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Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (Tuition Voucher)

The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program will allow parents to receive a tuition voucher to enroll their children in approved private and religious schools. Columbus Catholic Schools has been a school of choice in the program since the 2012-13 school year. The program is limited to those families with incomes equal or below 220% of the federal poverty level (the income levels are listed below).
 
If you need help applying: contact the Kris Nielsen at nielsen.kris@columbusdons.org. 

FINAL 2026–2027 APPLICATION WINDOW: SEPT. 1–14, 2026

What Income Qualifies?

Participation in the voucher program is limited to those with a qualifying income based on family size. For the 2026-2027 school year, the following incomes qualify.

What Grades Can I Apply For?

Children already attending a private school can apply for a voucher when going into 4K, 5K, 1st grade or 9th grade. Children attending a private school for the first time, returning after a year away, or who enrolled after September 20, 2025, can apply for any grade.

When Can I Apply?
Where Do I Apply?

Applications are all online at: https://sms.dpi.wi.gov/ChoiceParent/ 

Proving Your Address

After submitting your online application, you must provide Columbus Catholic Schools with an acceptable document showing your current address. The document must:

  • Include the name of a parent or guardian listed on the application
  • Show the same address entered on the application
  • Meet the date requirements provided in your DPI application confirmation email

For applications submitted during the Sept. 1–14, 2026 application period, most residency documents must be dated between June 1 and Sept. 14, 2026.

Acceptable documents may include a recent paystub, utility bill, mortgage statement, current signed lease or government correspondence. A 2025 W-2 cannot be used for applications submitted after April 2026.

Please submit your residency documentation to Columbus Catholic Schools by Sept. 14, 2026.

Questions or need help applying? Contact Kris Nielsen at nielsen.kris@columbusdons.org.

The requirements come from the DPI residency documentation guidance.

How Do I Show My Income?

There are two ways to show your income. First, is an automatic look-up of your most-recently-filed State taxes. If you know your 2025 Federal taxes show a qualifying income, or, if your 2024 Federal taxes show a qualifying income, and you have not filed your 2025 taxes, this is the recommended method. (DOR Method)

The other way to show your income is to type your 2025 Adjusted Gross Income into the application and provide a signed and dated copy of the first two pages of your 2025 Federal 1040 to the school. This will be used to confirm the income level you put on your application. This is the preferred method if your 2024 income would not qualify but your 2025 income would. (DPI Method)

Creating an Account

Those applying for the first time will need to enter an email address and password. You’ll then receive an email with a place to click on to confirm the creation of your account. Once you’ve done that you’ll be able to log in to start the application.

Selecting Your School

Scroll through the list of all the participating schools to find Columbus Catholic Schools.

Enter Your Family Information

The following screens will ask for information about the parent(s) and child(ren). Complete this for all children for whom you are applying. You’ll then be given an opportunity to complete information for other family members. This information will be used to determine family size in order to determine the qualifying income.