News

School Choice Wisconsin Responds to Governor Evers’ Veto of Senate Bill 699

April 6, 2026

BROOKFIELD, WI — School Choice Wisconsin (SCW) issued a statement today following Governor Tony Evers’ veto of Senate Bill 699, legislation SCW strongly supported to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for Wisconsin’s choice schools and the students they serve.  The legislation would have updated Wisconsin law to expand student transportation options by allowing larger vehicles to be used without being classified as school buses. Specifically, it would’ve increased the allowable passenger capacity from 9 to 14 students (in addition to the driver), helping schools more efficiently transport students while maintaining existing safety and insurance requirements.  “Governor Evers’ veto of Senate Bill 699 is a missed opportunity…

School Choice Wisconsin Names Ashley Czaja as New President

April 1, 2026

BROOKFIELD, WI — School Choice Wisconsin (SCW) has named Ashley Czaja to the position of president, effective immediately, said Brenda White, SCW board chair. Czaja served most recently as Chief of Staff for Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, an office in which she held increasingly responsible positions for the past ten years. She has a strong background in strategic planning, coalition building, and advancing public policy. “We are delighted to welcome Ashley at a time when educational options are more important than ever to Wisconsin families,” White said. “We are confident that her leadership and commitment to parental choice will strengthen…

School Choice Wisconsin Decries Governor Evers’ Veto of Assembly Bill 602, Blocking Millions in Federal Support for Students

March 31, 2026

BROOKFIELD, WI — School Choice Wisconsin issued a statement today following Governor Tony Evers’ decision to veto Assembly Bill 602. The legislation would have opted Wisconsin into the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, a move that would have unlocked millions in private donations for educational resources at no cost to the state. “Governor Evers’ decision to veto Assembly Bill 602 is a deeply unfortunate missed opportunity for Wisconsin’s families and students,” said Carol Shires, VP of Operations at School Choice Wisconsin. “By rejecting this measure, the Governor has effectively blocked access to a new stream of federal support that…

SCW Monthly – February 2026, Volume 17

February 12, 2026

Download School Choice Wisconsin’s latest newsletter: SCW Monthly – February 2026, Volume 17. Click on the image below to access all links in our newsletter, or find individual links at the bottom of this page.     DONATE TODAY!   SCW joins Coalition for Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Watch a webinar to learn about the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit and its implications for private schools in Wisconsin. Make a Donation Donate to empower choice in Wisconsin schools.

Applications Now Available for Wisconsin School Choice Programs 

February 2, 2026

February 02, 2026  (BROOKFIELD, Wis.) —Applications are now open for Wisconsin’s Private School Choice Programs. Families can apply for the 2026–27 school year beginning today, February 2, through February 20 and monthly thereafter through September.  This year’s open enrollment marks important changes for families participating in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP). For the first time, district participation caps have been lifted, meaning the number of students who can participate in WPCP will no longer be limited by district-level seat restrictions starting in 2026.  “This change will better reflect family demand and remove barriers that previously limited access to choice schools,” said Carol Shires, School Choice Wisconsin.    What’s Changing for Families in the WPCP …

National School Choice Week Highlights Momentum as Open Enrollment Begins for Wisconsin Families on Feb 2nd

January 30, 2026

January 30, 2026 (BROOKFIELD, Wis.) — 433 Schools to Participate in Wisconsin’s Private School Choice Programs for 2026–27 As families across the state celebrate National School Choice Week, parents are also preparing to take the next step in choosing the right school for their children. Enrollment applications for Wisconsin’s Private School Choice Programs open February 2, giving eligible families the opportunity to apply for the 2026–27 school year. This week, more than 1000 students, parents, educators, administrators, and advocates gathered in Madison to celebrate the impact of school choice in Wisconsin and highlight the importance of educational options that meet…

SCW Monthly – December 2025, Volume 16

December 22, 2025

Download School Choice Wisconsin’s latest newsletter: SCW Monthly – November 2025, Volume 15. Click on the image below to access all links in our newsletter, or find individual links at the bottom of this page. DONATE TODAY! SCW joins Coalition for Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Watch a webinar to learn about the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit and its implications for private schools in Wisconsin.   National School Choice Week 2026 SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 12-1 p.m. at the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda Contact SCW Outreach Director Chris Lawrence at 414-319-9160 or [email protected] for more details on how you…

SCW Monthly – November 2025, Volume 15

November 25, 2025

Download School Choice Wisconsin’s latest newsletter: SCW Monthly – November 2025, Volume 15. Click on the image below to access all links in our newsletter, or find individual links at the bottom of this page. DONATE TODAY!   Webinars on WPCP Changes for 2026-27 Enrollment Overview of WPCP Changes for 2026  Thursday, December 11, 10-11:30 a.m. REGISTER Tuesday, December 16, 1:30-3 p.m. REGISTER Lottery/Random Selection Thursday, January 15, 10-11:30 a.m. (registration link coming soon) Thursday, January 15, 2-3:30 p.m. (registration link coming soon) Live Help Desk Tuesday, February 10, 1-2 p.m. (registration link coming soon) Tuesday, February 24, 1-2 p.m. (registration…

SCW Monthly – October 2025, Volume 14

October 30, 2025

Download School Choice Wisconsin’s latest newsletter: SCW Monthly – October 2025, Volume 14. Click on the image below to access all links in our newsletter, or find individual links at the bottom of this page.   DONATE TODAY! SCW in the News The Dairyland Sentinel: “School Choice Outperforms—Again” (George Mitchell) The MacIver Institute: “Choice Schools Score Higher than Public Schools” (Benjamin Yount) The Center Square: “Wisconsin school choice enrollment hit new high, worries persist” (Benjamin Yount) SCW Press Release: State testing data SCW Press Release: Enrollment numbers   Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest Winners See the winners and finalists of this…

Choice Enrollment Surpasses 60,000 Students in Wisconsin for the First Time Ever

October 16, 2025

Significant increases in schools participating in Special Needs Scholarship Program, and others   October 16, 2025 (BROOKFIELD, Wis.) — Data released today by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) highlight historic growth in the state’s private school parental choice programs. More than 60,000 students are enrolled in one of the state’s four choice programs – a record-breaking total that has nearly doubled in the past decade. “Parents are speaking loudly and clearly about what they want for their children: more educational options different than those offered by public schools. Lawmakers in Madison should continue to prioritize protecting these private-school options for…