The West Bend School District is thrilled to announce the opening of 4K enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year on January 5, 2026. Families in the West Bend area are encouraged to register their children for a high-quality, foundational educational experience rooted in professional excellence and engaging, hands-on learning.

The WBSD 4K program is dedicated to providing the best possible start for its youngest learners, emphasizing a supportive environment and a curriculum that promotes growth and discovery. The WBSD 4K program utilizes a play-based, hands-on curriculum that sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and develops essential social and academic skills in a fun and engaging way.

For families seeking an immersive outdoor experience, WBSD offers free nature-based learning options at two distinct locations (Trinity Lutheran/Camp Silver Brook and Holy Trinity/WBSD Outdoor Science Education Center). These specialized classrooms integrate the natural world into daily lessons, fostering an appreciation for the environment and providing dynamic learning opportunities outside the traditional setting.

To support the needs of working families, wrap care is available at all WBSD 4K locations, providing seamless, extended supervision before and after the 4K school day.

We understand the developmental timelines of our youngest students. Please note that students are NOT required to be potty trained to attend the WBSD 4K program. Our dedicated staff is prepared to support all children.

4K Locations:

Green Tree Elementary School, 1330 Green Tree Rd, West Bend

Jackson Community Center, N165W20330 Hickory Lane, Jackson

Living Word Child Development Center, 2240 Living Word Lane, Jackson

YMCA - Holy Trinity, 521 Congress Drive, Newburg

YMCA - Trinity Lutheran, 140 N 7th Ave, West Bend

YMCA – West Washington, 1111 West Washington, West Bend

The latest Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Accountability Report Cards were released on Tuesday, November 11 and the West Bend Schools performed well. The highest rating is five stars: 

Decorah Elementary School - Significantly Exceeds Expectations, five-star rating
Green Tree Elementary School - Significantly Exceeds Expectations, five-star rating 
Fair Park Elementary School - Exceeds Expectations, four-star rating
Jackson Elementary School - Exceeds Expectations, four-star rating
McLane Elementary School - Exceeds Expectations, four-star rating
Silverbrook Intermediate School - Significantly Exceeds Expectations, five-star rating
Badger Middle School - Meets Expectations, three-star rating
East High School - Meets Expectations, three-star rating
West High School - Meets Expectations, three-star rating
West Bend School District - Exceeds Expectations, four-star rating
 

The report cards use data from both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years and provide detail into performance areas and outcomes, which the West Bend Schools use to inform School Improvement Plans. Because the student body of each school is unique, the DPI places different weights on four “Priority Areas” when calculating each individual school's rating, making each report unique. For more detailed information, review the press release. 

The West Bend School District Head Start program has earned the National Head Start Association's Program of Excellence Accreditation, one of only 11 Head Start programs of the 1,600 in the country to receive the accreditation. 

This prestigious national designation from the National Head Start Association (NHSA) is earned only by those Head Start and Early Head Start programs that consistently demonstrate extraordinary excellence and outstanding work in early childhood development. Head Start is a federally funded program that provides comprehensive early learning, health, and family well-being services to low-income children from birth to age five to help them succeed in school and life.

The West Bend School District Head Start program is a vital resource for Washington County families, providing a two-generation approach to empower children and adults. Services are offered at no cost to eligible families with children ages birth through five. Classes are offered at the Rolfs Education Center and Kettle Moraine YMCA in West Bend and the Jackson Area Community Center in Jackson. Currently, the program is fully enrolled with 121 students. 

Read more. 

Using a grant awarded from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the West Bend School District Student Services Department is launching an innovative public service campaign to deter drug use among young people. It is called Drugs Make it Worse and it recognizes that preventing substance abuse includes building the inner strength and coping skills young people need to navigate life's inevitable challenges.

This effort is part of the West Bend School District’s broader commitment to comprehensive mental health support, recognizing that academic success and mental well-being are linked. At the heart of this new campaign is a powerful truth: When students have strong resilience and healthy coping strategies, they're far less likely to turn to drugs as an escape from problems or disappointments. 

We are happy to have partnered with EPIC, the nationally-recognized advertising firm based in West Bend, on this campaign. Through a new website, videos, posters, and skill-building brochures, students will have access to engaging educational materials that teach real-world coping strategies. 

The ultimate vision is a school community where mental health is strengthened and where students have the resilience to thrive despite life's challenges.

Please review the campaign features on the new website: drugsmakeitworse.com. In the next several months, the videos will be on social media and websites, and the brochures and posters will be made available. 

Thank to Delta Defense for covering the cost of swim lessons at the Kettle Moraine YMCA for any third and fourth grade students in Washington County. See all the details below.