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Below Average

#1773 of 2,105 schools in WI

Wise Academy

School · Nekoosa School District

540 Birch St, Nekoosa, WI 54457

Charter

Enrollment

218

Student-Teacher

72.7:1

Score

4.6

Grades

Pre-K – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Wisconsin schools

#1,773 of 2,105

In Nekoosa

#5 of 5

public schools

In district

#5 of 5

Nekoosa School District

Academic growth

9.8 / 10

Excellent

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Wise Academy

4.6/10

School in Nekoosa · grades Pre-K – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Alexander Middle

6.1/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Central Wisconsin Stem Academy

7.1/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Wise Academy

Wise Academy is a public school in Nekoosa, WI, part of Nekoosa School District. Wise Academy serves approximately 218 students, and covers grades Pre-K-12th, and has a 72.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Wise Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10 and ranks #1,773 of 2,105 schools in WI.

Structured state assessment records for Wise Academy show 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2025) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2025).

How it compares0.9 pts below district
  • This school 4.6 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.5
  • WI avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Wise Academy sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Wise Academy runs 72.7:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Wise Academy is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.8Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+1.23 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2025
TrendImproving
Academics4.3Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.5% (2025 FORWARD)
Reading/ELA Proficiency42.8% (2025 FORWARD)
Math vs. State Avg-20.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-8.4 pts
Overall Proficiency38% (2025 FORWARD, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)61% (model expectation from 2025 FORWARD)
vs. Expected-23.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile24th
College Readiness2.8Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.2Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio72.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,744

Wise Academy — Students at Wise Academy score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

18.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WI FORWARD (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 32.7% (multi-year average, 2018-2025)
School
State
53.0% (2025 FORWARD)
ELA Proficiency 39.6% (multi-year average, 2018-2025)
School
State
51.9% (2025 FORWARD)

Based on 16 test records from WI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2018
Math
30%
ELA
30%
2019
Math
30%
ELA
30%
2025
Math
33.5%
ELA
42.8%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.8/10.

How Wise Academy Compares

See how Wise Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.6/10
16th percentile in WI
Academic
4.3/10
Below Average
Growth
9.8/10
Excellent
Environment
1.2/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
2/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
18%
Teaching Staff
73:1 student-teacher ratio
3 teachers

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses2 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

540 Birch St, Nekoosa, WI 54457

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Wise Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOLS (rated 6.6/10, 6.9 miles away, in nearby Wisconsin Rapids), which scores notably higher. Additionally, GOOD SHEPHERD EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL (rated 3.9/10, 5.4 miles away, in nearby Wisconsin Rapids), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Nekoosa, see our Nekoosa schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Alexander Middle Nekoosa 0.0 mi 6.1
Central Wisconsin STEM Academy Nekoosa 0.0 mi 7.1
Nekoosa High Nekoosa 0.4 mi 4.7
Nekoosa Academy Nekoosa 0.4 mi
Humke Elementary Nekoosa 0.6 mi 4.8
Port Edwards Ed Heuer Elementary School Port Edwards 3.8 mi 6.4
John Edwards Middle Port Edwards 3.8 mi 6.8
John Edwards High Port Edwards 3.8 mi 4.5
Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle Wisconsin Rapids 5.6 mi 5.6
GOOD SHEPHERD EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Wisconsin Rapids 5.4 mi 3.9
Woodside Elementary Wisconsin Rapids 6.1 mi 5.2
Mead Elementary Wisconsin Rapids 6.9 mi 5.7
Grove Elementary Wisconsin Rapids 6.2 mi 6.6
OUR LADY QUEEN OF HEAVEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Wisconsin Rapids 6.7 mi 7.0
ST PAULS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Wisconsin Rapids 6.9 mi 4.2
ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Wisconsin Rapids 6.9 mi 6.6
Central Oaks Academy Wisconsin Rapids 7.1 mi 4.6
Howe Elementary Wisconsin Rapids 7.4 mi 7.3
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SCHOOL Wisconsin Rapids 7.3 mi 6.7
Lincoln High Wisconsin Rapids 7.2 mi 4.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 54457 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$72,005

Median Home Value

$169,500

Median Rent

$718/mo

Population

8,262

College Educated

21.8%

Homeownership

86.5%

Avg Commute

27 min

Poverty Rate

9.9%

Median Age

54.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Wausau Area Virtual Education Wausau, WI 4.6
Elkhorn Options Virtual School Elkhorn, WI 4.7
Solon Springs School Solon Springs, WI 4.4
ST THOMAS AQUINAS ACADEMY Marinette, WI 4.8
Adeline Montessori School Inc Oconomowoc, WI 4.3
Saint Croix Virtual Academy Inc Hammond, WI 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Wise Academy

What grades does Wise Academy serve?

Wise Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.

How many students attend Wise Academy?

Wise Academy has an enrollment of approximately 218 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Wise Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Wise Academy is 72.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Wise Academy rank in WI?

Wise Academy ranks #1,773 of 2,105 schools in WI.

What is Wise Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Wise Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Wise Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Wise Academy has 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2025) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2025).

Is Wise Academy a charter school?

Yes, Wise Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Wise Academy a Title I school?

No, Wise Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Wise Academy?

18.3% of students at Wise Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
10 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
34 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
218
Student-Teacher Ratio
72.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
3
Free/Reduced Lunch
18.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Wood County

District

Nekoosa School District
District Enrollment
1,226
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,744
District Rank
#5 of 5

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