Quest (Alternative High School) 

Student in classroomWhat is QUEST?


In accordance with Wisconsin Statute 118.15, the Quest Program (alternative high school) of Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is for students age 16 and older who are at risk of not graduating.

Quest (alternative high school) through FVTC is a competency-based, self-paced program for students age 16 and older for whom traditional high school has not proven satisfactory.

Students attend Quest through a financial contract between their high school and FVTC and remain on their high school roles. Contract fees are established yearly by the Wisconsin Technical College System State Office.

Alternative High School-Credit Students (§ 118.15(b)
This service provides courses for students 16 years of age and older for high school credit through a contract with local high schools. (Students and their parents may request this contracted service that allows daytime attendance in the Quest Program in lieu of attendance at their high school. School board approval is not required.) The high school is responsible for all fees.

Alternative High School-HSED Students ( 118.15(c)(2)
This service provides courses for students 17 years of age and older to prepare for their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) through a contract with local high schools. Students must have the approval of the school board before they are allowed to attend daytime classes at the Quest Program in lieu of their high school. The high school is responsible for all fees.

Who is eligible?


To enter the Quest Program (alternative high school), a student 16 years old or older must be behind in credits or behind in basic skills and at-risk of not graduating. The statutory definition of a “child at-risk” is a child who is:
  • one or more years behind his/her age group in the number of high school credits attained or two or more years behind in basic skills levels and
  • is a drop-out, habitual truant, parent or adjudicated delinquent.
  • Students and parents must work with their local high school guidance counselor or at-risk coordinator in determining the best educational plan for the student.

What is the application process?


The following steps are necessary to apply to this program:

Referral Information Guide (pdf) The student must meet with his/her high school counselor and/or at-risk coordinator to discuss possibility of referral to Quest (alternative high school).

  1. The student/parent and the counselor/coordinator must complete the applicable paperwork for referral. This paperwork includes:
    • an FVTC High School Services Application form,
    • a Student Health form,
    • a DPI Preliminary Application form (must have seal affixed),
    • a High School Transcript,
    • a Transcript Evaluation form.

    For the EEN students:
    • an EEN Referral form,
    • a current IEP.

  2. Paperwork is sent to:
    Mary Kay Schlaver - General Studies
    1825 N. Bluemound Drive, Appleton, WI 54912-2277
    For paperwork questions, contact Mary Kay at (920) 735-5723                                             

  3. For the non-EEN student:
    • the student will be contacted for a reading evaluation appointment (A recommended reading evaluation score is a grade of 5.0 or better.),
    • an orientation date will be set for the student and the parent/guardian.

  4. For the EEN student:
    • the student will be contacted for a reading evaluation appointment (A recommended reading evaluation score is a grade of 5.0 or better.),
    • a change of IEP meeting will be held at the high school,
    • an orientation date will be set for the student and the parent/guardian.

Who would I contact for information about QUEST (Alternative High School)?


A high school student having questions about the Quest Program should contact his/her high school counselor.

High school staff having questions or concerns should contact:

Colette Busse, Associate Dean - General Studies
FVTC - Appleton Campus
Room: G210C
Phone: (920) 735-5692
Fax: (920) 735-5636
Female Student at Computer photo

   Maintained by:

   Colette Busse

   Last Modified:
   12/4/2012 3:41:14 PM