Challenge Academy

If your lost or headed down a dark road in life, this is an opportunity to start over and turn your life around. First 30 days will not be not easy, but with hard work and not giving up you will find your not the same person and that the program has helped you find confidence, structure, self discipline, pride and a feeling of achievement of earning your high school diploma and have offers of employment with decent pay as a reward because you graduated from the Challenge Academy and demonstrated you can be a productive citizen and succeed at any challenge in life.

This place was so cool. My son decided not to attend. I was so disappointed because I knew how much he would have benefited from this program!!! But to all the parents out there keep yo chin up. And to all the youth thinking Bout going, just go. From what I seen at the orientation I wish my son would have went, to get off the streets and do something with his life.

Everything is excellent about this invaluable program—from the Director, who just took one hour of her workday to meet with me; to the leadership; to the support staff; and to the success stories of Graduates. The program has a proven track record over time. I,
absolutely, want to work here now!

Very informative. They tell it like it is with no sugar coating so kids know exactly what to expect. Great place for kids to learn structure and self awareness.

Former cadet here class 28. Best thing I ever did. It took a lot and I was honestly scared when I pulled up to the gates of fort McCoy. Months later I gained a confidence I never had. They helped me instill discipline in my life and it formed me into a young man. I left there very determined for a bright future. I was doing great & was taught from the best of the best! Years later I fell of the wagon and started hanging out with old friends. I ruined my life & I am great full I pulled out of it again. There are something’s you have to learn on your own & I want to tell others that you have to leave people, places & things behind or your chances of a new life is slim. You have to become aware of your thoughts and think on them. The thoughts are the gateway to your actions. I hope everyone who goes there gets our & lives a prosperous life. Good luck cadets & remember what I said. There is a great life for you out there & what you learn here is a solid foundation & a great new beginning. The real test begins after you leave. Don’t let your guard down and be viligant in hard times, you’ll do great!

I attended back in the Day's when there was a 6 week program. Cadet John Christensen honestly it saved my life I still Have the same manners I learned up at Fort Mcoy my brother Dan Christensen also attended the 5.5 Month program if you want to save your life or your kids life then 6 months is definitely worth everyone who is not succeeding in normal school/ Community settings

Great place for a child to get setup with important life skills

Food was good. never going back. 10/10.

I wish to Thank the members of the Challenge Academy for their support efforts on 18 September 2023, with the Community Food Distribution in Sparta. You presented yourselves in a sharp, professional manor. Keep up the Good Work! Thank You Cadets!

I was A cadet in class 12. My opinion, I believe every teenager should have to attend this course. Teaches more about what's ahead of us in life, than any other high-school has to offer.

I remember when I wanted to quit the program and I was nearly about to leave with the only thought in my head was "I can't do this I have sclerosis and the pain hurts" then one of the drill instructors came and asked me why leave? You are so close to finishing the first two weeks (Which is pre-challenge or boot camp hardest two weeks of the program, but for a reason) I wanted to quit so bad but I had no reason to quit or stop just felt I couldn't do it. I ended up staying and finishing the program while becoming part of the drill team and 2nd in lead. I surprised myself with everything I accomplish. In short, don't give up keep going keep trying you got this!

The ladies and gentlemen running it are working miracles for many youths who have taken a wrong path in WI.

Couldn't ask for a better program!!! Helps to restructure and rebuild!! When you see the young men start this program uneasy and unsure of themselves with no good direction in life, and then they finish the program confident, and determined to keep their goals it is amazing!!! Thank you for all the hard work you put into these young people!!! (And a extra big thank you for all the pics of the cadets while they are away from their family) We are truly blessed to have such a great program in our state!!!

My son josh is attending the academy as I write this. My wife and I are very thankful that this program exists and give thanks to the entire staff for what they do there, the program and how much these great people care about the kids. He will be graduating this june actully a year early and much more well prepared to face adulthood than public schools ever did...THANK YOU GUYS!

I am a graduate of class 15 of the Acadamy, it is a great experience for any kid who needs guidance. It was one of the most memorable 6 months of my life and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to be there.

They've showed my grandson devan that he is the smartest respectful young man . He has always been. And what GREAT opportunities that are available to him to have a bright & well deserved future

My eldest son completed the program and now I have one of my other son attending. I believe with all my heart it is a great program!!

Extremely awesome staff/teachers/leaders!!!! If it wasn't for this place I don't know where my daughter would be in life.

An excellent place for young men and women to get on the right track for life! I would recommend this for ALL young people age 16 to 18!

Amazing place for 16 year old to turn around there life and it works