Milwaukee Parental Choice Program

Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP)

• Allows low- and some middle-income families to enroll their children in participating private schools with an educational voucher.
• Family income must be at or less than 300% of the federal poverty level ($100,600 for a married family of four).
• MPCP students outperform their public school peers on the ACT exam (DPI, 2023–24) and on most academic proficiency measures.

 

Barriers and Challenges

• The MPCP, along with the RPCP and WPCP, is the only tax-supported educational option in Wisconsin that restricts participation based on income. There are no income limits for traditional public schools, charter schools, open enrollment, and the Special Needs Scholarship Program.
• Private schools in the program receive on average 70 percent of per-pupil funds available to traditional public schools. That markedly limits the supply of schools and the capacity of those in the program.

By the Numbers

• Students for 2024–25: 29,732
• Schools: 136
• Voucher from state: $10,237 (K–8) and $12,731 (high school)

Details

• Enrollment cap: None
• Geographical limit: Students must reside in the City of Milwaukee. Schools anywhere in the state may participate in the program.
• History: Launched in 1990 as the country’s first school choice program. Expanded in 1995 to allow religious schools to participate.