Summary:

Wisconsin is a national leader in providing parents school choice options.

Public School Choice:

In addition, Wisconsin offers extensive choice within its public education system. The Education Commission of the States reports that Wisconsin has implemented two open enrollment policies: mandatory statewide inter-district open enrollment and a voluntary inter- and intra-district open enrollment policy to promote racial integration in Milwaukee and the surrounding school districts. The Center for Education Reform reports that Wisconsin has a strong charter school law. In all, approximately 38,900 students attended one of the state's 256 public charter schools in 2007-08.

Private School Choice:

The state is home to the landmark school voucher program in Milwaukee. Since 1990, disadvantaged children have received school vouchers to attend private school through the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction reports that 18,882 students were participating in the program as of March 2008. The program has seen steady growth in participation from the early years when, according to School Choice Wisconsin, less than a thousands students were participating. Private school choice options currently are not available outside of Milwaukee.

Online Learning:

According to Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning, Wisconsin offers a state-led program as well as statewide online charter schools. The state-led program – Wisconsin Virtual School – is a supplemental program that was established in July 2008. During the 2007-2008 school year, Wisconsin had 3,000 students enrolled in 18 virtual schools throughout the state.

Click here for detailed information on Wisconsin's public school system and see below for school choice contacts in Wisconsin.