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

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All choice programs at a glance

Categories: 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
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Can I apply to more than one school through the program?

Categories: Enrollment, FAQs for Parents, Programs at a Glance

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

Enrollment

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Can I apply to more than one school through the program?

Categories: Enrollment, FAQs for Parents, Programs at a Glance

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

 

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.

View Form

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