DCA Direct Programs FAQs

No, our curriculum platform works best with a PC laptop. We can provide each DCADirect student with a laptop while taking DCADirect classes at no charge to the district or student/family.

Students may take up to two courses at a time. Under extenuating circumstances, through DCADirect, we can consider additional courses.

No. There may be optional field trips but no required in-person events.

Semester Dates for School Year 2026-2027

Semester one: September 8, 2026 – January 12, 2027

Semester two: January 25, 2027- May 20, 2027

No. However, each class does have one to two Class Connect sessions or synchronous classes each week. If students can participate in real-time, that is ideal; however, students can watch the recorded class any time during the week to assist in completing their homework.

In most circumstances, no. However, please review the course description guide for individual course prerequisites.

No, Destinations Career Academy is the only approved provider of these courses for youth.

Yes, please contact Jen Wegner, Principal, for more information at jwegner@k12.com.

The student’s home school district pays for the courses through the DCADirect and Part-Time Open Enrollment programs.

If a student should complete the approved coursework (three courses) in the Operating Engineers pathway, the student receives recognition of completion for the Operating Engineers Pre-Apprenticeship. This recognition is eligible for the Wisconsin Technical Incentive Grant. See here for more information.

Pre-Apprenticeship

Certified Pre-Apprenticeship is an opportunity to help job seekers gain the necessary skills for Registered Apprenticeship while still in high school.  This opportunity may include work experience, but it is not required to meet the requirements of a Pre-Apprenticeship Certification.

Destinations Career Academy’s (DCA) Construction Pathway Pre-Apprenticeship is aligned with the Operating Engineer’s Registered Apprenticeship and can count as the required coursework for those students participating in a Youth Apprenticeship.

Pathway Classes

Youth Apprenticeship

Youth Apprenticeship (YA) integrates school-based and work-based learning to instruct students in employability and occupational skills.  It is open to juniors and seniors in high school and provides paid on-the-job work experience coupled with related coursework. Students are employed by a participating employer and are under the supervision of a skilled mentor.   Students need to be simultaneously enrolled in academic classes (such as DCA’s Operating Engineers curriculum) to meet the requirements of the state’s Youth Apprenticeship program.

Talk with your school-to-work coordinator to find out more, or visit https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is an “earn while you learn” program providing on-the-job training and related instruction to adults (after high school graduation). The employer teaches the skills of the occupation. An area technical college or private training center teaches the theoretical knowledge pertaining to the specific occupation.

https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/

Operating Engineer Apprenticeship

Apprentices work on the job with journeypersons or skilled workers. Each apprentice must work 6000 hours (approximately four years), and is paid a percentage of journey level wages.

Apprentices are required to attend 400 hours of related training at the Wisconsin Operating Engineers Training Site in Coloma and all apprenticeship classes are accredited through Fox Valley Technical College.

https://139training.org/

In the delivery box, there should have been a return address label. If that was lost, follow these simple instructions

• Go to https://www.help.k12.com/s/.
• On the right, click to request a label.
• Pack up your laptop in its original box (or safely pack it in a new box) and affix the label.
• Drop the box at your local UPS location or call for a pick up (if available in your area).