Wisconsin Parental Choice Program

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP)

  • Allows low-income families outside of Milwaukee and Racine to enroll their children in private schools.
  • Income for a married family of four must be at or below 220 percent of the federal poverty level, or $65,300.
  • Due to an enrollment cap, nearly 100 students were on WPCP waiting lists for 2022–23.
  • WPCP students outperformed their public school peers on the ACT exam (DPI, 2021–22).

 

Barriers and Challenges

  • The enrollment cap (currently seven percent of students in a public school district), income limits, and the amount of the voucher are major barriers to entry. There are no income limits for charter or traditional public schools.
  • The enrollment cap increases one percent per year and expires in 2025–26.
  • A private school student not in the WPCP may enter only in grades K4, K5, 1, or 9. Students coming from public schools, who are homeschooled, or have never attended school can enter at any grade level.

 By the Numbers

  • Students (2022–23): 17,079
  • Schools: 314
  • Voucher from state: $8,399 (K–8) and $9,045 (high school)

Details

  • History: Launched in 2013
  • Geographical limit: Students must reside in Wisconsin and outside the city of Milwaukee and Racine Unified School District. Schools anywhere in the state may participate in the program.

 

WPCP Enrollment chart