Charter Schools in Wisconsin — and Why TLA Is Leading the Way

When families first hear the words “charter school,” it can sound complicated. But at its heart, a charter school is simply a public school — free and open to all — that’s given more flexibility to teach in ways that work best for children. Charter schools operate under a performance-based contract, or “charter,” that grants them autonomy in exchange for accountability.

Key features include:

• Flexibility in curriculum design, staffing, and scheduling.

• Accountability for academic outcomes, typically measured by state assessments and contract renewals.

• Innovation in addressing community needs, whether through specialized programming or unique school cultures.

• Accessibility for all scholars, since charter schools cannot charge tuition or impose admissions criteria.

Wisconsin’s charter schools have been instrumental in creating opportunities for youth across the state. According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, more than 200 charter schools operate statewide, serving tens of thousands of children.

These schools:

• Offer options for families dissatisfied with the one-size-fits-all approach.

• Create healthy competition that can inspire improvement across all public schools.

• Serve as laboratories of innovation, piloting strategies that can later be adopted more broadly.

That’s what makes the charter school model powerful. Families get choices. Educators get flexibility. And communities get schools that are focused on scholar success above all else. In Wisconsin, this model has opened doors for educators and communities to reimagine what education can look like.

How TLA Demonstrates the Promise of Charter Schools

The big difference is this: charter schools are given more flexibility in how they teach, schedule, and design programs. That allows for innovation. But — and this is important — they are held accountable for the results. If a charter school doesn’t deliver, the charter can be revoked.

That balance of freedom and accountability is what allows schools like TLA to thrive. Not all charter schools thrive, and accountability is key to ensuring that families truly benefit from choice. TLA stands as proof that when charter schools are well-designed, community-rooted, and mission-driven, they can set a new standard for public education. Charter renewal depends on academic results, financial responsibility, and organizational success. This performance-driven model ensures that every decision is made with scholar outcomes in mind.

Community Partnerships

Many of the opportunities for TLA scholars come from community partnerships. Businesses in Beloit and across Rock County have rallied to support The Lincoln Academy through mentorships, internships, and financial contributions. Local colleges collaborate to provide dual-enrollment opportunities and on-site college courses. Nonprofits engage to provide wraparound services. Collaboration with local businesses, higher education, and nonprofit organizations ensures that scholars are prepared not just for graduation, but for life beyond high school.

The Lincoln Academy’s Story

We opened in 2021 with a vision that every child, no matter their zip code, could graduate ready for college, career, and life. Fast-forward a few years, and we’re now serving more than 700 scholars in grades K4-12. We’ve grown so much that we have a waitlist of more than 175 families who want to join our community. That kind of demand tells us something: Families want a school that offers both academic rigor and joy; a place where scholars are challenged academically and also celebrated for who they are.

Since opening, TLA has demonstrated consistent growth in academic performance. By setting high expectations and providing the scaffolding scholars need, TLA scholars have shown measurable progress on standardized tests and internal benchmarks. TLA’s culture emphasizes mastery of core subjects while integrating STEAM, literacy, and character education.

Seeing Growth in Action

Our scholars, like many across the state, came to us facing challenges. Many were below grade level. But here’s what’s exciting: When we focus on the right supports, scholars grow — and fast. Our latest academic performance data shows that scholars have been consistently meeting - and exceeding - state level requirements for reading and math proficiency. That’s the promise of what’s possible when children are given high expectations, strong instruction, and an educational environment that believes in them. 

More Than Test Scores

Of course, learning at TLA is about so much more than just numbers. We’ve built a school culture where scholars feel safe, respected, and joyful. Every day, they are reminded that they belong here. Families tell us all the time that their children love coming to school — and that’s no small thing.

The school has built an environment where diversity is celebrated, relationships are prioritized, and scholars are respected as individuals. Daily routines, school-wide celebrations, and character education ensure that social-emotional learning is as important as academic rigor.

We’re also making sure our scholars can see the future ahead of them. Starting in kindergarten, they meet local professionals, visit workplaces, and start to imagine the careers they might want to pursue. By middle and high school, that vision becomes even more real:

• TLA scholars work with Xello, an online career readiness program.

• This past school year, 100% of 8th Grade scholars created and presented an Individual Learning Plan for their career pathway.

• Scholars attend career panels, complete job shadows, Internships, and Youth Apprenticeship opportunities in the community.

• Last year alone, scholars worked more than 20,300 hours at 45 different work sites, and earned 39 industry recognized certifications.

• We offered nine dual-credit college courses last year, as well as Start College Now and Early College Credit Programs, so high schoolers can get a head start.

• Together, our scholars completed 3,250 service learning hours in the community.

• Our graduation rate for the 2024-2025 school year was 100%.

• And we’ve built 175+ local business partnerships, giving scholars internships, mentorships, and real-world experience.

These aren’t just activities — they’re opportunities that help children believe in their own potential. We have made a promise to every TLA graduate that they will enroll in college, enlist in the military, or have developed skills to be employable in the workforce right after graduation.

Why This Matters for Families

Charter schools like TLA exist to give families choices. Some families choose their neighborhood public school. Others choose a private school or other form of education. And many choose charter schools like ours because they want something that blends the best of both worlds; the accessibility of public education with the innovation of a school built from the ground up.

At TLA, our families see results. Results look like TLA scholars making up ground in academics, discovering passions through career exploration, receiving character development instruction, and growing into confident young people.

Looking Ahead

We know there’s more work to do. Many of our scholars still face barriers, and achievement gaps don’t close overnight. But the progress we’ve seen so far — and the momentum we feel — tells us that we’re on the right path. We’ll keep raising the bar. We’ll keep strengthening partnerships. And most of all, we’ll keep believing in every child who walks through our doors.

Final Word

Charter schools in Wisconsin were created to bring innovation and accountability to public education. At TLA, we’re living proof that the model works — and that when a community unites around its children, amazing things happen. To the families who’ve entrusted us with your scholars: thank you. You are the reason we do this work. The future is bright — because our scholars are the future.