Wayland Academy is a co-educational day and boarding high school in the heartland of Wisconsin, USA.
We are located in the city of Beaver Dam between Madison and Milwaukee and just a short 2 hour drive from Chicago! We have 200 students grades 9-12 & post-graduate representing 40 countries.
Wayland Academy is the epitome of Midwest warmth, the perfect blend of global culture, creativity, athleticism, and academic rigor.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked WI School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 200 students
- Yearly Tuition: $26,750
- Acceptance rate: 35%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / Jul. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Upcoming Events
Top Rankings
Wayland Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1855
Colors
Red and White
School Calendar
First Day of School
Wed. Aug 19, 2026
Last Day of School
Fri. May 28, 2027
Campus Size
55 acres
Student Body
Total Students
200 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
39%
State avg.: 35%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 11:1
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP/Advanced Courses
22 courses
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / Jul. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$26,750
Tuition Notes
Additional information about affording Wayland and financing your education can be found at our website.
% on Financial Aid
65%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$35
Acceptance Rate
35%
National avg.: 82%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Bryanna Michaletz
Admissions Associate
Dominick LaPorte
Application URL
Endowment Size
$25 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
17 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
28 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Admission AmbassadorsArt Club
Astronomy ClubAthletic Leadership
Baking ClubBlack Student Union
Board Game ClubDrama Production
Finance ClubGender and Sexuality Alliance
Hispanic Student AssociationJewish Culture Club
Library AmbassadorsLiterary Magazine
Math ClubMath Team
Medical ClubModel United Nations Club
Penmanship and Correspondence SocietyPhotography Club
Robotics ClubScouting
Sewing ClubThespian Society
UNICEFWomen's Empowerment Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Badminton ClubPing Pong Club
School Notes
- School Motto: Knowledge and Character
- School Mascot: Big Red
- Wayland Academyis a co-educational boarding high school in the heartland of Wisconsin, USA. We are located between Madison and Milwaukee and just a short 2 hour drive from Chicago! We have 210students grades 9-12 & post-graduate representing over 35 countries.Wayland Academy is the epitome of Midwest warmth, the perfect blend of global culture, artistic growth, athleticism, and academic rigor. Our signature programs include STEAM, Media Studies, Environmental Science, and Student Success.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- George E. Taylor - 1879. First African-American to run for the office of President of the United States.
- Zona Gale - 1891. First woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1921), for "Miss Lola Bett."
- Addie Joss - 1898. Pitcher; Cleveland Naps (AL); Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Ned Merriam - 1905. Competed at the 1908 London Olympics (400 Meters); coached track & field at: Iowa State, Texas A&M, DePauw, Yale, and U. of Chicago. Football & Track athlete at Chicago (coached by Amos Alonzo Stagg).
- Raymond Patterson - 1940. President/G.M., Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), and Wayland Academy.
- Susan Peterson - 1963. First female TV correspondent assigned to the White House; Communications Consultant.
- Rick Fliehr - 1968. Professional wrestler (as Rick "Nature Boy" Flair).
- Mikki Hebl, PhD - 1987. Professor, Rice University; Motivational Speaker.
- Uzma Samadani, MD, PhD - 1988. Neurosurgeon, researcher, Manhattan Veterans' Hospital
- Kira Salak - 1989. Traveler, author, contributing editor to National Geographic
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Wayland Academy cost?
Wayland Academy's tuition is approximately $26,750 for private students.
What schools are Wayland Academy often compared to?
Wayland Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Central Wisconsin Christian Schools (PreK-12) by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Wayland Academy?
The acceptance rate of Wayland Academy is 35%, which is lower than the national average of 90%. Wayland Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Wisconsin with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Wayland Academy?
Wayland Academy famous alumni include: George E. Taylor, Zona Gale, Addie Joss, Ned Merriam, Raymond Patterson, Susan Peterson, Rick Fliehr, Mikki Hebl, PhD, Uzma Samadani, MD, PhD and Kira Salak.
What sports does Wayland Academy offer?
Wayland Academy offers 17 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Fencing, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Wayland Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for most sports offered.
What is Wayland Academy's ranking?
Wayland Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Wayland Academy?
The application deadline for Wayland Academy is Feb. 1 / Jul. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 / Jul. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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