Appleton Technical Academy

Just one week to go! The charter lottery cutoff date is February 20, 2026. Applications submitted by then will be included in the lottery.

Exploring AASD Charter Schools? Take the next month to learn more! If you’re thinking about applying to an AASD charter school, you still have time—and this next month is a great opportunity to explore your options.

The charter lottery cutoff date is February 20, 2026. Applications submitted by then will be included in the lottery. 🗓️

Over the next few weeks, families are encouraged to:
🗓️ Schedule a school tour
🗓️ Reach out to school leadership with questions
🗓️ Learn more about each school’s unique programs and focus

A few reminders as you plan:

Applications received after February 20 will be placed on a waiting list, if needed, in the order they are received.

All families will be notified by March 13, 2026, whether a seat has been reserved for their student or if they’ve been added to a waiting list.

We’re excited to support families as they explore the charter options that may be the right fit for their student.

⚙️ ATECH on the Move!

ATECH 10th graders also left the building and visited A to Z Machine in Appleton on Tuesday to explore career opportunities in machining.

Students got an inside look at the machines, tooling, and technology machinists and operators use every day—bringing classroom learning straight into the workplace. 👷‍♀️🔩

🔧 ATECH in Action! 🔥

ATECH 9th graders took a field trip Tuesday to the Local 400 Pipefitters & Steamfitters Training Center in Kaukauna.

Students explored career pathways in the trades and got hands-on experience learning how to solder copper pipe—turning curiosity into real-world skills! 👷‍♂️💡

It’s almost here—the annual AASD Charter School Fair is this Saturday! 🎉 Charter schools foster innovation, creativity, and choice, offering families meaningful educational options tailored to students’ interests and needs. The fair is a great opportunity to explore AASD charter schools, ask questions, and learn what makes each school unique.

The application window for the 2026–2027 school year is now open. In AASD, charter school acceptance is determined through a lottery application held from December through February.

Learn more about the application timeline and how to apply here:
https://www.aasd.k12.wi.us/schools/charter-magnet/admission-enrollment

Check out this article from the Samsung newsroom about our first-of-its-kind partnership with ATECH:

In partnership with Appleton Technical Academy, Samsung has invested in the new Academy Bay lab, a dedicated space powered by Samsung SmartThings technology. This initiative is significant as the first of its kind for this type of investment, providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore Samsung smart appliances, connected systems, and energy-efficient technologies in a collaborative, real-world environment.

The lab will also support ATECH’s “Plugging Into the Future” Smart Home Technology curriculum, giving students practical experience with the latest in connected home innovation.

The four-year high school pathway gives students foundational training in energy systems, smart-home automation, appliance repair, and electrical systems:

🪛 Foundational learning: Students start by exploring smart home systems and energy technologies to understand how modern homes work.
🔧 Applied experience: Students gain practical skills in smart appliances, electrical systems, and home automation.
🪛 Problem-solving & career readiness: Advanced courses focus on troubleshooting, repair, and real-world applications, preparing students for certifications and careers in the field.

Samsung Care Powers the Workforce of Tomorrow Connecting Education to Innovation at Appleton Technical Academy

🎉 A big thank you to Samsung!

Today, we celebrated the grand opening of the new Academy Bay at Appleton Technical Academy sponsored by Samsung! This dedicated space will give students hands-on experience and real-world training to prepare them for future careers as home appliance service professionals.

Beginning this fall semester, the Samsung Lab will open for student learning — offering a first-of-its-kind experience in home appliance repair and smart home technology with support from a curriculum developed by UTECH Learning. Students will also gain hands-on skills in plumbing, electrical work, and home construction.

This exciting partnership with Samsung gives ATECH students access to learning opportunities that are unique to our charter school, helping them build valuable technical expertise and career-ready confidence.

We’re proud to work together to inspire innovation and support the next generation of skilled professionals!

⚙️ Manufacturing Fair is this upcoming Wednesday 10/22!

Check out the May 2025 edition of the ATECH Advantage Report below or at https://atech.aasd.k12.wi.us/news-00/atech-advantage-report for our 2024-25 school year wrap-up. Congrats, Class of 2025! 👏👏👏

ATECH Students Sign on as Youth Apprentices with Amcor Packaging

Yesterday we proudly celebrated two ATECH students who officially signed on as youth apprentices with Amcor in the field of industrial maintenance:

⚙️ Ethan Chosa, entering his junior year
⚙️ Kahlo Hall, entering his senior year

Through this opportunity, both students will gain hands-on experience in industrial maintenance while working toward their Industrial Maintenance Specialist certificate—a 16-credit program offered through a combination of coursework at ATECH and Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC). Seven of those credits can be earned free of charge while attending ATECH.

If they choose to join Amcor full-time after graduation, they will be eligible for tuition reimbursement for any remaining coursework, making the full certificate program virtually cost-free. Additionally, Amcor offers continued reimbursement for students who pursue a technical diploma or associate degree in the field.

As part of their youth apprenticeship, Ethan and Kahlo will each complete 450 hours of on-the-job training over the next year to earn their Year 1 Youth Apprenticeship certification. Should Ethan choose to continue into a second year during his senior year, he can earn an additional 450 hours to complete the Year 2 certification.

This partnership reflects the powerful potential of youth apprenticeships in preparing students for high-demand careers while keeping college affordable—and we couldn’t be more excited for Ethan and Kahlo as they take this next step! 👏👏👏

We say goodbye to this year’s graduates. We wish them the best of luck in their future. Thank you for a memorable four years!

Our seniors took part in exit interviews today to share about their experiences in ATECH and their future plans with school board members, administrators and local industry leaders! We are so proud of their ability to succinctly share what ATECH has meant to them and the advantages it offered them. 🎓