The Yurts of Fremont STEM: A New Kind of Classroom
Fremont STEM Academy is continuing to grow, and with that growth comes new opportunities for students. Since opening in 2022–2023 with just 12 students, the school has expanded to 37 students in 2025–2026. To support that growth, two new outdoor yurt-cabin classrooms have been added.
These spaces aren’t just extra classrooms. They change how students can learn. Each structure is 30 feet in diameter with 17-foot ceilings, creating an open and flexible environment. The layout gives students more room to collaborate, move, and engage in hands-on learning, while giving teachers more flexibility in how they teach.
The yurt-cabins are the first of their kind, designed specifically to meet state and local building codes for classroom use. They were built using a modular kit from Freedom Yurt Cabin Company in Nebraska www.Freedomyurtcabins.com and assembled by local craftsmen.
While they have the look and feel of a traditional yurt, these buildings are made with high-quality materials designed for Wisconsin weather. They are built to handle snow, cold temperatures, and year-round use, and they include ADA-accessible features so all students can use the space.
The project was made possible through federal charter school grant funding and private donations. These funds covered the full project, from design and materials to construction and final setup. No local taxpayer or district funds were used.
This kind of support made it possible for the school to expand in a way that stays focused on students while being mindful of the community. It is a strong example of what can happen when funding opportunities and community support come together.
As Fremont STEM Academy continues to grow, these new classrooms give students more than just space. They provide a different kind of learning environment, one that is built to support curiosity, creativity, and hands-on experiences.
- Principal Don Ryan