Wayland Academy

Beaver Dam
Wisconsin
United States

Overview

Wayland Academy is an independent, coed college preparatory school for boarding and day students founded in 1855. The school’s rich, rigorous academic program features small classes, capstone projects at every grade, an active STEAM program, signature programs focused on environmental science and media studies, and an array of AP offerings. Wayland is a place where students are free to explore beyond their comfort zone and take the risks it takes to be their best. The diverse and welcoming school community brings together students from across the United States and more than 30 other countries in an intimate learning environment with a student-faculty ratio of 5:1. Wayland’s historic campus is located in the heart of the Midwest in the town of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin—just 40 miles from Madison and 70 miles from Milwaukee. With a diverse student body, Wayland's educational experience and community provide the perfect learning environment for the 21st century. The wide-ranging electives, STEAM offerings, and capstone projects allow students to explore areas of individual interest and personalize their experience. Our school motto, “Knowledge and Character,” guides us in preparing our students for successful futures.

Academics

Summary: This is a place where you'll learn how to be curious—and that being curious is cool. We like it when you ask questions, and our academics here are designed to allow you to develop the foundations you'll need to be successful in both the college admissions process and once you get to the school of your dreams. How do we do it? Small classes—usually under 10 students—so you're guaranteed to have teachers who really know you (and write great recommendation letters when the time comes). Cool electives—fun classes that you'll really want to take that let you take your curiosity and follow it through with hands-on projects and opportunities. And our Capstone program—this is not a book report, but a guided program starting your freshman year to explore topics you care about and delve deeper. By the time you submit your senior capstone, you'll have worked closely with our faculty to research and explore topics that interest you every year. Our Curriculum: Students complete a minimum of 20 credits in the following areas to receive a diploma. English—4 credits: 1 credit in each of English 1, 2, 3, and 4 Mathematics—3 credits: 1 credit in each of Algebra 1, Geometry, and either Algebra 2, Algebra 3, or Precalculus Science—3 credits: 1 credit in Biology, 1 credit in Chemistry, and 1 credit in Physics History/Social Studies—3 credits: 1 credit in U. S. History, 1 credit of a non-U.S. History, and 1 additional credit Languages—3 credits: Successful completion of three consecutive years of the same language. (This only applies to students who are native English speakers.) Fine Arts: 2 credits in any combination of Fine Arts courses Athletics/PE: 4 years of successful participation College Counseling: Students must apply to a four-year college. Senior Capstone Project: Complete an overarching project that reflects a student’s academic or creative passions, through an independent project not normally found within a traditional school curriculum.

Department Director 0035G00001tof1iQAA

Student/Teacher Ratio: 7:1

Average Class Size: 10

Summer Programs: Offered

Full Time Teachers: 21

Number of AP Courses Offered: 21

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 56.0%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

Learning Support

  • Evening Study Assistance
  • Learning Center
  • Peer Tutoring
  • Study Skills Assistance
  • Writing Center

English

  • Creative Writing
  • Honors
  • Literature
  • Poetry
  • American Literature
  • Composition
  • AP English Language
  • AP English Literature

History

  • European History
  • Honors
  • United States History

Foreign Languages

  • German
  • Spanish

Humanities / Social Sciences

  • E

Sciences

  • Anatomy
  • Astrophysics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Physics
  • Engineering
  • Robotics

Math

  • Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Geometry
  • Honors Math
  • Statistics
  • Trigonometry
  • Pre-Calculus

Computer Studies

  • Multimedia
  • Computer Programming
  • Web Design
  • Robotics
  • Media Communications
  • Digital Media
  • Graphic Design

Music

  • Band
  • Choral Music
  • History of Jazz
  • Individual Instructions
  • Music History
  • Music Theory
  • Voice
  • A Cappella

Performing / Visual Arts

  • Animation
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing
  • Graphic Design
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Studio Art
  • 3-D Art
  • Digital Imaging

Special Programs

  • Study Abroad
  • Community Service
  • Independent Study
  • Digital Design
  • Physical Education
  • Student Council

Distinctive or New Programs

  • Signature programs in environmental science and media studies and a very active STEAM program.

