Question 1

All choice programs at a glance

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

	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

Question 2

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

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Can I be charged additional fees?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Do I have to pay additional tuition?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Does my child have to meet academic standards to attend a school through the program?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How do I know what schools are open to school choice?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How many students and how many schools can participate in the choice programs?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What are the income thresholds?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What if my income increases after we’ve received a voucher?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Which grade levels are available at the private or religious school I choose?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Will my child be required to follow the school rules?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

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.

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About School Choice in Wisconsin

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What are the income thresholds?

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