In just a few short years, Shepherd’s Watch Christian Academy has become a vital part of its small-town community. Entering its third year of operation and second year participating in Wisconsin’s school choice program, the school is set to welcome nearly 60 students for the 2025–26 school year—up from just 17 in its first year. With limited local options and long waitlists at the area’s other two private schools, Shepherd’s Watch offers families a much-needed alternative. Parents are drawn to the school’s commitment to quality education grounded in Christian values. Open to families from various denominations, the school reflects the…

During the 2024-25 school year, Wisconsin’s choice programs expanded over 400 schools and impacted over 58,000 students across the state. Despite the vastness of the program, more and more families are learning about their private schooling options for the first time each year. This opportunity to receive a choice voucher is life-changing for so many Wisconsin families—take Danyell G.’s family as one example. Her oldest children attended Ozaukee Christian School for a few years until the family decided to try homeschooling. Danyell’s husband was soon diagnosed with and passed away from cancer. Danyell couldn’t keep up with the demands of…

Wisconsin’s parental choice programs have steadily grown over recent years, but truthfully, many parents are still unaware of the options they have when it comes to selecting a school for their children. With all the information (and misinformation) out there, it can be daunting for families to confidently choose a school. LeNay G. is one example of a parent who found a school that fits her family’s values and needs, but was unaware they qualified for the state’s voucher program. It wasn’t until a conversation with the school’s principal when LeNay realized her children could attend for free. LeNay wanted…

St. John Lutheran School is small, but mighty—with an enrollment of less than 80 students, the family-like environment, as described by principal Diane Goetsch, comes naturally. The school sits between two larger school districts, yet offers local parents a faith-based education for their children that is highly valued in the community. Goetsch began her time at St. John after working in a public school for over 30 years. She felt the private, religious environment was a better fit for her personally, which helps to strengthen her relationships with families and students at St. John. “I can talk and teach kids…