WSTEM FAQs
WSTEM – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
ENROLLMENT
How do you enroll at WSTEM?
We are currently accepting enrollment applications on our website wstem.org/enrollment
Do I have to live in Wauwatosa to enroll?
No. WSTEM will be an independent public charter school in the 2026-27 school year. There is no need to open enroll from a school district, and anyone in the surrounding area is able to apply!
Who can apply to WSTEM?
WSTEM is a tuition-free public charter school open to all students. Families may apply for students entering Junior Kindergarten (4K) through 6th grade.
Are there age requirements for kindergarten?
Yes. Junior Kindergarten students must be 4 years old by September 1, 2026. Senior Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by September 1, 2026.
Can I apply for more than one child?
Yes. Families must complete one application per student. The form allows you to list siblings who are also applying.
Do siblings receive priority?
Yes. Siblings of currently enrolled students and siblings applying together are considered according to WSTEM’s Enrollment and Lottery Policy.
LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION
Where will WSTEM be located starting in the fall of 2026?
We are excited to share that WSTEM’s new location will be at 10201 W Innovation Drive in Research Park in Wauwatosa. This central location close to the highway, located right around the corner from Children’s Wisconsin and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, will provide an engaging, innovative environment for our students and families
Will transportation be provided?
Families would be responsible for transportation—this is not a major change, as the Wauwatosa School District and WSTEM currently do not provide student transportation. We are exploring options to support carpooling, coordinated drop-off zones, and potential community partnerships.
STAFFING
Will WSTEM retain its current staff?
We know that WSTEM’s strength comes from the people who make up our team. As we move toward independence, a key priority is supporting continuity for students and families while honoring the culture and care you’ve helped build. Staffing decisions will follow charter processes, but our focus remains on creating stability and ensuring that staff feel valued and supported in this transition.
Will WSTEM continue to provide special education and student support services?
WSTEM will provide all required student services next year as an independent public charter school. Students who need special education services, speech, OT, PT, or academic intervention will receive them through certified staff.
AUTHORIZER
Who is WSTEM’s authorizer for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond?
We chose UW–Parkside as our authorizer after thoughtful review. We’re confident this partnership will best support WSTEM’s needs as we transfer to a public independent charter model starting with the 2026-2027 school year.
COMMUNICATION
How can I stay up to date with information?
Please follow us on social: Instagram @wstem_gc or on Facebook at WSTEM Governance Council. We are also continuously updating our website with new information. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Governance Board Executive Team directly at contact@wstem.org at any time.
COST & FINANCING
Is WSTEM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization?
Yes. WSTEM has already had our own 501(c)(3) for many years, and all donations are tax deductible.
Will families have to pay tuition?
No. WSTEM will remain a free, public charter school open to all families+
How will WSTEM be funded? Will there be fundraising?
WSTEM will continue to receive public funding from the State of Wisconsin, just like other public schools. However, as we transition to an independent public charter school, there are important upfront costs—including facility renovations and other startup expenses—that are not covered by state funding.
To support these needs, WSTEM is pursuing federal grants, has been approved for a facility renovation loan, and is also fundraising through local businesses, community members, and families. Community support is vital to helping ensure we can successfully make this transition and continue providing a high-quality STEM education for our students. If you would like to support WSTEM’s future, please visit wstem.org/fundraising.
CURRICULUM & ACADEMIC QUALITY
Will WSTEM still offer the same STEM curriculum?
Yes. Our inquiry-driven, hands-on STEM approach will remain central. We will continue emphasizing place-based learning, critical thinking, interdisciplinary exploration, and multi-age groupings that foster leadership, mentorship, and collaboration across grade levels. Our 6-8th grade students will expand on our current approach to move into a project-based learning curriculum.
STABILITY OF THE INDEPENDENT MODEL
Is an independent charter model sustainable?
Yes. Many successful charter schools across Wisconsin operate independently, and we’ve been learning a tremendous amount from them. We’ve received outreach and guidance from experienced charter leaders across the state and have been connecting regularly with the Wisconsin Resource Center for Charter Schools (WRCCS), which offers an incredible range of support and resources.
In addition, we bring 18+ years of hands-on experience growing this curriculum and school culture. With strong community backing, dedicated governance, and a deeply rooted instructional model, we believe WSTEM is well-positioned to launch and sustain a thriving independent charter school.
SCHOOL SCHEDULE
What are the school day start and end times? Will there still be early release Wednesdays (as offered in the Wauwatosa School District)?
In our first year as an independent charter, we plan to align with WSD elementary school start and end times. We will offer a soft start, with drop-off beginning at 8:00 AM and classes starting at 8:20 AM. Dismissal will be at 3:20 PM each day, with an early release at 2:20 PM on Wednesdays to allow time for teacher collaboration and planning.
Is 4K full or half day?
Our 4K program offers morning and afternoon half-day sessions. We’ll send a survey soon so families can indicate their preference, and requests will be honored in the order enrollment spots were received. On-site wrap-around care will also be available for families who need full-day options.
What is the school calendar?
Please click the on the calendar to download the full calendar details.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Will there be before/after school care?
We understand this is a priority for many families. We are exploring partnerships with after-school care providers and plan to offer a structured, reliable option on-site.
CLASS SIZE & GRADE OFFERED
How big will class sizes be?
We aim to maintain similar class sizes to our existing model to support strong relationships and personalized learning. We will cap class sizes at 13 for each of our 4K sessions (am/pm), and at 25 for other grade levels. This is similar to the class sizes WSTEM has traditionally had.
Will the school still serve grades K–5?
WSTEM is currently K-5. For the 2026-2027 school year, we will be expanding to 4K – 6th grade. We will add 7th & 8th grades in subsequent years.
EXTRACURRICULARS
Will there be clubs, activities, and events?
Yes! Extracurriculars are a vital part of our learning model. While offerings may grow over time, we plan to start with interest-driven clubs and community events from the start. We also have a lot of potential new partnerships and ideas that we are excited to develop. Current offerings include:
- STEM Clubs & Competitions: LEGO® League, Destination Imagination
- Student Clubs: Green Team, Chess Club
- Academic Events: Science Fair, Spelling Bee
- STEM Experiences: MSOE STEM On-Site programs, STEM Career Spotlights with local professionals
- Schoolwide Enrichment Days: Service Learning Day, High Interest Day
- Family & Community Events: Pi Night, Math Night
- Themed Hands-On Events: Spooky Lab Day, Engineering Design Challenge
- Outdoor Learning Experiences: Friday Ski Days that connect physics concepts to real-world activities
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
How do community partnerships benefit students?
Community partnerships provide students with hands-on experiences outside the traditional classroom setting, exposure to stem careers, and opportunities to work on real world projects.
What are some examples of our current and potential partnerships?
Urban Ecology Center, Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Harley-Davidson, MSOE, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Little Switzerland, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, STEAM MKE, Cloud 9, Lego League, First Stage.