Education

The Neal Wilkins Early Learning Center provides Platteville’s youngest with a great start in school designed to address the early learning needs of children age 3-6. It’s a happy place that provides a great foundation for school success.  

Post-secondary education is pursued by 85% of Platteville High School graduates at either baccalaureate or technical colleges and they are well prepared by a college preparatory curriculum. A cooperative education program provides specialized instruction, apprenticeships and other work experience opportunities for those who plan to enter the work force directly after high school. Platteville High School is considered an innovator in the use of digital technology and graduates are well prepared to succeed in a technological society. A wealth of extracurricular activities provides students many opportunities to explore artistic, athletic, academic and vocational leadership pursuits.

An award winning middle school provides a solid academic foundation while addressing the unique learning and social needs of young adolescent student’s grades 5-8. The district’s excellent performing music program is launched at the middle school. And an innovative, hands on pre-engineering curriculum called Project Lead The Way is introduced to all students at grades 7 and 8 in preparation for a sequence of higher level science, technology, engineering, and math courses that become available at the high school.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, familiarly known as Southwest Tech, has entered its fifth decade as the leading provider of technical education and career skills training in southwest Wisconsin. Students at the college today can earn Associate’s degree or technical diploma in more than 40 popular programs. Areas of study include health care, the trades, agriculture, business and computing, consumer services and public safety. Stroll across Southwest Tech’s rural Fennimore campus and you’ll experience an uplifting friendliness. You’ll also learn that a Southwest Tech education is an unbeatable combination of local instructors with real-world knowledge, hands-on learning and state-of-the-art facilities that prepare students of all age for careers in high-growth fields. Each year about 12,000 area residents, roughly 10% of the total population of southwest Wisconsin, seek out Southwest Tech for learning opportunities, events and activities to improve skills, to face new challenges or simply have fun.

Founded in 1866, UW-Platteville now offers 40+  academic programs, including highly regarded programs in engineering, agriculture, criminal justice, industrial studies, computer science, chemistry, biology and education. Programs in nanotechnology and MEMS, forensic investigation, and sustainable and renewable energy systems are among the recent academic additions. UW-Platteville also offers Master’s degree programs, both on-campus and online. Graduate students come to campus to earn degrees in education and counselor education and earn degrees online in project management, engineering and criminal justice.

Faculty and staff care about student success. The University insists on high academic standards and quality. Professors involve students in learning, using practical demonstrations, group work and community service experiences. UW-Platteville’s Pioneer Academic Center for Community Engagement connects students and instructors with community partners to complete significant and meaningful work. We know that engaging students outside the classroom can have a profound effect on students’ educational and professional success. There are more than 200 recognized clubs and organizations, all providing opportunities for students to practice skills learned in the classroom and to develop communication skills and leadership capacity. Students are encouraged to extend their education beyond campus through participation in robust co-op and internship programs. Additionally, students can take advantage of UW-Platteville’s extensive array of international study opportunities, including specially designed partnerships with selected foreign universities where academic programs have been closely articulated. UW-Platteville has 16 intercollegiate athletic teams in football, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s golf, men’s and women’s track and field and cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, baseball and softball. UW-Platteville is a NCAA Division III school and is a member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). UW-Platteville is a place where students “live their college dreams.” You find friends working together on class or club projects; professors teaching small-sized classes using the latest technologies; academic programs that are aligned with the nation’s workforce needs; and a warm, caring and friendly environment. You also find up-to-date, well-kept facilities including the newly opened Engineering Hall and the just-completed addition to Williams Fieldhouse and renovation of Boebel Hall. UW-Platteville is one of thirteen 4-year campuses in the University of Wisconsin System.

Second, third, and fourth grade students develop their basic academic skills and related arts in a rich school environment at Westview Elementary School where parent-teacher-student relationships are actively nurtured. Daily physical education helps to insure a healthy start for the young at both Westview and Wilkins Schools.