- Classes are smaller at WCA—the vast majority have fewer than 20 students in a classroom
- All of our students—grades K-12—cross paths with each other every day, creating a unique community of learning.
- We wear uniforms each day, too.
By wearing uniforms, students are able to focus on the reason they are at school: to learn. They don’t need to be too worried about what they have on, or comparing themselves to what someone else may have. Everyone dresses the same. Besides, many people have told us that the uniforms look great!
Yes! Will Carleton Academy employs certified, highly-qualified teachers at every grade level.
Yes, WCA is an MHSAA-sanctioned school with a full complement of interscholastic athletics. See the Athletics page for more information.
WCA sponsors K-12 music and art education, including two required years at the high school level. Our music ensembles—instrumental and vocal—have several performance opportunities during the year, as well as state-level competitions.
WCA has a modern wireless network, as well as several mobile computer labs for use in the classroom. All teachers have laptop computers and access to modern technological teaching tools. Students have access to both Windows-based laptops and Chromebooks.
WCA believes homework is an integral part of the learning process. As laid out in the WCA Handbook, the required amount varies with grade level, ranging from a few minutes a night in lower elementary school to two hours in grades 9-12.
We believe every student is able to learn, and we also believe in setting a high bar of expectations for all of our students. We tailor every child’s learning plan to them personally, allowing the greatest chance for success.
We do not have a hot lunch program at this time. Students are to bring a sack lunch each day. Our Parent Forum does sponsor a Pizza Day once a month, typically on the second Wednesday of the month.
WCA does not provide transportation, and family members bring the vast majority of our students to school. We do have a drop-off and pick-up arrangement with Dial-A-Ride for families that prefer that option.
Yes, our students are given opportunities to travel near and far. From trips to the Hillsdale County Fair, Adrian Symphony, and Sauder Village to journeys to Mackinac Island, Washington, D.C., Montreal, and Paris, (and everywhere in between), the field trip experience is valued at WCA.
ZERO. As a PUBLIC charter school, there is no tuition for students. The “cost” for attending WCA is simply a uniform, daily lunch, and transportation.
- WCA graduates are presently enrolled at Hillsdale College, Adrian College, Albion College, Spring Arbor University, Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, Siena Heights University, and Jackson College, to name a few. Past WCA alumni are graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy, Cornell University, the University of Michigan, and Michigan State University, among others.
- Many other graduates choose to enter the workforce, military, or trade/technical school. The goal of our high school program is to give each of our graduates a “plan” they can successfully execute after leaving these halls.
Our first two years are full of required core classes (English, History, Math, Science, P.E., Art/Music, and French). The junior and senior years are more flexible, as our students are able to enroll in Advanced Placement courses, the Hillsdale Area Career Center, and Hillsdale County Early/Middle College Program.