You are here

Private School Choice Programs: Information for Schools

The Private School Choice Programs (PSCP) includes the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP), the Racine Parental Choice Program (RPCP) and the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program or statewide program (WPCP). Schools participating in the program receive a state aid payment for each eligible student on behalf of the student’s parent or guardian. 

Important Dates and Reminders

This document is a great source for requirements and deadlines at a glance that you can use as a quick reference during the school year.

COVID-19 Updates

Parents should see the Parent Page for information specific to parents of students and prospective students of the Choice program.

A summary of common questions and items that have changed for schools participating in the Choice programs as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak is below. Unless otherwise noted, there have not been changes to the Choice program requirements at this time. The memos submitted to the Legislative Reference Bureau listing all of the waivers and due date changes made by DPI are available on the Statutes and Rules webpage.

School Choice Emails to Private Schools

School Choice Emails to Private Schools
CARES Act
The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, provides economic stimulus to individuals, businesses, hospitals, and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in response to the economic distress caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
 
Virtual Learning/Online Learning
Schools that participate in the Choice program may use virtual instruction, which counts toward the school required hours of instruction (see Hours of Instruction below). Virtual Learning/Online Learning resources are available on the DPI’s COVID-19 webpage under the Instructional Areas section.
 

Providing Application Documentation Electronically

Required application documents can be provided to the school electronically. A school can use a pdf, picture, or print screen as long as the document includes all of the required components and Wisconsin law permits copying of the document.

There are two specific items that require a complete document: the first two pages of the federal income tax return if it is required support for the application and a lease agreement, if used for residency documentation, must be a complete, signed lease. See School Application Processing webpage and Appendix C of the Residency Documentation Bulletin for more information.

Other Topics Available on the DPI COVID-19 Webpage

pointClick the above DPI COVID-19 Webpage link. 
Next, click the "District Administrator Emails From Mike Thompson" drop down and click on your desired topic.

Disqualified Persons

Individuals on this list are prohibited from being responsible for administrative, financial, or pupil health and safety matters, for compensation or serve as a volunteer, at another private school participating in the same program(s) as the school was barred or terminated. Disqualified persons on this list are disqualified for seven years from the date of the state superintendent's order barring or terminating the private school. Disqualified Persons List

Insurance Requirements

Schools that participate in any of the Private School Choice Programs must meet insurance requirements.

 

 

If you have any questions, please e-mail PrivateSchoolChoice@dpi.wi.gov
or call toll free 1-888-245-2732 ext. 3.