Wisconsin Removes Voucher Enrollment Caps for 2026-27

Tax dollars help pay private school tuition for nearly 25,000 Wisconsin students under the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Financial Aid

Isometric editorial illustration of a wooden school desk beside an open purse on a flat field with rolling farmland behind, in cream, slate blue, and mustard. — Wisconsin lawmakers removed enrollment limits on the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program for the 2026-27 school year, allowing public tax dollars to fund private school tuition for nearly 25,000 students. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should Wisconsin keep taxpayer-funded private school vouchers uncapped?

Wisconsin has removed enrollment limits from the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program starting with the 2026-27 school year. The program, one of three private school choice programs in the state, uses tax dollars to help pay private school tuition for nearly 25,000 students.

Why it matters

Democratic state Reps. Christian Phelps and Jodi Emerson said the voucher program lacks public oversight and takes too much money from public schools. Phelps plans to reintroduce a bill to put caps back in place on the statewide program.

Funding growth of about $256.3 million since 2013 is set against nearly 25,000 participating students statewide. The total future cost once enrollment is uncapped has not been projected in the available figures.

The players

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program

A state program that uses public funds to help families pay private school tuition, one of three private school choice programs in Wisconsin.

McDonell Area Catholic Schools

A private Catholic school network in Wisconsin that has participated in the state voucher program since 2013.

Eau Claire Area School District

A public school district in western Wisconsin whose property levy covers voucher costs, with the amount appearing on city tax bills.

The details

Starting with the 2026-27 school year, there is no limit on the number of students who can participate in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. McDonell Area Catholic Schools, which has participated since 2013, is required to complete four annual audits to remain eligible.

2013: McDonell Area Catholic Schools began participating in the program, when fewer than 500 students were enrolled.
2026-27 school year: Enrollment limits are removed from the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program.
December: Voucher costs begin appearing on Eau Claire property tax bills.

Program Trajectory

Enrollment limits set when the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program began in 2013 have now been removed, extending its growth from roughly 28 McDonell students to a statewide program serving nearly 25,000. The expansion sits alongside Milwaukee and Racine's older choice programs as part of a broader state shift toward public funding for private schooling.

Eau Claire property tax bills will show voucher costs beginning in December, so local homeowners will see the expense directly. Families considering private schooling may find that the uncapped program changes their options starting with the 2026-27 school year.

The takeaway

Families weighing private school options should check whether the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program is available in their area and confirm the audit and eligibility rules that participating schools must meet. Local property tax bills will reflect voucher costs, so residents should review their December statements.