Campus Life

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 4

Average Students Per Dorm: 36

Number of Girls Dorms: 2

Number of Boys Dorms: 2

Dorm Amenities

  • Game Room
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Lounge
  • Vending Machines
  • Wireless Internet
  • Refrigerator

Other Dorm Amenities

Kitchenettes available in Burnham Hall (new in 2022)

Facilities

  • Baseball Field
  • Basketball Court
  • Fitness Center
  • Football Field
  • Indoor Basketball Court
  • Indoor Climbing Wall
  • Indoor Pool
  • Pool
  • Racquetball Court
  • Sand Volleyball Court
  • Technology Center
  • Volleyball Court

Other Facilities

  • Field House

Clubs & Organizations

  • Amnesty International
  • Animal Rights Club
  • Astronomy Club
  • Chess Club
  • Classics Club
  • Community Service
  • Diversity Club
  • Dorm Proctors
  • Drama Club
  • Environmental Club
  • Food Council
  • Foreign Language Clubs
  • Honor Council
  • International Club
  • Literary Magazine
  • Math Club
  • Model UN
  • National Honor Society
  • Peer Counseling
  • Peer Tutoring
  • Photography Club
  • Student Activities
  • Student Government
  • Student Publications
  • Theater Club
  • Weightlifting Club
  • Woodworking Club
  • Yearbook
  • Yoga Club

Arts & Athletics

Summary: Wayland sports are competitive, with student-athletes appearing in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association state finals regularly. Wayland Academy musicians compete in Wisconsin's annual Solo & Ensemble program, and our fine artists compete in the annual art fair, both within the Trailways East Conference.

Arts Department Director: 003f400000LPyruAAD

Athletics Department Director: 003PH000004bZsYYAU

Notable Achievements: 2015 State Champion Triple Jump 2015: State Qualifiers in Boys and Girls Tennis

Arts

  • Animation
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing
  • Graphic Design
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Studio Art
  • 3-D Art
  • Digital Imaging

Interscholastic Sports

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Crew
  • Cross Country Running
  • Fencing
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Ice Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • Power Lifting
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball
  • Wrestling
  • Rowing

Recreational Sports

  • Aerobics
  • Basketball
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Dance
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Table Tennis
  • Weight Lifting
  • Ice Skating
  • Outdoor Activities

Graduates

Summary: Wayland students benefit from a tailored college counseling program with two college counselors serving our students through a college advising curriculum. With over 200 colleges and universities visiting each year—not to mention all the great schools in driving distance—you'll head into your college search informed about all the great options out there. Wayland students go on to study at some of the best universities in the US and abroad--with recent alums at every US News Top 10 school—but most of all, they go on to college excited and confident in what comes next.

College Information

Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100.0%

Middle Percentile of SAT Scores Reading Math Writing
25th percentile 620.0 660.0 670.0
75th percentile 740.0 780.0 720.0

College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:

McGill University: 3
University of Pennsylvania: 2
Rice University: 3
Dartmouth College: 2
Macalester College: 2
Stanford University: 2
University of Southern California: 2
Kenyon College: 2
University of Rochester: 2
Univ. of Cal. Berkeley: 2
Carleton College: 4
Northwestern University: 3
Vanderbilt University: 2
New York University: 5
Lawrence U.: 4
University of Chicago: 6
Marquette University: 6
Cornell University: 5
University of Wisconsin - Madison: 15

Notable Alumni

George E. Taylor

Class of 1879

First African American to run for President of the USA (1904)

Elmer Ferris

Class of 1881

Businessman/Author ("Jerry at the Academy," etc.)

Zona Gale

Class of 1891

First woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (Miss Lulu Bett" 1921)"

Addie Joss

Class of 1898

Baseball HOF

Ned Merriam

Class of 1903

Olympic Athlete

Joan Davis

Class of 1948

Producer, "Masterpiece Theatre"

Ray Patterson

Class of 1941

NBA General Manager

Susan Peterson

Class of 1963

First female correspondent for CBS

Steve Patterson

Class of 1975

NBA GM/Director of Athletics University of Texas–Austin

Quotes From Alumni

“Every year, I grew more as a person, both academically and personally. I’m able to be with friends and people I trust. There are more opportunities to get involved than you can imagine.”
-, Class of 2018,
“My Wayland education prepared me for top schools for which I would otherwise not have been prepared.”
-, Class of 1971, VP (Retired) John Deere & Co.
“When I look back on my first year of college I used the habits skills and knowledge fostered by Wayland.If I hadn't graduated from Wayland I might not have lived up to my full potential.”
-, Class of 2010, PhD Student Harvard University
“Every year, I grew more as a person, both academically and personally. I’m able to be with friends and people I trust. There are more opportunities to get involved than you can imagine.”
-Sydney Walker, Class of 2018,
“My Wayland education prepared me for top schools for which I would otherwise not have been prepared.”
-David Larson, Class of 1971, VP (Retired) John Deere & Co.
“When I look back on my first year of college I used the habits skills and knowledge fostered by Wayland.If I hadn't graduated from Wayland I might not have lived up to my full potential.”
-Nick Derr, Class of 2010, PhD Student Harvard University

