A rendering of an outdoor area at Comenius Academy, looking to find a location in Appleton. (Courtesy: Comenius Academy)
GREENVILLE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Wednesday, residents in the Fox Valley were presented with new information about a proposed private Christian school in Greenville.
Comenius Academy has already generated interest from some area families in a short time. However, others have concerns.
For right now, a field off School Rd. in Greenville sits empty. But, with the K-12 Christian academy proposed, in a few years, it could look very different.
Its goal is to provide a high-level education with a Christian perspective. At full buildout, the school would accommodate 2000 students.
“You do not have to be Christian to go to the Comenius Academy, right?” said Comenius Academy Co-Founder Bill Ryan. “What you have to be is willing to learn and be able to be open to perspectives that are taught through the biblical worldview.”
Per Wednesday night’s presentation, the project would be built in stages and is expected to cost more than $132 million.
The money would come from private donors. The land contract has been signed but is pending rezoning by the village. The site’s address is W6651 School Rd., Greenville, WI.
Bill Ryan says more than 100 kids are already signed up for consideration when enrollment begins. However, many at Wednesday’s meeting brought forward concerns such as acceptance, accountability, and the use of taxpayer money.
“For private schools to be a participant in the voucher program, which is our public taxpayer dollars, but not be accountable in the same way, that is where there’s a line for me,” said Emily Tseffos.
Tom Hartfiel says if the school’s program is as good as presented, then taxpayer money isn’t necessary.
He cited another parochial school that is funded by a congregation and doesn’t take vouchers.
“We just felt that the state had provided a way for low-income kids to have a private school education. If we had a foundation or something that could scholarship those kids, we would do that,” said Comenius Academy Co-Founder Dennis Episcopo.
“Maybe the answer is to build the foundation and then build the school. You should be able to say, ‘we don’t need vouchers,'” said Hartfiel.
If the project goes to plan, the doors will open in Sep. 2029. However, under the plan, the middle and high schools wouldn’t be complete until 2030.
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