Take the next step!
Enroll now for the 2023-2024 school year!
A NEW tuition free public charter school
Opening 2023 School Year
WELCOME
Greetings,
My name is Matt Teterud and I am honored to be the headmaster of Wyoming Classical Academy.
Wyoming Classical Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school that exists to offer an exceptional American Classical education to the students of Wyoming. We are not affiliated with any school district, but rather operate as a Wyoming state-approved charter school. We are a Hillsdale College member school and will use the superb Hillsdale K-12 Program Guide as our curriculum.
WCA will open starting with grades K-6 this upcoming school year
on August 28, 2023. We can accommodate up to 425 students total in the Mills school building where we will host school in our first year. We offer in-person learning only. I invite you to check out our website at WYOclassical.org and to ask any questions you might have. Then enroll your child in Wyoming Classical Academy!
After our first year, we plan on moving into a brand new building yet to be built in a field near the corner of Poison Spider Road and Robertson Road. This building would accommodate us as we slowly grow into a K-12 school and become the long term home of Wyoming Classical Academy!
If you enroll your child for this upcoming school year, I want you to get a picture of what your child’s day of learning could look like.
We will be posting an Academic Calendar 2023-2024 on this website, so you know how the year will flow and which days we are in school. School will run from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. M-F on the days we are in session. We will not be providing any busing or transportation or food services. This means that parents will need to drop off their child to WCA in the window of 7:30-7:55 a.m. and then pick them up in the window of 3:00-3:40 p.m. We do encourage carpooling.
The plan is for parents to drop off their K-6 child at the Mills school building between 7:30-7:55 a.m. each school day. We will post a traffic pattern and have a system so this happens efficiently. The student should be dressed in WCA uniform and have a water/snack/lunch with them.
WCA staff will be out in front of the school to welcome students and assist them as they exit the vehicle and head into the school building.
Students then head in our main doors and to their classrooms. They put their coat/backpack/lunch away and enter the classroom where the teacher awaits. During this time, students can finish any homework, study their recitation, read, or quietly visit with friends until the 7:55 a.m. bell. At this bell, that is when all students should be at school, putting away their items and settling into their desks in the classroom.
At 8:00 a.m. we start the school day. The headmaster/designee comes over the PA system to welcome everyone, have a moment of silence, share a virtue, give announcements, and say the pledge. After the pledge, our wonderful classroom teachers complete a uniform check, welcome students, and set the goals for what we will learn that day.
By 8:05 a.m., we take off with the learning! We offer a robust education, imparting virtue and meaty content in every area—seeking to bring students in to the joy and wonder of learning. Teachers follow the master schedule, as they impart valuable content knowledge and skill to students in reading, writing, math, science, history, music, art, PE, and more. Students flow through the day, approaching the work and challenge of learning with a sense of joy and wonder. Students will work for a while, and then take a snack/recess break. We have breaks built in throughout the day to help students feel better and to help them maintain focus when they are in class.
We have drinking fountains and restrooms for student use as needed, and a F.A.S.A. (First Aid Safety Assistant) on hand to help students who are not feeling well. Students will eat their lunch in a lunch room area supervised by WCA staff before heading out to recess at the playground also supervised by WCA staff. After lunch and recess, students head back inside and continue on with their learning.
Around 2:55 p.m. the classroom teachers can re-cap the day of learning, go over any homework, and have students clean up and pack up to get ready for dismissal.
At 3:00 p.m., the school day is done. Parent pick-up will be from 3:00-3:40 p.m. We will have a traffic system so that parents can pick up their child in an efficient manner. Students will wait in the classroom or other area until their parent vehicle/carpool ride is in the WCA loading zone. Students could complete some or all of their homework right then and there. WCA staff will communicate to the student when his/her parent is out front in the loading zone and let the student know to head out to the parent’s vehicle. Students grab their backpack/items and head to their parent’s vehicle to head home.
In this Wyoming Classical Academy school day, we want to help students make learning gains each day. We want them to enjoy school, to learn to read and comprehend well, to speak and write eloquently, to understand math well, and to enjoy a well-rounded liberal arts education. We want students to approach this rich Hillsdale K-12 curriculum with a sense of wonder as we pursue truth, beauty, and goodness in our lives.
I invite you to visit our website here at WYOclassical.org to check us out and then to enroll your K-6 student for the fall.
