Daring to think differently

GREEN BAY – In June 2022, Green Bay Area Public Schools (GBAPS) renamed its virtual program to the Katherine Johnson Academy of Enriched Virtual Learning (KJ Academy) — not just a new name, but a new identity.

Inspired by NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, whose calculations were key to space missions like Apollo 11, the academy represents innovation, resilience and opportunity.

Johnson’s legacy — as an African American woman who broke barriers in STEM — mirrors the school’s mission: to offer a flexible, inclusive learning environment that pushes past traditional boundaries.

But just three years after adopting her name, the academy’s future may be in question.

KJ Academy serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade entirely online.

Using touchscreen Chromebooks and Zoom, students receive live instruction from licensed GBAPS teachers.

Lessons cover core subjects, along with art, music, physical education and social-emotional learning.

Unlike many virtual schools, KJ Academy has a physical space at 105 S. Buchanan Street, where teachers collaborate in professional studios.
This site also allows for in-person support like occupational therapy or counseling — ensuring services aren’t lost just because students learn from home.

The school’s unique blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning offers students flexibility, while still maintaining structure and support.

It’s especially beneficial for students who need an alternative to traditional classrooms.

At a March 10 work session, GBAPS Superintendent Vicki Bayer and Chief Financial Officer Angela Roble shared the district’s bleak outlook: a $10 to $12 million budget deficit is expected for the 2025-26 school year.

“We truly are doing the best we can, and our goal is when we’re reducing our budget to have the least amount of negative impact on our children,” Bayer said. “At some point, the state of Wisconsin has to realize we can’t keep cutting without hurting our children.”

Among the cost-saving measures being considered — reducing or closing KJ Academy.

Originally funded through federal ESSER dollars, the school now faces an uncertain future without ongoing financial support.

Closing the school would save the district money, but at a cost to students who thrive in its unique format.

The academy supports English Learners and students receiving special education, all within a virtual environment built to adapt to their needs.
Students receiving specialized services in this flexible format could face disruptions in support, and staff may be reassigned or let go.

As GBAPS weighs its options, the legacy of Katherine Johnson — a woman who soared beyond expectations — serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when education dares to think differently.