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Youth Initiative High School

500 E Jefferson St 302
Viroqua, WI 54665

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Tel: (608) 637-6445

www.yihs.net

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Youth Initiative High School Photo #1 - At Youth Initiative, we understand adolescents. We provide challenge and support, responsibility and freedom, structure and independence. From our small classroom size to our unique Care Group system of support, we are able to pay close attention to each student, to meet them where they are, and to help them grow and flourish in the ways they need most.

Youth Initiative High School Photo #2 - Youth Initiative High School provides a holistic Waldorf-inspired education for grades 9-12. We offer an academically rigorous, developmentally appropriate curriculum infused with the arts. In all that we do, we strive to engage students' heads, hearts, and hands, offering them real opportunities to grow as confident, independent thinkers.

Youth Initiative High School Photo #3 - Youth Initiative High School, founded in 1996, is one of many independent cultural institutions and progressive businesses in and around Viroqua: a thriving, creative small town in which to live and learn. Our curriculum is informed by, and deeply tied, to, the land and to this community -- for instance, Agriculture classes (pictured) do projects on local organic farms.

Youth Initiative High School Photo #4 - Mornings begin with in-depth study in main lessons. After main lesson, students take skill-based classes -- movement, music, math, and foreign language -- that extend throughout the year. In the afternoon, students engage in art blocks. These performing, manual, and visual art classes are mixed-age, elective, and often punctuated by performances.

Youth Initiative High School Photo #5 - In the heart of the unmatched beauty of the Driftless, Youth Initiative students learn what it means to live in harmony with nature and as part of a community. Each year, students embark on a one-week learning journey into the surrounding landscape as part of our Land Ethic Expeditions. The curriculum for each expedition is tailored to the grade: the

Youth Initiative High School Photo #6 - As part of a partnership with the local Kickapoo-Guatemala Accmpaniment Project, a small group of advanced Spanish students take a biennial trip to Guatemala. Students involve themselves in the culture of the small community of Chocola, attend a language immersion school, and perform service work for charity over the course of three weeks.

Youth Initiative High School Photo #7 - Throughout the year we dedicate theme days for which students help to build a series of special classes and enrichment activities (pictured: the altar built during the Dia de Los Muertos celebration).

Youth Initiative High School Photo #8 - Youth Initiative students learn how to think, collaborate, and create. We believe that the creative process is a critical skill set for generating change and creating meaning.

Youth Initiative High School Photo #9 - At Youth Initiative, our classes are not just concerned with 'what', but 'how', and 'why', and 'what if'. With a curriculum that's both rich and rigorous, we challenge students to demonstrate not just what they know, but who they want to be. In attending Youth Initiative, students take on a role in the day-to-day running of the school. In doing so, and accepting the accountability that comes with this responsibility, students develop skills that have lasting value once they leave the halls of high school.

The Youth Initiative High School exists to provide holistic Waldorf-inspired education for grades 9-12.

We work with the Steiner model of the "three-fold human being" consisting of body soul and spirit and strive to integrate "head, heart and hands" (thinking, feeling and willing) into the fabric of school life. Parents, students and faculty cooperatively weave this fabric.

We will create an environment, which encourages and assists students in becoming free thinkers, and in maturing, into active response able, empowered participants in the greater society.

The school, its students, families and faculty will be of service to the larger community.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked WI School
School Type: Alternative School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 75 students
Yearly Tuition: $9,000
Average class size: 16 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Youth Initiative High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for:

School Overview

School Type

Alternative School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Association of Waldorf Schools of North America
Other school association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Year Founded

1996

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Campus Size

8 acres

Student Body

Total Students

75 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

15%

State avg.: 35%

Students by Grade

Youth Initiative High School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

12 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

6:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

75%

Average Class Size

16 students

Number of AP/Advanced Courses

15 courses

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$9,000

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Boarding students pay a higher rate and are subject to boarding costs of $8500 per year.

Admissions Director

Matthew Voz

Admissions Associate

Shawn Lavoie

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

7 sports

Sports

CyclingIce Hockey

SoccerTennis

Track and FieldVolleyball

Wrestling

School Notes

School Motto: Imagination, truth, and responsibility
School Mascot: Goat

The Youth Initiative High School exists to provide holistic Waldorf-inspired education for grades 9-12. We work with the Steiner model of the "three-fold human being" consisting of body soul and spirit and strive to integrate "head, heart and hands" (thinking, feeling and willing) into the fabric of school life. Parents, students and faculty cooperatively weave this fabric. We will create an environment, which encourages and assists students in becoming free thinkers, and in maturing, into active response able, empowered participants in the greater society. The school, its students, families and faculty will be of service to the larger community.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Will Sherwin, Award-winning environmental advocate -

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Youth Initiative High School cost?

Youth Initiative High School's tuition is approximately $9,000 for private students.

Who are famous alumni from Youth Initiative High School?

Youth Initiative High School famous alumni include: Will Sherwin, Award-winning environmental advocate.

What sports does Youth Initiative High School offer?

Youth Initiative High School offers 7 interscholastic sports: Cycling, Ice Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling.

What is Youth Initiative High School's ranking?

Youth Initiative High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Most AP courses offered.

When is the application deadline for Youth Initiative High School?

The application deadline for Youth Initiative High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked WI School
School Type: Alternative School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 75 students
Yearly Tuition: $9,000
Average class size: 16 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Wisconsin is $6,546 for elementary schools and $11,638 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Wisconsin is 89% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).