Fremont STEM Academy Expands with “Yurt” Classrooms, Invites Community to Open House

FREMONT — A growing public charter school in the community is inviting families and residents to take a closer look at a different approach to education.

The Fremont STEM Academy will host an open house on Wednesday, May 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at its campus inside the elementary school. The event will highlight the academy’s unique learning model while also marking the grand opening of its new “yurt” style classrooms.

Since opening during the 2022–2023 school year with just 12 students, the academy has grown to 37 students for the 2025–2026 school year, reflecting increasing interest from families across central Wisconsin. The school serves grades 5 through 8 and is a tuition-free public charter school operating within the Weyauwega-Fremont School District.

Fremont STEM Academy: A Different Way to Learn

At its core, the Fremont STEM Academy is built around project-based learning, a model that emphasizes hands-on experiences over traditional lecture-style instruction. Students work on real-world projects, collaborate in teams, and participate in weekly field trips every Wednesday to connect classroom lessons with real-life applications.

Projects range from robotics and 3D printing to video production, environmental studies, and even podcast creation. The goal is to help students build not just academic knowledge, but critical life skills like collaboration, resilience, and problem-solving.

School leaders say this approach can be especially impactful for students who may struggle in more traditional classroom settings, while also providing an accelerated and engaging environment for highly motivated learners.

Inside the New Yurt Classrooms

The highlight of this year’s open house is the introduction of two custom-built yurt classrooms, designed specifically to support the school’s hands-on learning style.

Each structure measures 30 feet in diameter with 17-foot ceilings, creating a wide-open, flexible environment that encourages movement, collaboration, and creative instruction. Unlike traditional classrooms, the circular design allows for more adaptable teaching setups and student interaction.

Though inspired by traditional yurts, these buildings are fully engineered for Wisconsin’s climate, built to withstand snow and cold temperatures while remaining functional year-round. They also include ADA-accessible features to ensure all students can utilize the space.

The yurts were constructed using a modular system and assembled by local craftsmen, making them a unique blend of innovative design and community involvement.

Funded Without Local Tax Impact

One notable aspect of the expansion is how it was funded. The project was made possible through federal charter school grant funding along with private donations, meaning no local taxpayer or district funds were used.

School officials say this approach allowed the academy to grow while remaining mindful of the broader community.

Open to Students Across Wisconsin

Enrollment is currently open for the 2026–2027 school year, with the academy accepting students in grades 5 through 8. Students from outside the district are also eligible to attend through open enrollment, making the program accessible to families throughout the region.

In addition to its specialized learning environment, students at the academy can still participate in sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities within the Weyauwega-Fremont School District.

Community Invited

The May 6 open house offers a chance for families, community members, and anyone interested in alternative education to tour the school, explore the new yurts, and learn more about the academy’s mission.

As the school continues to grow, its leaders hope more people will discover how this model is helping students thrive in new and meaningful ways.

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