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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.
| Students | Parents | Schools |
Education leaders in Milwaukee, WI
Each summer, the Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT) brings its mission to life by equipping future educators with hands-on experience through a vibrant summer school program. Now in its 16th year, this initiative provides aspiring teachers and school leaders the opportunity to serve students from urban communities while sharpening their skills in real-time classrooms. With…
A principal in Mattoon, WI
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.…
A parent from Trenton, WI
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…
A parent in Grafton, WI
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…
A new school in Milwaukee, WI
Recently, Milwaukee Lutheran High School announced the launch of their new middle school, set to open for the 2026-27 school year. The school saw a need in their community to reach younger students to see greater success at the high school level. Milwaukee Lutheran is one of six current schools part of the Lutheran High…
A principal from Wausau, WI
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…