Appleton Technical Academy

Appleton Technical Academy, more commonly known as ATECH, is a public charter school with a focus on developing the skills necessary for successful entry into the modern advanced manufacturing workforce. The school was created as a result of the growing number of manufacturing jobs that need to be filled in Wisconsin, as baby boomers retire. The school was established at the end of 2013 and the first day of classes was on September 2, 2014. In the first three years of operation the school reported giving out over 250 college credits.

The school gives students the ability to earn up to 24 college credits at the nearby Fox Valley Technical College which can be transferred to a 4-year college. This results in the student saving money on tuition as well as completing the first 8 months of most programs while still being in high school.

ATECH is a part-time school for ninth and tenth graders and a full-time school for 11th and 12th graders. 11th and 12th graders pick a focus area depending on their interests, including welding, machining, automated manufacturing, and mechanical design.