NonResident Open Enrollment
Thank you for your interest in Bridges Virtual Academy! Bridges serves elementary, middle, and high school students throughout the state of Wisconsin. Interested in enrolling for the 2023-2024 school year? Click the links below for specific application and enrollment information based on where you live. Thank you!
2023-2024 Open Enrollment for Prospective Students (NonResident)
How do I apply?
If you live outside of the Merrill district, you need to apply on the DPI website.
Please visit the WI DPI website for the application and more information about the 2023-2024 Open Enrollment process: https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment
When can I apply?
The regular open enrollment application period for the 2023-2024 school year is CLOSED. Alternative Open Enrollment begins in July! You can find more information about enrollment, along with the application materials (beginning in July) on the DPI website.

"Mountains" by Brooklyn, BVA Student
Application Timeline: Open Enrollment
February 6th-April 28th: Families submit Open Enrollment Application(s) to DPI.
Late May: Families will receive a letter in the mail from the Merrill Area Public Schools district in late May stating you have been accepted, denied, OR placed on the waitlist for Bridges Virtual Academy (BVA).
June: The letter from Merrill Area Public Schools will give families the timeline for accepting enrollment with BVA.
Mid-July: Accepted students who enroll with BVA will receive enrollment information from our office in mid-July and will be connected with their teacher once enrollment steps are completed.
Late July/August: New students and families meet with their teacher to develop the Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) and order materials.
Want to learn more?
Have additional
questions? Reach out to our knowledgeable staff HERE!
Missed Open Enrollment?? Alternative Open Enrollment begins in July To apply during this alternative time,
follow the steps on the DPI website to submit an application to BVA!
Who do I contact with questions?
If you have any questions about open enrolling with the MAPS district, please contact the district office at 715.536.4581 or visit their website: https://www.mapsedu.org/families-community/enrollment.cfm.
IMPORTANT NOTE: By Wisconsin State Statute, parents are only allowed to apply ONE time in a specific school district for enrollment through the open-enrollment process; therefore, if you apply during the regular open-enrollment period and are denied due to space, you are not allowed to use the alternative open-enrollment process to re-apply, even if there is space available during any given school year. If you have questions about this process, please contact the Department of Public Instruction.
If you have any questions regarding Wisconsin's open-enrollment process, please contact the DPI. If you have questions regarding a submitted open-enrollment application, please contact the MAPS' district administrative office at 715.536.4581.