About WSTEM
For the 2026 – 2027 school year WSTEM is transitioning from an instrumentality charter authorized by a local school district to an independent public charter school authorized by the University of Wisconsin–Parkside.
WSTEM’s transition to an independent charter school authorized by UW-Parkside allows expanded access to its highly successful model, welcoming students from a broader community, while gaining greater flexibility to innovate, adapt, and grow.
WSTEM is open to all students in grades 4K–6 for the 2026-27 school year. Application to and attendance at WSTEM is voluntary, and no tuition is charged. As part of its long-term growth plan, WSTEM will expand to include 7th and 8th grade in subsequent years.
students
Elementary Charter School in WI
years of history
WSTEM Charter School
WSTEM Charter School exists to reimagine what learning can be for children —and what a public school can be for its community. For over 18 years, WSTEM has demonstrated that when students are given the opportunity to learn by doing—building, testing, questioning, and collaborating—they thrive academically and personally. Our students are curious thinkers, confident problem-solvers, and engaged learners prepared for a rapidly changing world.
WSTEM is not a new idea or an untested concept. We bring a long-standing, proven record of success as a high-performing public charter school, including recognition as one of the top elementary schools in Wisconsin. Families choose WSTEM because of its hands-on, cross-curricular STEM approach; its whole-child focus; and its strong, inclusive school culture.
Mission &
Values
The mission of Wauwatosa STEM is to provide an innovative and dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to navigate their own course. Individual needs are met in a cooperative, supportive learning community through an engaging and challenging curriculum rooted in the sciences, technology, engineering and math.
The vision of Wauwatosa STEM is to provide a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where elementary students are inspired to inquire, investigate and discover the world around them and prepared for academic and career success.
Student Life
Gus W
2nd Grade Student
“Everyone gets to help because we work as a team, like real engineers. It doesn’t matter what grade you’re in – you still get to try out your ideas with your group to solve the problem.”