Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy is providing a groundbreaking solution to the challenges posed by geography and logistics in the diocese of Madison, Wisconsin. By partnering with Catholic Virtual, this online school has expanded Catholic education to families across the Diocese of Madison and made it more accessible for a diverse range of students. This innovative model offers flexibility, specialized courses, and Catholic identity, making education both inclusive and grounded in faith. In this article, you’ll learn how Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy offers a Catholic education to students in the diocese and beyond.

Launching Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy

Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy is an online Catholic school established to provide families in the Diocese of Madison—and beyond—access to quality education rooted in the Catholic faith. Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy serves students in grades 5-12, offering a flexible and rigorous academic curriculum.

The school was created in response to a clear need for more Catholic education options in the community. Largely a rural diocese with only three brick-and-mortar Catholic high schools, geography presented a challenge for those families wanting to enroll students beyond eighth grade.

The journey to establishing Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy began during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused disruptions to education across the globe. For the Diocese of Madison, the pandemic highlighted the need for alternative ways to deliver Catholic education.

Madison’s Bishop Hying felt strongly about expanding Catholic education through online platforms. In March of 2021, Therese Milbrath, the Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Madison, began to explore this possibility: "In October 2021, I attended a conference where Catholic Virtual™ was present, and from there, I started a conversation that ultimately led to the partnership.” After research and discussion, the Office of Catholic Schools was ready to move forward. The process, Therese says, was seamless. Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy opened in the fall of 2022.

A Natural Fit: The Catholic Virtual™l Partnership

Starting an online school involves a significant amount of planning, from curriculum decisions to hiring staff. However, by collaborating with Catholic Virtual, Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy was able to fast-track their mission. Catholic Virtual provided an established curriculum, exceptional teachers, and an academic structure that aligned with the school’s vision of offering an authentic Catholic education.

"We realized that Catholic Virtual had everything we needed, from a vetted curriculum to a Catholic lens in their approach. This partnership allowed us to launch much sooner than we could have on our own," the assistant superintendent explained.

The curriculum, which includes both synchronous and asynchronous courses, provides students with a well-rounded education rooted in Catholic values. "It's not just online education that calls itself Catholic; it’s truly Catholic education," said Milbrath.

Meeting Diverse Needs in Catholic Education

One of the standout features of Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy is its ability to serve a wide range of students and families. Students can be enrolled as full-time students or, if home-schooled, they can enroll in individual classes.

Rural Families

A key group that benefits from this partnership are rural families. With the Diocese of Madison spanning 11 counties, mostly rural, there are limited options for students to attend Catholic high schools. Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy’s online model is a game-changer, offering Catholic education to families who could not travel long distances for access to a Catholic school.

Special Needs and Circumstances

The online model also caters to students with special needs, particularly those who are gifted and talented or on the autism spectrum. The virtual environment provides options for students that reduce distractions and allow them to work at their own pace.

Families whose lifestyle doesn’t fit a traditional schooling model also benefit. According to Therese, “Families who travel frequently, such as military families, or those whose children are involved in club sports, find this format ideal. It allows them to keep up with their education while managing their other commitments."

Homeschooling Families

Catholic homeschoolers are also able to take online courses through Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy. The entire Catholic Virtual course catalog is available through the school, so homeschool families have a wealth of available options including core content and special electives.

"One of the things that’s really exciting is that some of our homeschool families are using the school to supplement their children’s education with specialty courses," Therese explained. "We’ve had students take Chinese language courses, which wouldn’t be possible in a typical small school setting."

Innovative Course Offerings and Flexibility

Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy’s partnership with Catholic Virtual also opens a broader range of courses for students, something that would be challenging for traditional brick-and-mortar schools to offer, especially in rural areas. For students looking for more tailored educational experiences, the academy offers a wide range of subjects that cater to different interests and learning styles.

Middle school students at Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy have shown a particular enthusiasm for coding. "Coding has been a huge hit among the middle schoolers," shares the assistant superintendent. High school students have access to a variety of electives, including career-oriented courses like nutrition, teaching, and medical studies.

Moreover, the flexible online format allows students to move at their own pace, making the learning experience even more personalized. Students especially benefit from this, as it helps them develop self-discipline and responsibility—skills they can apply in future educational and career settings. And support is always available when students need it.

The Future of Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy

As the school continues to grow, Therese plans to further strengthen the sense of community among students and families, bringing them together for Masses and events. Additionally, the canonization of the school’s patron, Blessed Carlo Acutis, has been an opportunity for celebration among the community.

Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy is an initiative that has brought continuity in Catholic education, from kindergarten through high school, to the diocese. Herself a product of Catholic education, Therese expressed how important this is for many families. "We’re able to offer that same continuity to other families who might not have otherwise had it."

As for the future, Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy is hopeful about expanding its reach. The school is open to enrolling students from outside the diocese, providing an opportunity for more families to benefit from this innovative online Catholic education.

“We’re continuing to see families from outside our diocese show interest, and we welcome them into our community,” says the assistant superintendent. “The beauty of this program is that it's all about making Catholic education accessible, no matter where you are.”

The Power of Partnership

Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy’s partnership with Catholic Virtual shows how technology and collaboration can expand access to Catholic education. By combining the flexibility of online learning with Catholic curriculum and instruction, the school is meeting the needs of more students and families. Through this partnership, Catholic Virtual and Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy are ensuring that Catholic education is accessible, high-quality, and rooted in faith. As the school looks ahead to its future, it remains committed to providing personalized, flexible, and faith-filled education to all who seek it.