Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is experiencing a significant decline in student enrollment, prompting concerns about the future of the district. According to a recent Wisconsin Policy Forum report, MPS has seen a 32.8% drop in enrollment since 2006. In stark contrast, private choice schools and charter schools in the city have seen enrollment numbers soar, with private choice schools experiencing a 90% increase over the same period. This shift reflects growing dissatisfaction among parents with MPS’s performance, safety issues, and the availability of alternative educational options.

Parents are increasingly opting out of MPS due to the district’s persistent struggles with academic performance and safety concerns. The decline in enrollment, totaling approximately 30,000 students, underscores the lack of confidence in the public school system. For many families, the allure of private choice schools and charter schools lies in their perceived ability to offer a safer environment and a more robust educational experience. The growth in charter school enrollment, which has more than doubled since 2006, further highlights this trend.

The declining enrollment at MPS also has significant financial implications for the district. As the number of students attending MPS schools decreases, so does the funding, exacerbating the district’s challenges. The Wisconsin Policy Forum report warns that the current number of publicly supported school buildings in Milwaukee may not be sustainable in the coming decade, despite recent referendums aimed at providing additional funding.

While Milwaukee’s overall student population has decreased, the city’s private choice and charter schools have expanded, providing parents with alternatives that seem to better meet their needs. As these schools continue to grow, MPS may struggle to reverse its downward trajectory, particularly if it cannot address the core issues driving families away.

The trend of parents opting out of MPS is a clear indicator that they are seeking better educational outcomes for their children. With private choice and charter schools showing promising results, it is likely that this shift away from traditional public schools will continue, further challenging MPS’s ability to compete and serve the needs of Milwaukee’s students.