The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty’s (WILL) latest Apples to Apples report reveals a growing academic divide between choice and public schools, with school choice programs continuing to outperform public education across the state.
The 2025 report, using 2023–24 student data and adjusted for key demographic differences like economic status and disability, found that students in Wisconsin’s choice and charter schools consistently scored higher in both English/Language Arts (ELA) and math.
“Our 2025 Apples to Apples report includes the most recent student data from the 2023–24 report cards with additional demographic modeling to provide a true assessment that accounts for variables that drive academic performance,” said Will Flanders, WILL’s Research Director.
“Once again, across a level playing field, choice schools in Wisconsin are performing better than their public-school counterparts.”
Among the most striking findings:
- Milwaukee Parental Choice Program students outperformed public school students by 14.30% in ELA and 14.18% in math—the highest margins recorded in the report’s history.
- Statewide, choice school students had ELA proficiency rates 8.57% higher and math rates 5.42% higher than traditional public school peers.
- Choice and charter schools also posted stronger academic growth, earning 7.23 and 1.94 more growth points, respectively.
The report also highlights growing demand for educational alternatives. Open enrollment—Wisconsin’s program allowing students to attend public schools outside their home districts—rose to 73,890 students in 2023, even as total enrollment declined.
This surge comes as the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, led by Jill Underly, faces criticism for allegedly lowering academic standards, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in traditional public schools.
Public sentiment appears to favor increased choice. A recent Marquette Law Poll found that 57% of registered voters support school vouchers, signaling shifting attitudes toward alternative education models.
As academic concerns mount and enrollment patterns shift, the Apples to Apples report underscores school choice’s growing role in shaping Wisconsin’s education future.