Enrollment data from Wisconsin reveals a striking transformation in the state’s education system. Over the past four years, public school enrollment has steadily declined, while participation in private choice programs has surged. This trend highlights a powerful shift in how parents are “voting with their feet” and embracing the freedom to choose what’s best for their children.
The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) leads the charge, skyrocketing from under 15,000 students in 2020 to more than 24,000 in 2024. This remarkable growth reflects parents’ increasing desire for alternatives to traditional public schools. For many, the pandemic was a turning point. COVID-19 exposed gaps in public school systems, from struggles with remote learning to debates over curriculum content. The resulting blowback has driven families to explore more flexible, market-driven options that better align with their values and educational priorities.
Meanwhile, public school enrollment has dropped from over 830,000 students in 2020 to just above 810,000 in 2024. The decline underscores a broader dissatisfaction among parents, many of whom feel traditional public schools are no longer meeting their children’s needs. The shift isn’t just about dissatisfaction—it’s about empowerment. More parents are embracing the idea that markets and competition in education foster innovation, diversity, and higher standards.
The Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) and Racine Parental Choice Program (RPCP) are also seeing gains. The SNSP, designed to serve students with disabilities, has grown from 5,000 students in 2020 to over 7,000 today, showing the demand for specialized support unavailable in many public schools. The RPCP, while smaller in scale, remains steady, serving around 3,000 students annually.
COVID-19 didn’t just disrupt schools; it fundamentally reshaped how parents view education. Families now demand freedom to choose schools that align with their priorities—whether it’s academic rigor, faith-based instruction, or special needs resources. This shift signals a new era where more choice means more competition, freedom, and innovation in education.
The rise of school choice programs is a testament to parents reclaiming control over their children’s education. As enrollment in public schools’ declines, the message is clear: families want options. They’re choosing what works for their kids—and it’s reshaping Wisconsin’s educational landscape.