Wisconsin Voucher Enrollment Cap Expired This Fall

The state ended its 10% enrollment limit for private school vouchers, following legislative expiration.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Homeschooling

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a historic brick schoolhouse facade in deep red and cream, representing state education policy. — The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program's 10% enrollment cap expired this fall, allowing for broader private school voucher usage across the state. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support the use of public funds for private school voucher programs in your community?

Wisconsin state law expired the enrollment cap for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program this fall. The program previously restricted voucher usage to 10% of a school district's total student population.

Why it matters

The expiration of the cap marks a shift in state policy regarding private school funding. Public school advocates continue to raise concerns about the ongoing impact of these programs on district budgets.

Eligible families must have incomes under 220% of the federal poverty level, equivalent to $71,000 for a family of four. Last year, 23,000 students statewide used vouchers while 135 students remained on waiting lists in three districts.

The players

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program

This is a state-run voucher initiative that provides taxpayer-funded tuition assistance for students to attend private schools.

Jill Underly

She serves as the State Superintendent and has expressed concerns regarding how voucher funding impacts the budgets of public school districts.

Madison Metropolitan School District

This public school district provides education services to students in Madison and has reported a $6.6 million loss in state aid to voucher programs.

The details

While the cap has been removed, district officials in Madison expect little immediate change as private schools are currently at capacity. The state previously redirected $6.6 million in state aid away from the Madison Metropolitan School District to accommodate voucher students.

During the 2015-16 school year, the voucher enrollment cap was 1%.
Last school year, the voucher enrollment cap was 10%.
The cap officially expired this fall.
Superintendent Jill Underly discussed the funding impacts last week.

Culture Shift

The expiration of the enrollment cap follows a broader trend of expanding private school choice initiatives across the state. This policy evolution continues to reframe the relationship between state tax revenue and private educational institutions.

Parents may find more opportunities for voucher usage as district caps no longer limit enrollment capacity. However, families in areas like Madison should note that local private schools remain at capacity, potentially limiting the immediate availability of new spots.

The takeaway

The removal of the enrollment cap represents a significant change in how Wisconsin manages private school assistance. Residents should monitor future state budget cycles to see if this change affects local property tax levies used to offset state aid losses.