Learn about Foster

More Than a School—A Place to Lead, Learn, and Belong

Where Every Student is a Leader

At Foster, leadership is more than a lesson—it’s a way of life. As the only school in the Appleton Area School District implementing the Leader in Me framework, grounded in Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Foster empowers students to discover their potential, build confidence, and develop lifelong leadership skills.

With a strong leadership focus, students learn the importance of engagement, kindness, and compassion through meaningful recognition and real-world inspiration from local leaders who share their stories through our Community Leader Speaker Series.

What Learning Looks Like at Foster

At Foster, academic excellence goes beyond the traditional classroom. Through our innovative, problem-based Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, students build lasting skills by connecting real-world scenarios to deep conceptual understanding and procedural fluency.

This engaging approach is paired with enhanced physical education and music—offering over 720 additional minutes each year—ensuring students grow not only as learners, but also in creativity, wellness, and confidence.

Where Everyone Knows Your Name

Discover Foster Elementary Charter School

Explore what makes Foster unique! Visit us at the Only in the AASD Charter School Fair on Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Appleton West Emmanuel Gym. Free and open to all, with Spanish and Hmong interpreters available.

Prefer a closer look? Schedule a school tour by calling our office, or join us for Prospective Family Night on Tuesday, January 20, 6–7 p.m. to hear about our programs and experience our welcoming community firsthand.

Seeds of Knowledge

With support from an Appleton Education Foundation grant, Foster Elementary Charter School can more fully utilize its hydroponic growing system, giving more than 200 students hands-on access to STEM learning while producing fresh, nutritious food for the school community.

From planting and monitoring nutrient levels to harvesting, preparing, and serving produce, students are involved at every stage of the growing process.

They investigate how water, light, and nutrients affect plant growth, leaning into active problem-solving as they troubleshoot and refine their system. Along the way, they explore sustainability, food systems, and the importance of healthy choices.

Educators Ryan VanderHeiden and Emily George oversee student involvement and guide their work. They rotate students’ leadership roles to give meaningful opportunities to build teamwork, responsibility, and communication skills. A student-designed logo now represents the farm system, and a feature on the school’s leadership board celebrates those who take initiative in maintaining the garden and mentoring their peers.

At Foster, the hydroponic system is more than a garden—it’s a living laboratory where STEM concepts take root in meaningful ways, and students are encouraged to innovate and contribute to their school community.

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