Wisconsin Parental Choice Programs Guide 2026–2027

Eligibility

Income-eligible students (≤220% FPL statewide; separate income rules for Milwaukee and Racine programs).

What the money can be used for

• Tuition

See our full eligible-expenses guide for the gray areas (technology caps, transportation, religious instruction, family-member compensation).

How to apply

1. Confirm eligibility. Income-eligible students (≤220% FPL statewide; separate income rules for Milwaukee and Racine programs).
2. Gather documents. Use the current official checklist from Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for the exact proof of residency, guardianship, enrollment, income, or other documentation that applies to your eligibility category.
3. Open the application. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction runs the program; applications typically open february–april.
4. Follow the official calendar. Deadlines, priority rules, and funding availability vary by program and year — confirm the current calendar with the administrator before relying on it.

Editorial notes

Wisconsin’s program was enacted in 1990 (statewide 2013). Award amounts and eligibility thresholds are reviewed each legislative session; we re-verify each state page on a rolling cadence and date-stamp the last review. See our methodology page for details. The final word on eligibility, deadlines, and approved providers is always the state administrator — verify with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction before spending.