Respectfully,
Matt Teterud, WCA Headmaster
Our Vision & Mission
VISION
Wyoming Classical Academy develops virtuous, responsible, joyful individuals with the moral and intellectual skills to be well-educated, grateful citizens ready to preserve a free and flourishing republic.
MISSION
The mission of Wyoming Classical Academy is to provide an exceptional American classical education that will train the minds and improve the hearts of young people through a content-rich classical education in the liberal arts and sciences with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue.
Virtues
We at Wyoming Classical Academy want to partner with parents to instill moral excellence in each of our students. We hope to define “virtue,” learn about each virtue listed below, and then value these virtues to incorporate them into our character as we live out these virtues in our lives.
Kindness:
To be kind. This includes being helpful, courteous, and generous while learning how to get along well with others. Treat others with respect and caring.
Integrity:
To do what is honorable, honest, and good as you seek out truth.
Responsibility:
To take pride in your work and fulfill your duties. Hold yourself accountable even when others do not. WCA believes that parents own the fundamental responsibility for their child and education, as WCA comes alongside to support this with our learning system.
Courage:
To defend what is true and preserve liberty. Remain steadfast when you are afraid. Practice perseverance when the work is difficult. The ability to stand firm in your convictions.
Wonder:
To cultivate a lifetime thirst and fascination for knowledge and the world around us.
Moderation:
To practice patience and self-control. Think before you speak. Keep your temper under control.
Justice:
To follow the rules. Treat others with fairness and respect.
Prudence:
To be deliberate before you act. Practice good judgment to make wise decisions. It is the ability to govern and discipline oneself.
Gratitude:
To express thankfulness in word and deed.
Wisdom:
To find value in the knowledge that comes from experience. To discern what is honest, true, noble, and good and actively choose these virtues.
What is a Classical Education?
“Classical education is the authoritative, traditional, and enduring form of education, begun by the Greeks and Romans, developed through history, and now being renewed and recovered in the 21st century.”
– Christopher Perrin
Classical education calls upon young scholars to pursue truth, beauty, and goodness through studying the 7 liberal arts (trivium-grammar, logic, rhetoric and quadrivium-arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy).
The trivium begins with the “grammar” phase (grades K-6). Here students learn virtue and build a solid foundation of reading, writing, and math. Most students are naturally curious at this stage, so we work with that. Students memorize interesting facts, absorb knowledge, and begin to discover the world in science and history. In this phase, we “firehose” students with information (phonics, reading, spelling, parts of speech, writing, math facts, science facts, etc.) and build a solid foundation upon which we can develop schema and spiral back to more in-depth learning in later years.
As we move into the “logic” phase (grades 7-9), students continue learning content knowledge and skill at a higher level, but we focus on applying this knowledge and skill. In this phase, many students begin to question, challenge, and want to know why. We work with that by encouraging questions and by providing a satisfactory answer to show the “why.” Students use the knowledge and skills learned in the “grammar” phase to read and analyze great works, to write using proper grammar—with clarity and eloquence, and to understand more complex math. Students not only understand virtue, but hopefully live out and apply this virtue in their own lives. Students are saturated with “meaty” content across the subject areas, including a study of Latin and logic. With so many interesting things to learn, we hope to develop in our students a love of learning for the sake of learning! We hope they will stand in awe and wonder as we explore the beautiful and the good. By applying knowledge and answering the “why,” students can make connections and see the relevance of a classical education in the modern world and in their own lives.
As we move into the “rhetoric” phase, (grades 10-12), students become independent thinkers and communicators. They build upon the “grammar” and “logic” phases to practice “rhetoric,” the art of speaking and writing persuasively. We want students to comprehend what they are hearing and seeing in the world, and to be able to reason through situations in a wise manner. Students develop a deeper understanding of more complex literature and draw conclusions about the nature of life and humankind. They observe the adventures and perils, the humor and sadness, the joy and struggles of main characters in great classics—and in doing so better understand their own lives. Students are now ready to stand on the shoulders of great thinkers over thousands of years—and to follow their “footsteps into the woods.” Studying complex literature, math, science, economics, and historical concepts sets them on the path to think, create, invent, explore, and to push even further in our own lives and in learning how to best live.
It is this kind of education that has produced many great leaders, thinkers, scientists, lawyers, and artists throughout time. In the “rhetoric” phase, scholars move from learning about the ideas of others, to creating their own ideas and conveying them persuasively.
