SCHOOL CHOICE FAQ

Why is Trinity involved in the Wisconsin “School Choice” program?

Trinity believes that parents are the best equipped to decide what school is the best fit for their child. The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) allows parents who meet eligibility requirements to choose a Christian education for their son or daughter. This state-funded program allows more families to choose this educational option for their children. Most importantly, Trinity will continue to share Jesus with the students of all families enrolled at our school as we provide their children with an excellent Christ-centered education.
 

How are students chosen for the “School Choice” program?

Students from families who meet the income guidelines are chosen through a lottery system governed by the State of Wisconsin. Selected students will receive a voucher from the State of Wisconsin to apply to their schooling. For 2024-2025, the estimated voucher amount is $10,200. Families selected will be notified in summer and will have the opportunity to choose their school and accept or decline the voucher.
 

How do parents apply for the WPCP?

There are essentially two parts to the process. First, parents must apply online on the Wisconsin DPI website. Applicants must have an email address. The application window opens February 1 and runs until April 18. Once the application window opens, we will post a link to the DPI parent application on the School Choice Information page. Then, once parents complete their online application, they must bring the required supporting documentation to the Trinity Lutheran School office for verification. The DPI application web page will tell parents the documents they need to bring to the school for verification.
 

What are the income requirements for WPCP?

Family Size Max Yearly Income (Single) Max Yearly Income(Married)
2 $43,384 N/A
3 $54,692 $61,692*
4 $66,000 $73,000*
5 $77,308 $84,308*
6 $88,616 $95,616*
For each additional member add: $11,308
*NOTE – Figures listed in the right column will not be listed on the DPI site but reflect the $7,000 adjustment for married couples with children.
 

What are the residency requirements for the WPCP?

To be eligible, students must meet one of the following prior-year attendance criteria:
        • Was enrolled in a public school in the district where the student lives in the prior year;
        • Was not enrolled in school in the prior year;
        • Participated in the choice program in the prior year;
        • Is applying to 4K, Kindergarten, 1st, or 9th grade for the 2024-2025 school year.

 

Does Trinity encourage parents to apply for the WPCP?

Trinity hopes that all income eligible families will apply for this voucher program. Letters will be sent to all school families who receive tuition assistance from Trinity to make sure they are aware this program is open to them. If a family receiving tuition assistance qualifies for a voucher, it allows financial aid resources to help other students who may need tuition assistance, but who don’t qualify or weren’t selected for the WPCP program.
 

What if my family qualifies, but my student is not chose for the WPCP?

In addition to applying for the WPCP program, qualifying families are also encouraged to apply to the Trinity Tuition Assistance Program. Each year, Trinity provides thousands of dollars to financial aid for many families and students. Information for applying will be available this spring.
 

Has the WPCP program expanded for 2024-2025?

The budget approved by the state legislature did expand the WPCP program so that it now allows up to 7% of the total students per school district to be chosen for a voucher. Since Trinity serves students from a variety of school districts (Brillion, Hilbert, Reedsville, etc.), this gives many more families the opportunity to be selected in the DPI lottery. Please note that current law provides for this 1% to continue to grow until 10% of the students would be eligible in future years.
 

What can be done to promote the “School Choice” program?

Please share the news about this exciting way to provide a high-quality Christian education with your friends, neighbors, and associates who might be interested. For those who are politically minded and involved, you may wish to share your thoughts with your state leaders on the value of this program.