Choice Schools: Higher Scores, Lower Costs
A new report from School Choice Wisconsin shows once again that private school choice is the state’s most cost-effective K-12 investment.
Using the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s (DPI) own Report Card data, the analysis compares choice schools in Milwaukee, Racine, and across the state with their public school counterparts. The results are clear: choice schools not only receive thousands of dollars less per student, but they also earn higher Report Card scores.
By the Numbers (2023-24)
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Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP): 70.8 vs. 55.7 in Milwaukee Public Schools – at $4,500 less per pupil
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Racine Parental Choice Program (RPCP): 72.7 vs. 61.3 in Racine Unified – at $2,700 less per pupil
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Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP): 71.8 vs. 69.8 in statewide public schools – at $3,400 less per pupil
Smarter Use of Education Dollars
School Choice Wisconsin’s Cost-Effectiveness Index (CEI) measures Report Card performance per $1,000 of revenue. In 2023-24, choice schools were:
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76% more effective than Milwaukee Public Schools
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46% more effective than Racine Unified
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33% more effective than statewide public schools outside Milwaukee and Racine
These results use conservative assumptions that actually understate the advantage of choice programs. Even after recent funding increases, choice schools continue to deliver more learning per dollar spent.
Why It Matters
“DPI gives choice schools higher Report Card scores even though they receive substantially less revenue,” said Brenda White, chair of the School Choice Wisconsin Board of Directors. “School choice is Wisconsin’s most cost-effective K-12 investment.”
“DPI’s favorable ranking of school choice confirms that Wisconsin’s education policy should be grounded in giving parents options,” said Scott Manley, Executive Vice President of Government Relations at Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and co-chair of the Wisconsin Coalition for Education Freedom.
The evidence is overwhelming: Wisconsin’s parental choice programs provide better outcomes for students and taxpayers. That’s why it’s critical for policymakers to protect and expand these opportunities for families.