

• Our growth score was higher than 85% of Wisconsin K–12 schools

• 53% of our 3rd grade scholars are reading at grade level, exceeding the state average

These outcomes matter because they show that strong Academic Rigor and scholar support can—and should—go hand in hand.

Accountability That Confirms Our Direction

Academic Rigor also means accountability. This year, TLA received a full five-year charter renewal from the University of Wisconsin Office of Educational Opportunity, earning a 100% cumulative score on the Performance Framework.

This renewal affirms that our instructional model, school culture, and operational practices are working. It reinforces our belief that when high expectations are paired with strong relationships, intentional instruction, and mission-driven educators, scholars thrive.

Why This Matters for Families

For families considering TLA, these results offer reassurance—and opportunity. They reflect a school that:

• Values scholar growth as well as achievement

• Uses data thoughtfully to guide instruction

• Holds itself accountable to high standards

• Prepares scholars academically while integrating Character Development and Career Exploration

We are proud of the progress reflected in our data, but we also see it as a foundation—not a finish line. Continuous improvement is central to who we are.

Open Enrollment: February 1–28, 2026

Open enrollment for new K4–12 scholars runs February 1–28, 2026. TLA is a tuition-free public school, open to all Wisconsin families. There is no cost to attend, and enrollment is open to any family with a Wisconsin home address.

If applications exceed available seats, a public, random lottery will be held in March 2026.

As a school community, we are energized by what our data tells us—and even more excited about what lies ahead. Academic Rigor at TLA is about believing in what is possible for every scholar and doing the work, every day, to make it a reality.