Summer Programs

Summary: The Summer Experience at Wayland is the perfect summer program for middle and high school students! This well-rounded two-week program includes academic enrichment, outdoor activities, leadership skill-building, character development, and much more.

Department Director: 003PH000004atGdYAI

Summer Experience at Wayland Academy

Description: The Summer Experience at Wayland is the perfect summer program for middle and high school students! This well-rounded two-week program includes academic enrichment, outdoor activities, leadership skill-building, character development, and much more. During the program, students entering grades 8-11 will have the opportunity to —Meet and connect with other students from Wisconsin, the U.S., and around the world —Visit nearby cities and universities—including a trip to Milwaukee, the Kohler Museum, and the University of Wisconsin —Get outside and explore—including geocaching, visiting places like the Horicon Marsh, or rowing on Beaver Dam Lake —Expand their academic knowledge in writing, ethics, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) —Enhance their leadership skills and character development —Spark new interests and passions and discover their potential —Enjoy evening activities—including outdoor movies, scavenger hunts, game nights, bonfires, and a dance —Live away from home (in our brand new dormitory) and experience independence in a safe community —Earn .25 elective credit (for current or future Wayland students) Students will also have the privilege of spending their days (and living) on the beautiful 55-acre campus of Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, perfect for summer activities. Students will have complete access to campus, including classrooms, the library, and sports facilities. At Wayland, we believe that education should be fun and engaging. That’s why the Summer Experience includes a wide range of activities for students to enjoy. From outdoor adventures to team-building exercises, our program is designed to keep students engaged and entertained throughout their stay.

Director: Tara Stewart

Application Deadline:

Start Date: 2024-07-06

End Date: 2024-07-20

Tuition From: 1000.0

Tuition To: 3000.0

Website: https://www.wayland.org/academics/summer-experience

Boarding: Both

Financial Aid Available: Yes

Merit

Merit Scholarships: Offered

Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 20.0%

Average Merit Scholarship: 15,000

Current Endowment Amount: $20,378,245

Interested in Wayland Academy?

Vital Information

Student Body Type: Coed

Total Boarding: 143

Total Day: 49

Total Enrollment: 192

Boys: 106

Girls: 86

Boarding Grades Offered: 9-12

Day Grades Offered: 9-12

School Type: High School, Post-grad

Dress Code: Formal

Applications Accepted: SAO, Gateway to Prep

Application Deadline: Rolling

Tuition & Financial Aid

7-Day Boarding: $68,900

5-Day Boarding: N/A

Day Tuition Fee: $24,950

Need-Based Aid: Offered

Payment Plans: Offered

Students Receiving Aid: 30.0%

Average Awarded: $30,000

School Finances

Merit Scholarships: Offered

Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 20.0%

Average Merit Scholarship: $15,000

Current Endowment Amount: $20,378,245

Contact

101 North University

Beaver Dam, Wisconsin United States

920 356 2120

Director of Admissions: Andrea Chesley

Admissions Phone: 920 356 2120

Fax: 920 887 3373

Email: achesley@wayland.org

Website: www.wayland.org

Nearby Schools

School Events

Application Deadline:

Wednesday Feb 15 2023 - Wednesday Feb 15 2023

It's time to apply! Our applications are due on February 15. After that date we'll review applications on a space-available basis.

Application Deadline:

Wednesday Feb 15 2023 - Wednesday Feb 15 2023

It's time to apply! Our applications are due on February 15. After that date we'll review applications on a space-available basis.

Application Deadline:

Wednesday Feb 15 2023 - Wednesday Feb 15 2023

It's time to apply! Our applications are due on February 15. After that date we'll review applications on a space-available basis.

Application Deadline:

Monday Feb 15 2021 - Monday Feb 15 2021

It's time to apply! Our applications are due on February 15. After that date we'll review applications on a space-available basis.

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