What are the opening hours?

Monday 7:30am - 4pm Tuesday 7:30am - 4pm Wednesday 7:30am - 4pm Thursday 7:30am - 4pm Friday 7:30am - 4pm

WI National Guard Challenge Academy

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Fort McCoy, WI
WI National Guard Challenge Academy

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from WI National Guard Challenge Academy, 749 E 12th Avenue, Fort McCoy, WI.

A residential alternative program for students 16-18 who are at risk of not graduating high school, focusing on the enhancement of character, discipline, and academic skills.

09/25/2026

Thank you, Mentors! 💙

Our cadets have staff supporting them throughout their time at the Academy and families cheering them on from home, but having another trusted adult in their corner can make a meaningful difference.

Mentors provide our cadets with an additional source of encouragement, guidance, and support. They offer a different perspective, someone to talk to, and most importantly, another person who believes in their potential.

These relationships aren’t just about the time spent at the Academy. They’re about building a support system our cadets can continue to lean on as they work toward their goals after graduation.

We are incredibly thankful for the mentors who choose to show up, invest their time, and be one more positive influence in the lives of our young people. ❤️

Because sometimes, knowing one more person is in your corner can make all the difference.

09/23/2026

📷PHOTO DUMP!!!!

POV: Someone asks what our cadets have been up to lately…

Well, how much time do you have?! 🤣

Between school, high ropes, CPR and First Aid training, service to community, drill team events, Senior Hall, and mentor matching, these cadets have been doing a little bit of EVERYTHING!

We'll let the pictures do the talking! 📸💙💛

09/21/2026

Drum roll, please... 🥁🥁🥁

During each phase, platoons earn points based on their performance in physical training, academics, and during barracks inspections.

The platoon that scores the highest is awarded the coveted Commandant's Cup for that phase as well as a guidon streamer. The trophy is proudly displayed in the dining facility for Cadets to see at each meal. 🏆

The platoon that scores the highest throughout the entire class will have their class number and platoon name engraved on the trophy for future classes to see.

Congratulations, A-2!!!! 🏆👏💪💥

09/17/2026

🥁 Marching into Fall Fest! 🍂

Our Wisconsin Challenge Academy Drill Team was proud to represent the Academy in the Cashton Fall Fest Parade! 🇺🇸

These cadets put their teamwork, discipline, and military bearing on display as they marched through the community. We’re proud of the way they represented themselves and the Academy!

A big thank you to Cashton Fall Fest and everyone who came out along the parade route to cheer them on! 👏

09/14/2026

9.11 Memorial Run- Fort McCoy, WI

In honor of the 2,976 Civilians, Soliders, Sailors, Airman, Marines, Fire Fighters, Police, & various First Responders who lost their lives or were impacted by the 2001 terrorist attacks. Cadets completed a 2.976-mile run.

09/11/2026

The girls understood the assignment! 💪🧗‍♀️

Our female cadets hit the 12-foot rappel wall and showed that courage isn’t about having no fear (a few tears may or may not have been shed); it’s about doing it anyway!

They’re starting at 12 feet, but this is only the beginning. 34 feet and 55 feet are waiting! 👀

09/10/2026

🌟 Representing the Challenge Academy! 🌟

Two of our Cadet Ambassadors had the opportunity to join Director Mathews and MIS Paulsen at a conference, proudly representing the Wisconsin Challenge Academy!

💙💛 From the Academy to the community, our cadets continue to show just how much they are capable of. We’re proud to have them representing WCA!

09/09/2026

🧗‍♀️ 12 feet down… 34 and 55 to go! 😎

Our cadets are starting small(ish) as they learn the basics of rappelling on our 12-foot wall! As they build their skills and confidence, they’ll work their way up to the 34-foot wall and eventually take on the 55-foot tower! 😳💪

Today was all about learning the ropes (literally!), trusting the process, and getting comfortable stepping outside of their comfort zones.

The view only gets higher from here! 👀

09/02/2026

Today was all about what comes next! 👀

Our cadets had the opportunity to attend a career fair and explore a variety of paths for their future. From connecting with employers and learning about different careers to talking with military recruiters about opportunities to serve, cadets were able to ask questions, make connections, and see some potential options that are out there.

One of the biggest parts of Challenge Academy is helping our cadets recognize that their future is full of possibilities, and today gave them a chance to explore a few of them! 💪

The question isn’t always “What do I want to do?” Sometimes it starts with “What’s out there for me?” 🌟

09/01/2026

💪 What Makes a “Good” Body?

During Platoon Development today, our Bravo 2 had a great lesson and discussion centered around body image, health, influence, and a powerful question: What really makes a “good” body?

The conversation challenged cadets to look beyond appearance and think of their bodies as their instruments, the tools that carry them through life, allow them to accomplish their goals, and deserve to be cared for and appreciated.

STL Potts also shared her ribbons and medals, helping lead into a bigger conversation about who and what influences us, what we admire in others, and where true inspiration comes from. At the end of the day, inspiration isn't found in an image. It's found in character. ❤️

Learning to appreciate who you are, what your body is capable of, and what being healthy looks like for YOU is an important part of becoming a stronger, more confident person.

Your body is your instrument; use it to do something great. 💪

Address

749 E 12th Avenue
Fort McCoy, WI
54656

Opening Hours

Monday	7:30am - 4pm
Tuesday	7:30am - 4pm
Wednesday	7:30am - 4pm
Thursday	7:30am - 4pm
Friday	7:30am - 4pm

Website

http://www.challengeacademy.org/

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