How much is Wisconsin's school voucher worth?

Wisconsin's Milwaukee / Racine Parental Choice Program provides up to $8,399 per student per year. The program is income-based.

Income-Based Program

Do I Qualify for Wisconsin's School Voucher?

Q: Do I qualify for Wisconsin's school voucher program?

Milwaukee / Racine Parental Choice Program is income-based with a limit of approximately $53,000/year for a family of 4. Benefit: up to $8,399/student/year. Wisconsin's Milwaukee Parental Choice Program is the oldest school voucher program in the US. Eligibility is limited to families earning below 220% of the federal poverty level who reside in Milwaukee or Racine. The Statewide Parental Choice Program (WPCP) covers the rest of Wisconsin at 220% FPL. Voucher amounts in 2025–26: $8,399/yr (K–8), higher for grades 9–12. Apply through the Wisconsin DPI — the deadline is strict.

Q: How do I apply for Wisconsin's school voucher?

Apply at https://dpi.wi.gov/parental-choice. Wisconsin's Milwaukee Parental Choice Program is the oldest school voucher program in the US. Eligibility is limited to families earning below 220% of the federal poverty level who reside in Milwaukee or Racine. The Statewide Parental Choice Program (WPCP) covers the rest of Wisconsin at 220% FPL. Voucher amounts in 2025–26: $8,399/yr (K–8), higher for grades 9–12. Apply through the Wisconsin DPI — the deadline is strict.

2026 eligibility, income limits, and how to apply

Milwaukee / Racine Parental Choice Program is income-based. A family of 4 earning under $53,000/year likely qualifies for up to $8,399/student/year.

Max Benefit

$8,399

per student / year

Eligibility

Income-Based

See limits below

Grades

K–12

covered

Program Launch

1990 (oldest US voucher program)

Milwaukee /

Check Your Eligibility

Enter your household size and income to check against Wisconsin's 2026 limit.

Number of school-age children (K–12)

Annual household income ($)

Gross income before taxes. Income limit shown is for a family of 4; limits scale with household size.

Wisconsin Voucher Income Limits — 2026

Approximate limits by household size. Exact limits set by the state program.

Household size	Annual income limit (est.)
1 person	~$25,600/year
2 people	~$34,800/year
3 people	~$43,900/year
4 people (reference)	~$53,000/year
5 people	~$61,200/year
6 people	~$70,300/year
7 people	~$79,400/year
8+ people	~$88,500/year

Estimates based on Wisconsin program income limit scaled by federal poverty level ratios. Check the official program for exact thresholds.

How to Apply for Wisconsin's Program

Program: Milwaukee / Racine Parental Choice Program

Deadline: Annual application: February–April for fall enrollment

Wisconsin's Milwaukee Parental Choice Program is the oldest school voucher program in the US. Eligibility is limited to families earning below 220% of the federal poverty level who reside in Milwaukee or Racine. The Statewide Parental Choice Program (WPCP) covers the rest of Wisconsin at 220% FPL. Voucher amounts in 2025–26: $8,399/yr (K–8), higher for grades 9–12. Apply through the Wisconsin DPI — the deadline is strict.

Confirm your school is approved

Private schools must be accredited and registered with the state program to accept voucher or ESA students. Contact the school directly or check the program's approved school list.

Gather documents

Typically: child's birth certificate, proof of state residency, income documentation (recent tax return or pay stubs), and current school enrollment records.

Apply before the window closes

Annual application: February–April for fall enrollment. Programs with fixed windows often have waitlists. Apply on the first day the portal opens.

Apply for Milwaukee / Racine Parental Choice Program →