How to Enroll in a Tuition-Free Online School in Colorado

A simple, step-by-step guide for families exploring Williamsburg Academy of Colorado

If you've been looking into a tuition-free online school in Colorado, you probably have a few practical questions. Who's eligible? What does the program actually include? And how much work is it to get your student enrolled?

The good news is that enrolling at Williamsburg Academy of Colorado (WAC) is simpler than many families expect. WAC is a tuition-free public online school for grades 6 through 12, open to any Colorado resident. There's no application fee, no entrance exam, and an Enrollment Advisor is available to walk alongside your family from your first questions through your student's first day.

Maybe your student is doing well right where they are, and you're just curious what else is out there. Maybe you've been wondering whether a different rhythm might fit your family a little better. Either way, it's worth knowing what this option looks like before you decide anything.

This guide explains who can enroll, what's included, and exactly what to expect during the enrollment process, so you can move forward with confidence—whether you ultimately choose WAC or another path.

Is Your Student Eligible to Enroll at WAC?

Because WAC is a publicly funded online school, eligibility is refreshingly straightforward. To apply, your student must:

• Reside in Colorado.

• Be entering grades 6-12.

• Enroll as a full-time student.

• Have WAC as their sole state-funded curriculum provider.

• Provide proof of required immunizations, unless they qualify for a documented medical, religious, or personal exemption under Colorado law.

That's it. 

If you're unsure about any part of your family's situation, your Enrollment Advisor can help you determine eligibility before you begin the application.

What a Tuition-Free Online School in Colorado Includes

One of the first questions families ask is whether "tuition-free" means giving something up. It doesn't.

At WAC, your student receives a complete educational experience—not simply access to online lessons.

Enrollment includes:

• Live, mentor-led classes Monday through Thursday where students discuss ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and learn alongside classmates.
• Certified mentors who know students personally and provide meaningful feedback.
• In-person Adventures on Fridays, featuring experiences like hiking, indoor climbing, college tours, museum visits, and service projects that earn P.E. or elective credit.
• Academic support through mentor office hours, tutoring, study labs, and academic counseling.
• A loaned computer for full-time students with internet filtering built in.
• All required curriculum and instructional materials.

High school students can also participate in concurrent enrollment through partner colleges, allowing them to earn college credit while completing high school. Some course-specific fees or textbooks may apply, so your Enrollment Advisor can help explain the options available for your student's goals.

What ties all of these opportunities together is WAC's educational philosophy: teaching students how to think, not what to think. Through thoughtful discussion, challenging texts, and meaningful projects, students develop the curiosity, reasoning, and confidence that prepare them well beyond high school.

How to Enroll Your Student, Step by Step

The enrollment process follows six straightforward steps. Throughout each one, your Enrollment Advisor is available to answer questions, explain requirements, and help keep everything moving smoothly.

1. Schedule a Consult

Although optional, this conversation is one of the most valuable parts of the process.

You'll meet with an Enrollment Advisor who will learn about your student, answer your questions, and help you determine whether WAC is genuinely a good fit for your family.

2. Confirm Eligibility

Together you'll verify Colorado residency, grade level, full-time enrollment requirements, and immunization documentation.

3. Prepare Your Documents

You'll prepare a few required documents, including:

• Birth certificate
• Parent or guardian photo ID
• Proof of Colorado residency
• Immunization records or exemption
• Recent unofficial transcript

IEP or 504 documentation is optional and can be submitted after acceptance if appropriate.

If you don't have every document immediately, your Enrollment Advisor can let you know what needs to be submitted before approval and what can be provided later.

4. Create an SIS Account

Our Student Information System (SIS) is the online portal where you'll complete your application and later register for classes. You'll create a parent account before adding your student.

5. Submit Your Application

Complete your online application, upload your documents, and submit everything through SIS. Families enrolling multiple students will complete a separate application for each child.

6. Receive Your Admission Decision and Register for Classes

Once your application has been reviewed, you'll receive your student's Letter of Admission.

From there, you'll complete a short intake form, and the academic team will build a schedule based on your student's grade level, interests, graduation requirements, and future goals.

If your student is transferring during the school year, we welcome new enrollments through October 1. Your advisor will work with you to create a personalized transition plan, helping your student settle in smoothly and start with confidence.

What Makes WAC Different?

By this point, you know how enrollment works. The next question many families ask is just as important: What will my student's experience actually be like?

At WAC, students learn through discussion, thoughtful questions, and meaningful relationships with their mentors.

Rather than simply delivering information, mentors use the Socratic Method to encourage students to think critically, communicate clearly, and develop confidence in their own ideas. Over time, many families notice students becoming more engaged, more independent, and more excited about learning.

One parent shared:

"Your academy is a breath of fresh air. You are building future leaders. My son has never been so happy with school. You push them, and they love it!"

If you'd like a broader understanding, our side-by-side comparison explores how WAC differs from both traditional public schools and many other online schools, helping families make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WAC a real public school?

Yes. Williamsburg Academy of Colorado was approved as a Multi-District Online School under Education reEnvisioned BOCES on April 13, 2022. That means WAC is a publicly funded Colorado online school serving students statewide in grades 6 through 12 at no cost to families.

Is Williamsburg Academy of Colorado accredited?

Yes. WAC's courses are accredited by Cognia, one of the world's most respected accrediting organizations. That means your student's coursework and diploma are recognized by colleges, universities, and other educational institutions.

What if my student needs extra help?

Support is built into the program from the beginning. Students have access to mentor office hours, tutoring, study labs, and academic counselors who help them navigate challenges and stay on track.

Can my student take part in in-person activities?

Yes! Through Adventures, students can participate in Friday experiences like hiking, indoor climbing, museum visits, college tours, and service projects—all while earning P.E. or elective credit.

Beyond Adventures, we also offer a variety of in-person events throughout the school year, such as Prom and Graduation, for the whole family to enjoy.

What is concurrent enrollment?

Through partnerships with Arapahoe Community College, Front Range Community College, Pikes Peak State College, and Pueblo Community College, high school students can earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.

Some course-specific fees or textbooks may apply depending on the course.

Is there a deadline or a limit on spots?

Registration is open for the 2026-27 school year. Most grades accept students on a rolling basis. 

The senior class has limited capacity and fills on a first-come, first-served basis before moving to a waitlist. If your student is entering 12th grade, we encourage you to begin the conversation early so you have the widest range of scheduling options.

Ready to Explore Whether WAC Is the Right Fit?

Choosing a school is a significant decision, and every family's situation is different.

Our goal isn't simply to help you enroll; it's to help you determine whether Williamsburg Academy of Colorado is the right fit for your student.

If you'd like to explore that together, schedule a consultation with a WAC Enrollment Advisor. It's a relaxed, no-pressure opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the program, and discover whether WAC aligns with your student's goals, learning style, and future plans.