NonResident Open Enrollment
Thank you for your interest in Bridges Virtual Academy! Bridges serves 4K (4-year-old kindergarten), elementary, middle, and high school students throughout the state of Wisconsin. Interested in enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year? Check out the links and information below!!
Application Timeline: Open Enrollment
February 3-April 30: Families submit Open Enrollment application(s) to DPI.
Early June: Families will receive a letter in the mail from the Merrill Area Public Schools district (MAPS) stating a student has been accepted, denied, OR placed on the waitlist for Bridges Virtual Academy (BVA). Families will be provided a date to notify MAPS whether or not they are accepting enrollment with the MAPS/BVA.
Early July: District-approved students who enroll with BVA will receive registration information beginning in early July and throughout the summer. New students and their families will be connected with a BVA advisory teacher once BVA registration steps are completed.
​Mid-July/Early August: New students and families meet with their BVA advisory teacher to develop the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and order materials.
Want to learn more
about our program? Have
additional questions? Reach out to our knowledgeable staff HERE!
"Quirky Hello" by Hosanna, BVA Student
2025-2026 Open Enrollment for Prospective Students (NonResident)​
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How do I apply?
If you live OUTSIDE of the Merrill district, you need to apply through the DPI alternative open enrollment process.
Please visit the WI DPI website for the application and more information about the 2025-2026 Alternative Open Enrollment process: https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment
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Merrill district residents can find application materials and information HERE on our Resident Enrollment page.
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When can I apply?
The Regular Open Enrollment window is closed, BUT the Alternative Open Enrollment period begins July 1st! You can find more information about alternative open enrollment on the DPI website.
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"Ruby-Throated Hummingbird" by Holden, BVA Student
Where do I send my application?
Beginning July 1st, completed Alternative Open Enrollment applications can be submitted via email to Sarah Fuchs at sarah.fuchs@mapsedu.org. Please contact the Merrill school district office at 715.536.4581 with any questions about this process.
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Who do I contact with questions?
For additional support with alternative open enrollment, you can email DPI at openenrollment@dpi.wi.gov, call DPI toll-free at 888-245-2732, or contact Merrill Area Public Schools Administrative Assistant--Pupil Services Sarah Fuchs at sarah.fuchs@mapsedu.org or 715-536-4581 ext. 10007.
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More information about open enrolling to the Merrill Area Public Schools district can be found on their website: https://www.mapsedu.org/page/enrollment
​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:
Email: openenrollment@dpi.wi.gov
Toll-free Number: 888-245-2732