Wisconsin families have more online school options than most states. Several tuition-free virtual public schools serve students throughout Wisconsin – from grades 4K-12. And for families who need a WASC-accredited private diploma, live daily instruction, and 19 AP courses, there’s a different path.
Not recordings. Not office hours. Real teachers, live, every single school day.
Here’s what the Wisconsin virtual learning landscape looks like – and where the options diverge.
Private vs. Public Online Schools in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has two tracks: public and private. Public virtual charter schools (Wisconsin Virtual Academy, eAchieve Academy, Wisconsin Connections Academy) are tuition-free, state-funded, open to Wisconsin residents. Private online schools operate independently – different accreditation bodies, different curricula, tuition-based.
Private schools serving Wisconsin families include The Keystone School (MSA-CESS accredited, self-paced model), Citizens High School (non-regionally accredited, self-paced only), Laurel Springs School (WASC-accredited, mix of live and self-paced but semester-locked), and George Washington University Online High School (selective admissions, college-prep focus).
Public charter schools work if you’re Wisconsin-based and fit their calendar. Private schools drop the residency requirement, open enrollment year-round, and build schedules around the learner.
How We Compare to Other Private Online Schools in Wisconsin
|
Wisconsin Private Virtual Schools |
Legacy Online School |
| Cost |
$4,000–$10,000/year avg |
Start at $2,500/year |
| Accreditation |
WASC, MSA-CESS, or none |
WASC-accredited (private) |
| Curriculum |
Varies by school |
FLVS-based, US-accredited |
| Schedule |
Self-paced or semester blocks |
Self-paced + live group + 1-on-1 |
| Eligibility |
Open enrollment |
Open globally |
| AP Courses |
5–12 courses typical |
19 AP courses |
| Class size |
Self-paced only or 15–20 |
Max 15 learners per live class |
| Live instruction |
Limited or none (Laurel: yes) |
Daily, Monday–Friday (Group plan) |
| Dual enrollment |
Limited or none |
ASU & USF |
Keystone and Citizens run self-paced only – no live teaching. Laurel Springs offers live sessions but locks into semester blocks. GWU Online is selective and college-prep focused but doesn’t offer one-on-one instruction. We run three plans – self-paced, live group (15-learner cap), one-on-one – and families switch between them without re-enrolling.
High School Program at Legacy
Our high school program runs grades 9-12 on a FLVS curriculum. Legacy is WASC-accredited and a College Board Level I approved school, code 000114.
19 AP courses. Full stop. AP Biology, Calculus AB and BC, Computer Science A and Principles, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics 1, Precalculus, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, Statistics, US Government and Politics, US History, Art History.
AP courses are available only to pupils enrolled in a full program – not as standalone online courses.
Dual enrollment through Arizona State University (ASU) and University of South Florida (USF) gives high schoolers the option to earn college credit before graduation. That’s the only dual enrollment partner we work with.
Three Learning Plans
Live Group Learning – max 15 enrollees per class, 1:15 teacher ratio, live instruction Monday through Friday. Teachers and classmates interact in real time. For those who need structure and daily contact.
One-on-One Learning – individual lessons, customizable curriculum and schedule. For learners who need intensive academic support or unique scheduling around other commitments.
Self-Paced Learning – no fixed academic year, no synchronized schedule. Teachers work through coursework with your children and provide written feedback. Flexible learning environment at maximum. No clock.
Diploma and College Readiness
Children who complete our program receive a US High School Diploma from Legacy Online School – a K-12 WASC-accredited institution. It’s accepted for college admissions, employment, and military enlistment globally. Not a GED equivalent. Two graduation tracks: Standard Diploma (18 credits, university-bound) and Honors Diploma (24 credits, for learners targeting competitive universities or scholarships). Accelerated Diploma (18 credits) available for pupils targeting faster graduation or career pathways.
Penn State, University of New Haven (Cybersecurity – $30K merit scholarship), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ($5K), University of Maryland. Those are recent Legacy graduates. WASC-accredited private school transcripts are accepted for admissions by UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, and Marquette.
See the full university acceptance list →
Enrollment
No waitlist. Your child can start within 48 hours. Tuition starts at $2,500/year for the full-time program – annual payment saves 20%, semester saves 10%.
Your child doesn’t need to lose a month. Book a free trial lesson and start this week.
