Update: Madison Prep selects location

Madison Prep, the controversial proposed charter school,  has selected a preferred location for the school, which could open as early as next fall. Boys and girls will be educated at the location, but separately.

The school signed a letter of intent with Mount Olive Lutheran Church to use their former facility at 4018 Mineral Point Road, on the near west side.

The empty church offers a bus stop at its doorstep, pre-built classrooms, a cafeteria, a full kitchen, and a large open space in the former sanctuary for activities and assemblies. Even though the location is closer to the west side of town, Laura Deroche-Perez, ULGM’s Charter School Development Consultant, said a 25 to 40 minute bus ride from the east side could be possible for families across town.

Although there is no outdoor playground, there is a small courtyard and a large parking lot, which may be partly redeveloped into a garden or soccer field, Deroche-Perez said.

The 32,000 square foot facility would comfortably fit three years of students, and could potentially fit five, she added.

The letter of intent includes a three-year lease with the option to extend for two years.

Madison Prep supporters had been searching for a fairly central location near a bus stop.

Deroche-Perez said securing facilities is the largest obstacle for a charter school, but she is proud of the volunteers and staff who dedicated time to finding what she considers the best fit for the future school.

“We realized the perfect property doesn’t exist,” Deroche-Perez said. “At this time, and with the clock ticking, this was our best option.”