Omega School and Literacy Network to Merge in 2025

By Camila Cruz, age 17

Two long-standing education organizations in Madison recently announced a merger, with hopes of expanding their education reach across the community.

Literacy Network and Omega School will officially merge in 2025. The goal of the collaboration is for students to have more access to a variety of education programs. Omega School works with youth and young adults to help them earn a high school diploma. Literacy Network offers tutoring opportunities for adults.

In January of 2025, Omega School will change its name to Omega School of Literacy Network. The merger will help deliver opportunities for students who struggle in traditional classrooms. Future students will be able to build essential skills like literacy and have the choice of earning their high school diploma in either English or Spanish. Students will also be able to transition from foundational programs offered by Literacy Network to more advanced courses at Omega School.

After the merger, the new organization hopes to serve around 1,500 students in its first year. The combined budget will be about $2.6 million. They plan to stay in Omega School's current location on East Badger Road, even under Literacy Network ownership.

These two organizations have been working together for a while, but they have decided it is finally time to come together. Oscar Mireles, executive director of Omega School for over two decades, said this is a good way to end before he retires in December.

“Getting to know people and getting to trust an organization is hard,” said Literacy Network Executive Director Robin Ryan. ”To be able to move through all the programs of both agencies makes it much clearer and an easier path for students.”

[Sources: Wisconsin State Journal; The Capital Times]