The Department of Public Instruction released new data today showing significant expansion in Wisconsin’s private school parental choice programs. Since the 2010-11 academic year, the number of participating schools has quadrupled, rising from 102 to 403, while student enrollment has soared from 20,996 to 58,623.

Nicholas Kelly, President of School Choice Wisconsin, welcomed the growth, stating, “Parents have spoken: they want more educational opportunities for their children. It’s evident from the new data today that parents are exercising their rights and know what is best for their students. Thank you to all legislators who advocated for the historic increases in the last budget cycle. Thousands of families now have the freedom to choose the education best for their child. School Choice Wisconsin will continue to advocate for educational freedom for all parents — public, private, and charter.”

The latest figures reveal that 3,674 new students have joined the program over the past year, adding to the steady growth across all four school choice programs. The addition of 20 new schools this year reflects the rising demand, with more families actively seeking private education options.

Polling shows that school choice is widely supported, with nearly 70% of Wisconsinites in favor, including 69% of Independents, 47% of Democrats, and 87% of Republicans. As participation continues to increase, Wisconsin’s school choice programs have become a critical pathway for parents seeking tailored educational experiences for their children.
This historic growth, built over more than a decade, signals sustained momentum, with parents empowered to shape their children’s futures through expanded educational opportunities.

Charts compiled by School Choice Wisconsin: