The Appleton Area School District (AASD) is Wisconsin's sixth largest school district and is one of its fastest growing. The district encompasses the city of Appleton, and the towns of Grand Chute, Buchanan, Harrison, and a small part of Menasha. Wisconsin traditionally leads the nation in test scores, and Appleton area students consistently exceed state and national test score averages. Since 1997 the Appleton Education Foundation, an independent organization of concerned citizens and business leaders, has awarded grants to Appleton schools totaling more than $800,000 to fund educational programs not funded by public sources. The Fox Cities Alliance for Education helps 13 local school districts collaborate with area businesses on school-to-work initiatives.
The following is a summary of data regarding the Appleton Area School District as of the 2002–2003 school year.
Total enrollment: 14,948
Number of facilities
elementary schools: 16
junior high/middle schools: 4
senior high schools: 3
other: 1 pre-elementary school; 12 charter schools covering all grades K-12
Student/teacher ratio: 15.3:1
Teacher salaries (2005)
average: $41,892
Funding per pupil: $8,953
The Appleton Catholic Education System (ACES) consists of four elementary schools, and a middle school. The city's ACES schools strive to foster higher level thinking skills. There is also a Catholic High School, Xavier. Appleton has a non-denominational school and seven Lutheran schools.
Lawrence University has been a coeducational institution since its founding in 1847 and is the second oldest co-ed college in the country. In 1964 the college merged with Milwaukee's Downer College, a well regarded women's college. Lawrence, ranked among the nation's top 50 liberal arts colleges in 2003 by U.S. News & World Report enrolls 1,200 full-time students. B.A. programs are offered in more than 30 areas. The Fox Valley Technical College offers a diverse curriculum and is regarded as one of the most progressive technical institutions in the country. The college has more than 70 associate degree programs, apprenticeship training, continuing education, and customized training. Also located in the Fox Cities are the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, and a branch of the Milwaukee School of Engineering (Appleton).
Appleton Public Library has 300,000 volumes and 500 periodical subscriptions as well as a CD collection and audio-and videotapes. The library is a state document depository and has a special area on local history. An expansion in the late 1990s resulted in more space for children's programs and added shelf space for books. More than 1,500 people visit the 85,000 square foot facility daily, and the library website is accessed 75,000 times per month. The special subject interests of the Fox Valley Technical College, which has more than 61,000 volumes, include agriculture, business and management, environmental studies, medicine, and science and technology. Lawrence University Library, with holdings of nearly 337,000 volumes, is also a state document depository.
Public Library Information: Appleton Public Library, 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI 54911-4780; telephone (920)832-6170; fax (920)832-6182