Wisconsin’s School Voucher Program Enrollment Is Rising

Enrollment in Wisconsin’s school voucher programs is on the rise.

Taxpayers will spend $302 million this year on vouchers to send students to private schools, up $33 million over last year. Much of the increase is among students living outside Milwaukee and Racine.

Overall, 39,381 children received vouchers to attend one of 279 private schools enrolled in the state’s three choice programs, including Milwaukee, Racine and statewide. The Journal Sentinel reports enrollment in Milwaukee’s vouched program grew by 521 students while enrollment in Milwaukee Public Schools declined by 440.

The statewide program saw a surge both in the number of schools and students enrolled. This year, 213 schools are participating, up from 154, and the number of students increased 57 percent to 7,140.