Over the last three decades, K-12 public school enrollment in Wisconsin has followed distinct trends. From 1993-94 to 2023-24, the state witnessed a rise in enrollment through the late 1990s, followed by a plateau, and eventually, a notable decline. Let’s break it down by decade.
1993-94 to 2003-04: A Decade of Growth and Stabilization
The graph illustrates a consistent increase in public school enrollment during the mid-1990s, peaking around 1998. This growth can be attributed to the population dynamics of the time, including the maturation of the Millennial generation into school-age years. By the early 2000s, enrollment began to stabilize, suggesting the peak of this generational wave had passed.
2003-04 to 2013-14: Gradual Decline
The following decade saw a slow yet steady decline in enrollment. This trend aligns with broader demographic shifts, such as declining birth rates and increasing options for alternative education, including private schools, charter schools, and school choice programs.
2013-14 to 2023-24: A Sharp Drop Amid New Challenges
The most striking change occurred in the last ten years, particularly between 2019-20 and 2020-21. Enrollment plunged significantly during this period, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. The disruption of traditional schooling, combined with accelerated interest in homeschooling and virtual learning platforms, contributed to this sharp decline. While some recovery is evident post-pandemic, numbers remain well below pre-2020 levels.
The Rise of School Choice Programs
While public school enrollment has declined, Wisconsin’s School Choice Program has seen steady and significant growth. Enrollment in school choice programs increased from just under 21,000 students in 2010-11 to more than 58,000 in 2024-25, according to recent data. This reflects a strong shift in parental preferences, with many seeking alternatives to traditional public schools. The availability of financial support through vouchers and the appeal of smaller class sizes, religious instruction, dissatisfaction with local public schools, safety, or specialized academic programs have driven families to opt for private and choice schools.
This parallel trend highlights a redefinition of education in Wisconsin. While public schools grapple with declining enrollment, school choice programs represent a growing segment of the educational landscape, offering flexibility and diversity to meet family needs.