La Crosse Students Earn College Credit in High School
Students from Central, Logan, Polytechnic and online high schools can train in professional labs during the regular school day.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Secondary Education
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La Crosse high school students attend the La Crosse Engineering Academy at Western Technical College during the regular school day. The academy serves students from Central, Logan, Polytechnic and online high schools.
Why it matters
For families in La Crosse, the academy offers a way for high schoolers to earn college credit and machine certifications without leaving the regular school schedule. Western Technical College provides the space and equipment at no cost to the school district.
The academy draws students from the Central, Logan, Polytechnic and online high schools in La Crosse. Western Technical College supplies the space and equipment at no cost to the school district.
The players
Western Technical College
A public technical college in La Crosse, Wisconsin, known for its career-focused programs and hands-on training labs.
La Crosse Engineering Academy
A high school pathway program hosted at Western Technical College that offers lab-based engineering and machining training.
The details
The curriculum is lab based and hands on, and students rotate through exercises that include turning knobs, pushing buttons and troubleshooting equipment. Students work in professional-grade labs and get exposure to both traditional drafting tools and computer software. Through the program they earn college credit and machine certification.
Timeline
Students attend the academy during the regular school day.
The Home Front
Dual-enrollment programs that place high schoolers in college labs are a growing way for families to lower the cost of postsecondary training. This academy applies that approach to machining and engineering skills tied to local manufacturing work.
If your teen attends Central, Logan, Polytechnic or an online high school in La Crosse, ask the counselor whether the academy's daily schedule fits their course plan. Families can also ask about how college credits earned at the academy transfer to other schools.
The takeaway
Students who want hands-on machining and engineering training can get college credit and certification while still in high school. Ask your school counselor how to enroll before the next registration window.
Further reading
For related context, browse Secondary Education coverage across La Crosse schools.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News8000.
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