Wisconsin Parental Choice Program
St. Mary’s Springs Academy has participated in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) since 2013. The private school voucher program allows students whose families meet the income qualifications, the ability to attend SMSA, tuition-free.
Who may apply?
- Public school students in grades K4 -12 and meet the income requirements.
- Students that were not enrolled in a school the previous year and meet the income requirements.
- Students currently attending a private or parochial school may apply when entering K4, K5, 1st and 9th grade and meet the income requirements.
Income Requirements for 2024-2025
- For the 2024-25 school year, the family income of a student new to the choice program must be at or below the amount listed in the table.
- Family size includes parents/legal guardians, children by birth, marriage, or adoption that reside in the same household.
2024-2025 WPCP Income Limits
Family Size – Maximum Yearly Income*
1 – $32,076
2 – $43,384
3 – $54,692
4 – $66,000
5 – $77,308
6 – $88,616
For each additional family member, add $11,308
*As determined by the Adjusted Gross Income (AIG) on the federal income tax return for the prior calendar year (2023 for the 2024-2025 school year)
If the students’ parents/legal guardians reside in the same household and are married their income is reduced by $7,000 from their combined total income. (Example) The total combined income of husband & wife is $70,000, deduct $7,000 from that income and compare the amount ($63,000) to the income limit for a family of four.
- Family size includes parents/legal guardians, children by birth, marriage, or adoption that reside in the same household.
What if income increases in subsequent years?
- The first time a family applies for a school voucher for their child is the only time your income will be verified. If your child is selected to receive a school voucher you will not be required to verify your income in the subsequent years.
- Once a voucher is granted to a student the voucher will follow the student every year through graduation.
- If in subsequent years another child in the family is eligible to apply for a school voucher your income will have to meet the required income in that year.
Can fees be collected from a student participating in the program?
A school may charge a student participating in WPCP items such as, but not limited to:
- Uniforms
- Gym clothes
- Extracurricular activities
- Musical Instruments
- High School classes not required for graduation
Will we be required to follow the school rules?
- Once a student is enrolled in SMSA he or she is required to follow the school’s policies and procedures.
- Parents should contact the school for a copy of its policies and procedures.
How to Apply
Application period for 2024-2025 is open February 1 – April 18, 2024
- To begin the application process or find out more about the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program click the following link:
- https://dpi.wi.gov/parental-education-options/choice-programs/student-applications
Contact Us
Stacey Akey
WPCP Administrator
(920) 322-8007
sakey@smsacademy.org
Pat Winkler
WPCP Designee
(920) 322-8046
pwinkler@smsacademy.org