Our focus at WCA will be on virtue, how to think and reason, offering robust content, a well-rounded liberal arts education, and encouraging thoughtful citizenship. Our hope is that this classical education will develop virtuous, responsible, and joyful individuals who are well-educated, grateful citizens—the basis of a free and flourishing republic. This is why we at Wyoming Classical Academy will seek to train the minds and improve the hearts through a content-rich American classical education experience.
Math
science
Literature
History
The Foundation of a
Tried and True Education
- Hillsdale K-12 classical curriculum
- Traditional environments
- Character development and civic responsibility
- Literacy Essentials used to impart spelling, writing, and reading
- Well Ordered Language & Institute for Excellence in Writing used to impart writing
- Singapore math with supplemental math facts
- Core Knowledge science and history
- Music, Art, PE, Latin in grades 6-9, and Logic/Rhetoric in grade 9
- Wyoming content of computer science, CVE, and K-2 Foreign Language
What is a Classical Education?
Classical education is a long-term, three-part process of learning which begins in the child’s elementary years and is completed at the end of high school. It is commonly referred to as the trivium and takes advantage of a child’s natural stages of learning.
Trivium means “three paths” or “three ways.”
Resources
Family Handbook
DOWNLOAD HERE
Academic Calendar
DOWNLOAD HERE
Master Schedule
DOWNLOAD HERE
Car Line Plan
DOWNLOAD HERE
Uniform Information
COMING SOON
Video Gallery
Wyoming Classical Academy will open a tuition-free K-6 charter school
in 2023, prioritizing students from Casper and surrounding communities. WCA will eventually be K-12, as we grow a grade each year with our oldest students until we have grown up to K-12.
Apply now for the 2023-2024 school year!
Upcoming WCA Events
We invite you to come hear about Wyoming Classical Academy.
There will be three Parent Information meetings; you are welcome to attend any of them. Headmaster Matt Teterud will deliver a presentation, followed by a chance for parents to ask questions. We want you to feel comfortable about who we are, what we offer for the education of your child, and our plan to carry out this exceptional American classical education starting this next school year in September. In addition, we will have samples of curriculum to view and WCA board members will be on hand to assist and to enroll your K-6 child in school for this next September if you are ready!
PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
4:30-6:00 p.m. Open House Tour the School
6:00-7:30 p.m. Presentation in the gym
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the Frequently Asked Questions that we receive.
What are charter schools?
Charter schools are public schools that are governed by a separate Board made up of parents and supporters of these schools. The idea behind charter schools is an opportunity for ‘School Choice’, where the students and their parents can choose to be in schools that typically have different curriculums and policies that appeal to them.
What is an Wyoming Classical Academy education?
An WCA education will emphasize the traditions of Western Civilization utilizing the study of history, science, math, literature, philosophy, and fine arts. This classical education model features a curriculum prepared by Hillsdale College. For example, the study of American History will be based on the 1776 Curriculum that integrates the study of history, civics, government, economics and culture, striving to objectively inform students of their American heritage. The Hillsdale curriculum is balanced and strong, with explicit instructional elements that lead to reading fluency and language mastery. It features a rich and recurring examination of core, classical knowledge to equip students for College or career. Complementary to the knowledge based curriculum, civic responsibility and character development are integrated into each subject and established through practices and policies of the school.
How are charter schools Funded?
Traditionally, school buildings are funded by asking voters to approve the creation of bonds that result in debt that is paid back over multiple years by the taxpayers. charter schools are built privately by the school, and any debt incurred is paid by the Per Pupil Funding that is associated with each student that attends the charter school. In simple terms, traditional public school buildings are paid by the taxpayer by increasing property taxes over many years. Per Pupil Funding is used exclusively to pay for administration, teachers, maintenance, and other costs associated with the education of students. With charter schools, per pupil funding also pays for the education of students, but additionally, it repays any debt incurred from constructing the school facilities. Buildings and facilities are not paid by increasing taxes.
How is technology used in the WCA Charter School?
Technology is a component of the curriculum, but ipads, tablets, or laptops are not used in most classes. WCA considers technology to be a learning tool and makes certain it is not a distraction. Computer and technology classes are a part of the curriculum so students will become proficient in the use of technological tools.
How is sports, music, art, etc. handled at WCA?
