Q: How do I apply to a choice program?

You need complete the online application each year during the open enrollment period. Open enrollment periods vary by choice program. The application is on the DPI website and you must have an email address to use the system. If your student doesn’t meet the application grade level or prior year attendance requirement, you won’t be able to complete the application. You may apply to one or more schools at the same time.

Question 1

Can I send supporting documentation via email?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

Some schools accept the supporting documentation via email. Contact the school directly regarding how to provide the supporting documentation or check their website.

Question 2

Do I have to pay additional fees?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

Schools are permitted to charge additional fees for the following things:

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

Question 3

Do I have to pay additional tuition?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

In grades K-8, the voucher is accepted as full payment for the cost of tuition. In grades 9-12, the school may charge additional tuition if the family’s income is greater than 220 percent of the federal poverty level.

Question 4

Does my child have to attend religion classes?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

If you don’t want your child to participate in religious activity or religious instruction, simply notify the child’s teacher or the school principal in writing.

Question 5

Does my child have to meet academic standards to attend a choice school?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

All students who meet residency, prior year attendance, and income requirements are eligible for the program. A school may not use grades or test scores as a condition of acceptance. A school may test students for placement purposes after they’ve been accepted.

Question 6

How do I apply to a choice program?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

You need complete the online application each year during the open enrollment period. Open enrollment periods vary by choice program. The application is on the DPI website and you must have an email address to use the system. If your student doesn’t meet the application grade level or prior year attendance requirement, you won’t be able to complete the application. You may apply to one or more schools at the same time.

Question 7

How do private schools determine eligibility?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

Eligibility is based on family income, prior year attendance, residency, and age of students entering grades K4, K5, and 1. Eligibility is not based on race, ethnic background, religion, prior test scores, grades, recommendations or membership in a church or parish. Choice schools must accept all eligible applications. In the RPCP, MPCP, and WPCP, the school must have a random drawing to select choice students if there are more eligible applications submitted than seats available.

Question 8

Is transportation provided?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

It depends on the school and on the school district. Some schools provide transportation. Some districts provide transportation or reimburse the parent a certain amount for their transportation costs. Check directly with the school you plan to attend or with your district of residence.

Question 9

What choice programs are available to Wisconsin families?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

Wisconsin is home to four parental choice programs – the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP), the Racine Parental Choice Program (RPCP), the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP), and the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP).

Question 10

What happens after I apply?

Ali Schwartz · Accepted Answer

The school will notify you within 60 days whether your child has received a voucher or has been placed on a waiting list. If more applications are received than slots available, the school will also let you know the date of the lottery to select choice students. If your student is placed on the waiting list, the school will let you know what your place in line is. If the school rejects your application, the notice of non-acceptance will give you the reason why.

If your student is offered a choice seat, you must notify the school within five days whether or not they will attend. You must also provide proof of residency and income before the end of the enrollment period.

Question 11

What if my income increases after I’m in the program?

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 your student continues to attend a choice school and does not voluntarily leave the program. Your family might have some children who qualify and others that don’t depending on the year each one applies to enter one of the Wisconsin school choice programs.

Special Needs Scholarship Program

Special Needs Scholarship Program

233 Choice Schools

3,436 Participating Students

Participating Schools

Student Eligibility

Application Period

Scholarship Amounts