DON SMITH LEARNING ACADEMY

Don Smith Learning Academy is a Title I public high school that is part of the Beaver Dam Unified School District school district, located in Beaver Dam, WI with about 72 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 4 teachers, Don Smith Learning Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 18:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Don Smith Learning Academy, located at 400 E. Burnett St. in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, functions as an alternative educational program within the Beaver Dam Unified School District. The academy is designed to provide a personalized, supportive learning environment for students who may benefit from a non-traditional approach to their high school education. By offering smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, the program aims to help students overcome academic or personal obstacles, recover credits, and work toward meeting graduation requirements in a way that better suits their specific needs.

As part of the broader district, the Academy maintains a focus on student success, emphasizing flexibility and community connection to ensure that all learners remain on track for their post-secondary goals. The school’s curriculum and culture are tailored to foster a sense of belonging and accountability, providing students with the guidance necessary to navigate their high school experience successfully. For families and students seeking more detailed information on enrollment, specific course offerings, or school policies, the district's website at http://www.bdusd.org serves as the primary resource.

For more information, contact Don Smith Learning Academy at (920) 885-7423 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.