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Applications Now Available for Wisconsin School Choice Programs
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February 20, 2026 (BROOKFIELD, Wis.) —Applications are now open for Wisconsin’s Private School Choice Programs. Families can apply for the 2026–27 school year beginning today, February 2, through February 20 and monthly thereafter through September.
This year’s open enrollment marks important changes for families participating in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP). For the first time, district participation caps have been lifted, meaning the number of students who can participate in WPCP will no longer be limited by district-level seat restrictions starting in 2026.
“This change will better reflect family demand and remove barriers that previously limited access to choice schools,” said Carol Shires, School Choice Wisconsin.
What’s Changing for Families in the WPCP
District caps are lifted: Beginning in 2026, participation in the WPCP is no longer limited by district seat caps. This means students can access the program without being restricted by where they live. This change directly benefits students in West Allis, Watertown, Manitowoc, and Reedsville, where families have faced participation caps for years.
Schools now manage applications directly: In the past, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) centrally managed applications, random selection, and waitlists. Under the new process, participating schools will manage applications from start to finish, including:
- Verifying and submitting applications
- Conducting random draws or lotteries if needed
- Managing waitlists
- Notifying families of application decisions
- Submitting address changes and updates
Monthly application periods replace a single long window: Previously, families applied during one open application period from February through April.
Going forward, monthly application periods will be available from February through September, giving families more flexibility to apply.
What Stays the Same
- Parents must apply every year
- Eligibility requirements remain in place, including:
- Grade entry levels and prior-year enrollment rules
- Income and residency requirements
- Families must submit supporting documentation by the end of each enrollment period
- Final address verification for WPCP remains tied to the third Friday in September
What Parents Can Do Under the New Process
Parents may:
- Apply to multiple choice schools
- Be accepted by more than one school at the same time
- Accept their seat at multiple schools
- Apply during multiple application periods
- Remain on a waitlist for a choice school while attending another school
What Parents Can No Longer Do
Under the updated process, families may no longer:
- Transfer a voucher from one school to another
- Delay in reapplying since they might lose their seat to someone else
- Be limited to a single school acceptance
- Rank school options
Applying Now
Applications are now available for families interested in participating in Wisconsin’s Private School Choice Programs for the 2026–27 school year. Families are encouraged to review eligibility requirements, gather required documentation, and apply during the current application period.
For more information on how to apply, eligibility requirements, and participating schools, visit: https://schoolchoicewi.org/
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Contact:
Carol Shires
[email protected]
(414)-319-9160
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