This post originally appeared at https://schoolchoicewi.org/a-school-leader-from-menomonie-wi/

The number of schools in the choice program has steadily increased over the last several years. There are currently 403 schools participating in one or more of the programs, and this number is set to increase for the 2025-26 school year. One thing is clear: parents are seeking private educational options for their families at a growing rate.

Many long-established schools join the program from year to year, while others are brand new to their community. This past fall, Summit Academy in Menomonie, Wisconsin opened its doors for the first time and joined the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. Located inside a local church, Summit serves just over sixty 4K through 8th grade students whose families are looking for a faith-based education. Head of school, principal, and founder Jennie Cimino describes how Summit seeks to support parents’ needs. The other larger religious schools in the community were reaching enrollment limits, and Summit provides a smaller, tight-knit feel for parents seeking a Christian education outside of the local Catholic or Lutheran associations.

Summit strives to establish a community that “nurture[s] intellectual, social, and spiritual growth” of students, particularly serving low-income families. Because they are smaller, the school can provide individualized support to students. For example, they offer opportunities for math and reading interventions by teaching all grade levels these subjects at the same time during the day, which allows struggling or excelling students to work at a level that fits their needs.

The faith-filled and family-like atmosphere of schools like this—big or small, old or new—bodes well for families searching for a trusted place to send their children.

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