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FAQ for Parents
FAQ for Parents
Welcome to our parent FAQ page! If you are new to Wisconsin’s Private School Choice Programs, we know that organizing and processing the information can be confusing at first. This page answers the most common questions from parents. If you don’t find what you need here, contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any additional questions you have. Follow us on Facebook for school choice updates and news.
FAQs for Parents
Programs at a Glance
MPCP |
RPCP |
WPCP |
SNSP |
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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: |
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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.