A new charter school is making waves as it seeks to establish itself in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, with plans to convert an empty office building on First Avenue for educational use. Veritas Classical Academy aims to cater to children from kindergarten through fifth grade and has already submitted a rezoning request to transform the site's designation from light industrial to public institutional.
Headmaster Jonathan Gray shared their excitement about the project, indicating they would like to open the school by fall 2025. “We’re hoping to expand by one grade each year, so we’ll be at all grades by 2032,” he explained. The proposed setup consists of two sections per grade, each accommodating around 20 students, bringing their target student body to approximately 240.
The choice of location for Veritas Classical Academy appears strategic, as it’s near residential neighborhoods conducive to families seeking educational alternatives. Gray also stressed the importance of safety, noting, "Our site plans include fenced-in areas to separate the properties and keep the children safe from both school traffic and neighboring traffic." Delivering rigorous educational models is their core mission, and the school’s website highlights its commitment to nurturing young minds through classical, content-rich curricula.
To fund the initiative, Veritas Classical Academy is gearing up for a $6 million capital campaign set to launch early next year. Gray mentioned, "We’ve done some market viability studies, and people are excited about having another option." The feedback has led to hopeful energies surrounding the establishment of the school and its perceived value to the community.
On the municipal side, Mayor Greg Hoffman expressed supportive sentiments at the Chippewa Falls City Council meeting, indicating he expects little opposition during the public hearing to be scheduled. The Mayor stated, “I don’t have any problem with it… The building is empty and it’s pretty much a shell, so you can remodel it whenever you want.” City leaders anticipate the transformation will be beneficial for both residents and future students.
Meanwhile, shifts toward new educational infrastructures are also taking place across the water in Essex, where council leaders have announced plans for the first severe learning difficulties special needs school, set to be built at Wolsey Park, Rayleigh. This state-of-the-art facility is projected to serve 190 pupils.
The announcement, welcomed by local politicians and educational leaders alike, signifies progress toward enhancing educational access for children with special needs. The project's foundation is laid under the collaboration of Essex County Council and Zenith Multi-Academy Trust, confirming the appointment of construction workers for the endeavor. According to Tory MP Mark Francois, “This is great news for special needs pupils, who will benefit as a result.”
Spanning across two sites, this new school will also include provisions for 40 additional places at the former Chetwood Primary School site, adding to the region's capacity for special education facilities. Expected to open its doors by autumn 2026, the new school will allow local families to access educational resources closer to home, reducing travel burdens.
James Newport, the Lib Dem leader of Rochford Council, shares enthusiasm about the upcoming facility’s impact on the community, indicating it helps diversify educational options available to families. “I welcome the addition of this extra SEND provision… they will have the opportunity to receive their education within our own community,” he noted.
With the construction set to progress and stakeholders at the helm for both the Chippewa Falls and Essex initiatives, the focus remains on ensuring families have access to quality education. With new schools poised to embrace innovative teaching methods and cater to diverse learning needs, the communities are preparing for educational improvements and the positive change they could usher.
