Information for Future Students with Families

Schools for Children

The city of Green Bay and surrounding Northeast Wisconsin communities offer many options for elementary, middle and high school education, both public and private.

Generally speaking, public schools are free to all children between the ages of 5 and 18, though parents may be required to pay a modest book and activity fee. Breakfast and lunch are served at school for an additional cost or you may qualify for financial assistance. Depending on where you live, your child may also take advantage of transportation provided by the school district to and from school and school-related activities. English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction is usually available, although your children may be assigned to a particular school in order to participate.

For more Information about the public schools in the area, please see the following websites:

Green Bay Area Public School District

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Child Care Options

There are many options for child care and schooling in the United States. There are daycare centers, nursery schools, pre-schools, family/home daycares, nannies/au pairs, babysitters, and/or summer camps. If you are unfamiliar with these, we suggest that you investigate a variety of options so that you can find the one with which you and your family are most comfortable.

NWTC does not offer on-campus child care. 

Dependents of F-1 Students:

Spouse/children of F-1 students can stay in the U.S. as F-2 dependents. The F-1 student will need to request F-2 I-20's for each of their dependents that plan on coming to the U.S. from NWTC's International Programs Department in order to make a visa appointment for them.

Basic F-2 rules are as follows:

• F-2 dependents remain in status only as long as the F-1 from whom status is derived remains in valid F-1 status and only until attaining age 21 if a dependent child
• Duration of stay is not date specific and is conditional as noted above
• Study beyond secondary level is permitted on a full-time basis, as long as it is avocational or recreational in nature (such as English classes), but only on a part-time basis for degree or non-degree courses
• If full-time study is desired, must change to F-1 status prior to beginning coursework
• Employment is not allowed
• Other members of your family (father, mother, brothers, sisters, etc.) may be able to visit you (usually on B-2 visitor status).

Travel Outside the United States:

1. Documents: Have the following valid documents in your possession in order to travel outside the U.S. and successfully return in F-2 status:
   • Passport with F-2 visa
   • Most recent I-94
   • Form I-20 with travel signature from NWTC DSO (obtain in International Programs Office, SC118)
2. Returning to United States But to a Different School: Obtain an initial Form I-20 from the new school before departing, or be able to receive I-20 to your address overseas before returning to U.S.

Further Information: Keep all copies of Form I-20s issued. You will need them when you apply for a USCIS benefit.

Local Activities for Children and Families

Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin offer a variety of locations and programs for children and families. Some of these locations include:

• The Brown County Library
• The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary  
• Northeast Wisconsin (NEW) Zoo and Adventure Park
• The Fox River Trail and other walking/biking trails throughout the region
• The Green Bay Farmers Market
• The Green Bay Children’s Museum and the Green Bay Neville Museum
• The Resch Center, the Weidner Center for Performing Arts, and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
• The Green Bay Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry, including Green Bay's Bay Beach Amusement Park

* The warm weather months also bring in a variety of fairs, festivals, and other public events that offer entertainment for children, youth, families, or even adults on their own.

The City of Green Bay maintains a "Family Fun" webpage highlighting these and other activities available to children and families throughout the region.

The Greater Green Bay YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay, and the Salvation Army of Green Bay are all organizations which provide programming and space for children and youth to experience fun and safe activities after school and during summer vacations. Parents are encouraged to check out these organizations and their services should they want to involve their children in after school and recreational activities. 

Programs for Spouses & Partners

If your partner accompanies you to NWTC, he or she may find that getting involved in community events and activities makes the transition to life in Green Bay more enjoyable.  Here are some suggested activities:

Sign up for ESL classes, or enroll in a course through the NWTC Artisan Center.

Check out the activities happening at local community centers or with service and volunteer groups. F-2 spouses and partners are strongly encouraged to volunteer on or off-campus. Learn more at the Volunteer Center of Brown County.

Participate in NWTC events.