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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).
 

 

Online Application Period Opens February 1, 2024!


Where Do I Apply?

Applications are all online at: https://sms.dpi.wi.gov/ChoiceParent/.   If you need help applying: Contact us at admissions@columbusdons.org    

Your Re-Application Could be a Phone Call Away

If you’re re-applying for vouchers and need a little help you may not have to actually come to my office. I can talk you through the application over the phone; or, if you’re comfortable with me logging in for you, I can help with your application directly while you answer a few questions. We can probably complete your application this way in about six minutes. David Eaton: 715-387-1177, ext. 3304, or, better yet, email me a good time to call you. eaton.david@columbusdons.org 

No Income Verification if You Already Have Vouchers

Unless you’re applying for another child for the first time, you won’t need to have your taxes completed or even your W2s if you already have vouchers. The application system recognizes children already in the voucher program and skips all income-related questions for those children.

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 18th, 2023, can apply for any grade.

What Income Qualifies?

Participation in the voucher program is limited to those with a qualifying income based on family size. For the 2024-25 school year, the following incomes qualify: 

 

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 Federal taxes. If you know your 2023 Federal taxes show a qualifying income, this is the recommended method. (DOR Method) If you’re a first-time applicant it is highly recommended that you contact Mr. Eaton before applying even if you intend to use the DOR method.

The other way to show your income is to type your 2023 Adjusted Gross Income into the application and provide a signed and dated copy of the first two pages of your 2023 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 2022 income would not qualify but your 2023 income would. (DPI Method)

If your 2022 income would qualify, but 2023 would not there may still be a way to complete a qualifying application if you do so prior to filing your 2023 taxes. Email Mr. Eaton about this.

Proving Your Address

You’ll also need to prove your address by providing the school with one of the following after you apply. ONLY these documents work and they must be from within 90 days of the start of the application period:

  • W2
  • Property Tax Statement
  • Paystub with your full address on it
  • Utility Bill (water, gas, electric, cable, or satellite. Not cellular or any other bill.)
  • Current Lease
  • Letter from Government Agency

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.