SCHOOL OF OPTIONS & APPLIED RESEARCH MIDDLE SCHOOL

School of Options & Applied Research Middle is a Title I public charter middle school that is part of the Northland Pines School District school district, located in Land O' Lakes, WI with about 55 students offering grade levels from 5th Grade to 8th 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 2 teachers, School of Options & Applied Research Middle has a student/teacher ratio of about 27:1. 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 School of Options and Applied Research (SOAR) Middle School, located in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin, is a unique public charter school within the Northland Pines School District. Designed to move beyond the traditional classroom model, SOAR emphasizes project-based learning, interdisciplinary studies, and environmental stewardship. The curriculum is intentionally flexible, allowing students to engage in hands-on exploration that connects academic concepts to real-world applications and the local Northwoods community.

By fostering a close-knit, collaborative environment, the school encourages students to develop critical thinking skills, independence, and personal responsibility. The program places a strong focus on student-led initiatives and personalized growth, ensuring that learners are not only meeting state standards but are also developing the social and emotional competencies necessary for future academic success. Through its commitment to inquiry-based education, SOAR provides a distinct alternative for students seeking a more personalized and experiential path to learning.

For more information, contact School of Options & Applied Research Middle at (715) 547-3619 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.