The number of schools in the choice program has steadily increased over the last several years. There are currently 403 schools participating in one or more of the programs, and this number is set to increase for the 2025-26 school year. One thing is clear: parents are seeking private educational options for their families at a growing rate. Many long-established schools join the program from year to year, while others are brand new to their community. This past fall, Summit Academy in Menomonie, Wisconsin opened its doors for the first time and joined the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. Located inside…

School choice is founded on providing low-income families with educational options without worrying about the financial burden that often comes with attending private schools. Cross Trainers Academy (CTA), part of the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, is a prime example of this. First opened in 2006, CTA’s mission is to provide a Christ-centered education to at-risk children on Milwaukee’s north side. Several of the school’s families have been served by the Rescue Mission in some capacity, emphasizing the community’s desire for an affordable Christian schooling option. Don Galster, Administrator and Director of CTA, says he often hears the school environment described as…

Christy M. heard about Academy of Excellence (AoE)’s virtual model from another parent in her community, and her initial thought was that it sounded too good to be true. Her three children had been homeschooled for a few years until attending another local virtual public charter school. Between the lengthy mandated testing and rigid curriculum demands, Christy felt she and her family could not keep up with the requirements for that school while giving her children a beneficial education. Upon enrolling in AoE, Christy was met with manageable accountability measures and a curriculum that was flexible enough to fit each…

Many people associate private schools with being religiously affiliated; however, there are secular schools in the Private School Parental Choice program. One such school is EverGreen Academy, comprised of two campuses with over 400 total students. Hillary Huck, the school’s Director of Operations, reports that enrollment at EverGreen has little (if anything) to do with market advertising; rather, families hear about the school from those in their community. Personal references are the top reason why parents choose to send their students to EverGreen, coupled with the fact that the school is an affordable option for parents seeking non-religious private education…