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Stories
Stories
School Choice programs have helped thousands of students throughout Wisconsin thrive because of the educational options available to them. Choice schools and educators take extraordinary steps to ensure their students are educated to the fullest. See below to read real stories about students, teachers, school leaders, and parents in Wisconsin.
| Student Stories | Parent Stories | School Stories |
A parent from Freedom, WI
Jay A. has been a public-school teacher for almost two decades, and he sends his three sons to St. Peter Lutheran in Appleton. This is no paradox—many Wisconsin families have ties to both public and private schools and find success in exercising their right to have educational options. When deciding where to send his own…
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A school leader in Milwaukee, WI
The concept of a neighborhood school is often tied to public school systems. However, private schools also embody this approach. While walking the halls of Mount Calvary Lutheran School in Milwaukee, a sense of community is palpable. Principal Dr. Trenae Howard greets students by name, a nod to her dedication to establishing relationships with the…
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A principal in Sheboygan, WI
Recent data from standardized test scores and state report cards have proven the effectiveness of Wisconsin choice schools compared to their public counterparts. Families deserve the right to select a school that will further their children’s academic growth, and financial status or zip codes should not deter this success. It is no coincidence that choice…
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A parent in Algoma, WI
It seems obvious that parents would choose to send their children to a religious school because they want them to receive a faith-based education. However, many factors go into the decision to attend such a school. Take Lindsay Serrahn, a reading interventionist at St. Paul’s in Algoma, for example. In addition to working at St.…
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A school leader from Menomonie, WI
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…
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A parent in Milwaukee, WI
Last week, we shared a bit about Cross Trainers Academy (CTA), a school formed by the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter located on Milwaukee’s north side. This school provides local children with a Christian-based education that many parents are seeking. Tiffany O. is one such parent who made the choice to enroll her children…
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A school leader in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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…
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A teacher in Hales Corners, WI
At School Choice Wisconsin, we believe that each child is unique, and an array of educational options will best meet diverse needs. Journeys Lutheran School is a prime example of a choice school that serves students with exceptional needs, especially those with disabilities that need high-level attention. Each student is given an individualized learning plan…
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A school leader from Wauwatosa, WI
There are numerous Lutheran schools participating in Wisconsin’s four choice programs, which is a strong testament to the choices Wisconsin families make in sending their children to faith-based schools. Kingdom Prep, an all-boys Lutheran high school based just outside of Milwaukee, was born out of the need for more choice seats in local Lutheran schools.…
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A parent from Ridgeland, WI
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…
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