For Parents

For Parents

School choice describes policies that are enacted to ensure that every family has the right to choose the schools that are best for their children.

Today Wisconsin has four private school choice programs (Milwaukee, Racine, statewide and a special needs program), a public charter program, and an open enrollment program allowing transfers to non-resident districts. Homeschooling is also an educational option. 

The private school choice programs use vouchers that the state pays to the schools to cover tuition. There are geographical, income, and in some cases grade-level-entry restrictions on participation in the programs. 

In recent years, choice has grown in Wisconsin. Around 49,000 students currently participate in the four private school choice programs. Choice program students have outperformed public school counterparts on the ACT for several years running.

Below the FAQS, see the Enroll and Tuition Tax Deduction links.

 

FAQs for Parents


Programs at a Glance

 

MPCP

RPCP

WPCP

SNSP

Residency:

Milwaukee Public School District (MPS) Racine Unified Public School District (RUSD) Wisconsin, not MPS or RUSD All Wisconsin

Income Threshold:

300% of Federal Poverty Level 300% of Federal Poverty Level 220% of Federal Poverty Level None

Eligibility:

  • Any student K4-12
  • Public school K4-12 students
  • Students not enrolled in school the prior year
  • Students enrolled in MPCP/RPCP/WPCP the prior year
  • Private school students entering K4, K5, 1st, and 9th grade
  • Out-of-state students
  • Public school K4-12 students
  • Students not enrolled in school the prior year
  • Students enrolled in MPCP/RPCP/WPCP the prior year
  • Private school students entering K4, K5, 1st, and 9th grade
  • Out-of-state students
  • Students with an individualized Education Program (IEP) or services plan that meets program requirements

Enrollment Periods 2022–23:

Feb 1 – 20
Mar 1 – 20
Apr 1 – 20
May 1 – 22
Jun 1 – 20
Jul 1 – 20
Aug 1 – 21
Sep 1 – 14
Oct 1 – 20*
Nov 1 – 20*
Dec 1 – 8*
*second-semester participation only
Feb 1 – 20
Mar 1 – 20
Apr 1 – 20
May 1 – 22
Jun 1 – 20
Jul 1 – 20
Aug 1 – 21
Sep 1 – 14
Feb 1–Apr 20 Jul 1 – Jun 30

Yes, you may apply to more than one participating choice program school.

Income Threshold

To see the adjusted gross income requirements for the WPCP, MPCP and RPCP programs, please visit our Income Chart page, updated annually.

The “once in, always in” provision means your child keeps his or her voucher even if family income rises, as long as he or she does not voluntarily leave the program.

Tuition & Fees

You can be charged reasonable fees for:

  • Personal items such as towels, gym clothes or uniforms
  • Social and extracurricular activities as long as the activity is not a part of the required curriculum
  • Musical instruments
  • Meals
  • High school classes not required or credited for graduation
  • Transportation
  • Before-school and after-school child care

In K-8th grade, schools can’t charge additional tuition. In grades 9-12, a school is allowed to charge additional tuition if the family’s adjusted gross income exceeds 220% of the federal poverty level.

Enrollment

Yes, you may apply to more than one participating choice program school.

A student who meets residency and income requirements is eligible for the program. A school may not use grades or test scores as a condition of acceptance into the program. Once a student is accepted into the program, a school may test a student for placement purposes within the school.

Call your preferred private or religious school to see if they intend to participate in one of Wisconsin’s parental choice programs. A list of schools that currently participate can also be found here. You may search for school by address or current location on our interactive map.

There is no limit on the number of schools or students that may participate in either the Milwaukee or the Racine Parental Choice Programs.

In the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program in 2022–2023, the student cap is determined by calculating 7% of the local school districts enrollment. Enrollment in a particular area can not exceed that 7% cap.

Each private or religious school determines the grade levels and the number of seats it will make available to students in the parental choice programs. This will vary from school to school.

Yes. Once a student is accepted and enrolled in the school, he or she is required to follow the school’s policies and procedures. A parent should contact the school for a copy of its policies and procedures. In addition, state law requires schools to have policies and procedures in place regarding suspension and expulsion.

 

School Choice Wisconsin Brochure: Parent Awakening

Download PDF

 

 

Enroll in a Choice School

We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step and assist you finding a school, submitting the application, and enrolling.

Enroll Now

Tuition Tax Deduction

Information about the Wisconsin Tuition Tax Deduction and how it works for and impacts families.

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Stories

School choice is helping real kids. Thousands of students throughout Wisconsin are thriving because of the educational options available to them through school choice programs.

Read Real Stories