District Information

District Biography

A unified school district with a school enrollment of approximately 5,000, the Wisconsin Rapids Public School District includes seven K-5 elementary schools, a middle school serving grades 6-8, one senior high school serving grades 9-12, one grades 11-12 program specializing in health occupational training, an at-risk alternative high school for grades 9-12, 4K programming which is held in some of our elementary schools as well as off-site at community partner organizations, and virtual programming for grades 4K-12.

The Wisconsin Rapids Public School District serves the City of Wisconsin Rapids; Villages of Biron, Rudolph, and Vesper; Wood County Townships of Arpin, Grand Rapids, Hansen, Rudolph, Saratoga, Seneca, Sigel, Sherry; and Portage County Townships of Carson, Grant, and Plover.

The school system has earned a solid reputation as a progressive, professional organization with high student achievement and a low dropout rate. Staff members continue to be recognized by state and national organizations and agencies for their professionalism and expertise. District graduates have demonstrated success at Big-Ten Universities, Ivy League schools, military academies, and other public and private schools of higher education.

Elementary Schools

Our elementary schools engage students and develop their confidence as learners in grades 4K-grade 5. Kindergarten is a full-day program.  Literacy and Math skills are emphasized throughout instruction. Critical thinking, creativity, communication, and technology are woven into all curricular areas including: Language Arts, Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Health, Art, Physical Education, and Music. Lessons address varied interests, needs, and abilities of all students.

WRPS 4K offers a combination of school-based and community-based sites with half-day programming. Wraparound childcare at community-based sites is an option for families. We provide a curriculum based on the Wisconsin Early Learning Model standards. Teachers work hard to integrate the standards into a play-based program that meets the developmental needs of the students. 4K is an opportunity for students to explore not only their academic needs, but more importantly their social and emotional needs. 4K is an essential building block to our more formal elementary school experiences.

Central Oaks Academy Virtual School

Central Oaks Academy (COA) offers a flexible, personalized learning experience that blends real-time instruction with self-paced study. This balanced approach allows students to engage in live collaboration while also working independently, giving them the structure and freedom to take ownership of their learning. With support tailored to each student’s needs, we create an environment where every learner can grow and succeed.

Our program gives families the unique opportunity to learn at home while still benefiting from the support and resources of a public school. We offer a wide range of services, including one-on-one or small group tutoring, optional open lab time for middle school students, and enrichment opportunities like writer’s workshops, reading and math interventions, and weekly in-person classes focused on social-emotional learning and hands-on STEM activities. Families also have access to student support services, field trips, community events, and a curriculum budget to customize their child’s learning materials. With provided technology and ongoing guidance, we partner with families to create a well-rounded, engaging educational experience.

Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School

Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School (WRAMS) serves the District’s sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. WRAMS seeks to build upon the curriculum that students began in elementary school, with a continued emphasis on literacy and math. The middle school curriculum expands to begin student exposure to other curricular areas including world languages, family and consumer economics, technology education, and business education. In addition, all students receive an introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Collaborative teaching teams work with groups of approximately 125 students to meet the unique academic, social, physical and emotional needs of young adolescents. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of academic and co-curricular activities. The pre-teen years are filled with self-discovery and personal growth; therefore, our staff facilitates many different clubs, sports, leadership and volunteer experiences for students in addition to delivering consistent, content-based, academic standards.

High School

Lincoln High School offers a strong curriculum, both in the core content areas and elective course offerings. Over 150 courses are offered to meet the diverse learning needs and career paths of all students. The curriculum includes offerings in advanced placement (AP), honors, transcripted credit, advanced standing, and virtual courses. There are a rich assortment of courses in the career and technical education areas including Project Lead The Way (PLTW) and offerings of four world languages to choose from. The fine arts are also a strong part of the curriculum, including courses in the visual arts, music, and theatre. Additionally, Lincoln High School has a strong tradition of high quality co-curricular programs, with over 21 interscholastic sports and more than 50 activities and clubs.

Alternative High School

We recognize that there are students whose educational needs are not being met in a traditional school setting. It is our ethical and professional responsibility to meet the unique needs of all individuals and provide opportunities for success.

River Cities High School intends to provide an environment that promotes the social, emotional, academic, and vocational growth and development of students most at-risk in grades 9-12. Instead of lowering expectations, we attempt to raise hope and redefine success among our students. River Cities High School provides students with non-traditional approaches to meet their high school graduation requirements.

Parent Involvement

Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools work hard to establish strong family and community partnerships. These partnerships are essential to create a climate conducive to learning within schools. Research shows that students with involved parents are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, enroll in higher-level programs, attend school regularly, have better social skills, graduate and are better prepared for their future whether they move on to post-secondary education or directly into the workforce.

Taking a Look at Our Curriculum

The Wisconsin Rapids Public School District is committed to teaching a rigorous, engaging, and standards based curriculum. Curriculum is developed by content specific sub-committees made up of professional staff who study the national and state standards, best practice, and assessment. The curriculum is consistently reviewed and revised for optimal student learning. Parents, students and staff have opportunities for input throughout the curriculum development process. Virtual programming is offered at all age levels, and there is a vast array of co-curricular offerings to meet student needs and interests.