WCA incorporates music, art, and PE into their regular weekly schedule as a part of a well-rounded education. In addition, any extracurricular activity held at any school within the District is open to WCA charter school students, just by signing up. As WCA grows into an upper school (grades 7-12), we plan on offering some sports and clubs to enrich our experience and enjoy these activities.
How are students selected?
Each grade may have 1-3 tracks about 25 students per classroom. If a particular grade is full and there are more students wanting to be in that grade, a blind lottery is held to determine who will be in that class. Priority will be given to students who reside in the District and other family members who are already in the WCA school.
May homeschool children attend WCA classes to supplement their homeschool curriculum?
WCA anticipates homeschool children will be able to attend a minimum of 2 courses and a maximum of 3 courses to augment their homeschool curriculum.
Common Charter School Myths
Want to learn more about some of the common charter school myths?
We put together a guide that dispels some common charter school myths.
MYTH: Charter schools are not public schools.
FACT: By law, charter schools are tuition-free public schools, thereby offering parents and students a choice among all public schools in the district.
MYTH: Charter schools are operated for a profit.
FACT: The law requires charters to be nonprofits.
MYTH: Charter schools cherry-pick students from the district.
FACT: By law, charter schools are generally required to take all students in the district who want to attend. If there are not enough seats, the school must hold a lottery to randomly select students. Students with severe disabilities that require intensive intervention go to the district’s center-based programs, as do all such students in the district.
MYTH: Charter schools cater to privileged students and exclude disadvantaged students.
FACT: See immediately above. Recent studies show marked improvement in achievement in disadvantaged students in urban charter schools compared to other public schools.
MYTH: Charter schools take money from public schools.
FACT: Charters are public schools and receive public funding on a per-pupil basis like other public schools but in a slightly lower amount. Charters’ buildings are not funded with public money.
MYTH: Charter schools are not held accountable.
FACT: By law, charters must meet the same academic standards as all other public schools. Unlike other public schools, if a charter fails to meet those standards the school must close.
MYTH: Support for charter schools is declining.
FACT: Charter school enrollment has been steadily increasing for years. Charters in NOCO have thousands of students on waiting lists.
MYTH: Charter schools don’t pay teachers enough.
FACT: Teachers are paid a salary commensurate with experience and performance. Some charter school teachers even earn more than peers in the district.
MYTH: Charter school teachers are less qualified.
FACT: Charter school teachers should be able to manage a class, have deep knowledge of the subject content, teach well, differentiate instruction, communicate learning results, and be able to perform the duties of a teacher. They might not have teaching licenses, but that is not a measure of whether they are qualified to teach. Think of Michael Jordan, who would not be “qualified” to teach basketball without a license in non-charter public schools.
MYTH: Because charter schools limit the use of technology in classrooms, students will be technologically illiterate upon graduation.
FACT: Charter schools use technology as a learning tool, but make certain it is not a distraction. Computer and technology classes are a part of the curriculum so students will become proficient in the use of technological tools. The goal is to use technology effectively without diminishing the faculty leadership that is crucial to academic achievement. Liberty Common in Ft. Collins, Colorado is an example of a charter school that follows this philosophy. Liberty had the top composite SAT score in Colorado for the classes of 2019, 2020, and 2022.
Contact Us
Wyoming Classical Academy
420 2nd Street Mills, WY 82644
(307) 251-3101
Matt.Teterud@wyoclassical.org
Take the next step!
Apply now for the 2023-2024 school year!
WCA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITES
Welcome to Wyoming Classical Academy!
I invite you to click on any of the job links below to view the job posting and to officially apply for that position via the form below.
Classroom Teacher:
Grades K-2
VIEW JOB POSTING
Special Education Teacher
VIEW JOB POSTING
Teacher’s Aide
VIEW JOB POSTING
Classroom Teacher:
Grades 3-6
VIEW JOB POSTING
Dean of Students
VIEW JOB POSTING
Substitute Teacher
VIEW JOB POSTING
Art Teacher:
Grades K-6
VIEW JOB POSTING
Office Manager
VIEW JOB POSTING
Substitute Aide
VIEW JOB POSTING
Music Teacher:
Grades K-6
VIEW JOB POSTING
Receptionist
VIEW JOB POSTING
Health/PE Teacher:
Grades K-6
VIEW JOB POSTING
Custodian
VIEW JOB POSTING
Application Form
Please complete the form below and submit your resume and 3 letters of recommendation.