Waukesha's eAchieve receives NCAA accreditation

WAUKESHA, WI -- eAchieve Academy, the School District of Waukesha’s tuition-free online public charter school, has received approval from the NCAA as an accredited high school for athletes who are pursuing initial eligibility into a Division I or II college or university, according to district officials.

"This is a significant development for students who must follow a rigorous sports schedule while maintaining the academic portion of their education," the Waukesha School District said in a statement to Patch. "Online schools are helpful for student athletes who want to participate in sports like gymnastics or hockey that are not offered at all traditional brick and mortar high schools or if the student is already a club level athlete."

The approved curriculum for those in an NCAA track includes live, weekly interactions with students and teachers and a 15-week minimum course completion with regular check-ins with teachers.

“When a respected entity such as the NCAA acknowledges us, that speaks volumes for the work that our teachers and staff are doing,” said Jason Smith, eAchieve Assistant Principal. “This opens up possibilities for a whole new population of students.”

The change is effective immediately. Student athletes would be able to enroll as early as the second semester of 2019.

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