Wisconsin’s parental school choice programs are experiencing unprecedented growth, with record enrollment figures surpassing 60,000 students. This surge reflects strong parental demand for diverse educational options and builds upon decades of legislative and judicial battles, solidifying Wisconsin’s position as a national leader in educational choice. While celebrating this success, advocates are also preparing for future demographic challenges and persistent criticisms.
The landscape of education in Wisconsin continues to evolve dramatically, with the state’s parental school choice programs hitting a new record high in enrollment. Currently, nearly 61,000 students are participating in one of Wisconsin’s four parental choice programs, attending 383 schools across the state. This marks a significant increase from previous years, with an additional 2,760 students joining this year alone, and a monumental leap from less than 34,000 students in the 2016-2017 school year.
This escalating participation underscores a clear message from parents. As School Choice Wisconsin Vice President Carol Shires stated, “Parents are speaking loudly and clearly about what they want for their children: more educational options different than those offered by public schools.” This growing demand comes after an historic bipartisan funding increase earlier this year, signaling a broad recognition of the programs’ impact.
A Legacy of Choice: Wisconsin’s Pioneering Role
Wisconsin stands as the birthplace of the nation’s oldest private voucher program, a testament to its long-standing commitment to educational alternatives. The Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) was established in 1990, born out of a desire to address families’ dissatisfaction with the education status quo. Despite initial heavy criticism and controversy, champions like Polly Williams and Howard Fuller fought tirelessly, leading to the program’s creation.
The program’s reach has expanded significantly over the years:
- 1990: MPCP begins, offering options to Milwaukee families.
- 1998: Religious schools become eligible to participate, a decision affirmed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This was further solidified by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2002, paving the way for similar programs nationwide.
- 2011: The Racine Parental Choice Program (RPCCP) is created, mirroring the MPCP, and the MPCP enrollment cap is completely eliminated.
- 2013: The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) extends school choice access to families across the entire state.
- 2015: The Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) is established, providing state-funded scholarships for students with approved Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The overall enrollment cap for the WPCP is also removed.
This incremental yet steady growth has led to an 86% increase in program enrollment over the past decade, even as the number of children in traditional K-12 schooling has declined by approximately 4%, according to a report by The Center Square. This demonstrates a clear shift in educational preferences among Wisconsin families.
The Numbers Speak: Record Growth and Parental Demand
The latest data showcases the overwhelming demand for school choice, with programs experiencing significant increases:
- The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) led the growth, adding 1,814 students this fall.
- The Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) saw an increase of 419 students.
- The Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) added 235 students.
- The Racine program experienced a slight decrease of 14 students.
These figures underscore the sentiment expressed by School Choice Wisconsin President Nicholas Kelly, who asserted, “School choice is growing because it works. All parents deserve the right to find the best education for their children, and students deserve the opportunity to attend a school where they are safe and will learn the tools needed to succeed in the classroom and in life.” Data from the Department of Public Instruction further corroborates this sustained growth, detailing consistent increases in participation across all four programs.
Addressing the Critics: Performance, Cost, and Perceived Threats
Despite the undeniable growth and parental satisfaction, Wisconsin’s school choice programs face persistent criticism. State Senator Jeff Smith, an Eau Claire-area Democrat, famously dismissed the programs as a “failed voucher school program” in the Cap Times, a sentiment echoed by other critics who often view parental options as a “threat.”
However, proponents argue that the data tells a different story:
- Academic Performance: In 2018, students in Wisconsin choice programs outperformed their public school counterparts on the ACT for the third consecutive year. Furthermore, in Madison, the largest private school in the choice program, Abundant Life Christian School, saw 73% of its students achieve grade level or better in reading, significantly higher than the Madison Metropolitan School District’s 41% success rate, as noted in a recent news report.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Choice programs often deliver better results at a lower taxpayer cost. For instance, state aid for a choice student is $10,237, or $12,731 for high schoolers. In stark contrast, the Madison Metropolitan School District spent $17,944 per child in taxpayer money, and recently sought an additional $600 million from voters, which would add $1,378 to the property taxes of a typical Madison home, according to reporting by The Center Square.
The perceived threat to traditional public schools, even from programs serving a fraction of the state’s students (about 6% using private school choice and 7.6% including independent charter schools), often stems from funding concerns. Critics worry that diverting funds to choice programs exacerbates financial challenges for district-run schools. However, choice advocates contend that the competition fosters innovation and efficiency across the entire educational system.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
The future of school choice in Wisconsin is marked by both significant opportunities and looming challenges. The recent expiration of Wisconsin’s choice school enrollment cap presents an opportunity for further expansion, allowing more families to access these programs.
However, external factors may temper future growth. Quinton Klabon of the Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) highlighted that choice schools will soon encounter the same demographic headwinds as traditional public schools. The “baby bust” that followed the 2008 recession means there are simply fewer school-aged children, potentially leading to declining enrollments across the board.
Klabon emphasized, “School choice supporters cannot be complacent. Informing parents, expanding high-quality schools, and protecting schools from hostile red tape are high priorities. Otherwise, the baby bust will close choice schools.” This warning underscores the need for proactive measures to sustain the momentum and ensure the long-term viability of these programs.
Wisconsin’s pioneering spirit in school choice has had a national ripple effect, with 76 parental choice programs now operating in 32 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, serving 1.4 million children. The coalition that built choice in Wisconsin—comprising parents, business leaders, and religious and community figures—serves as a model for continued advocacy and program strengthening.
