A new “Apples to Apples” report analyzing Wisconsin’s 2024–25 school data finds that private choice schools and many charter schools continue to outperform traditional public schools after accounting for demographic differences.

The study compares academic performance across school sectors while controlling for factors such as income, disability status, English learner status, and school demographics to ensure fair comparisons.

After adjusting for these factors, private choice schools show stronger results in English Language Arts statewide, with proficiency rates 4.1% higher than traditional public schools. In Milwaukee, the advantage is even greater, with choice schools outperforming public schools by 5.8% in ELA and nearly 8% in math. The proficiency advantage is found despite choice schools receiving at most 82% of the funding of the average traditional public school.

Public schools receive about $16,362 per student while choice schools receive about $10,877 per student in K-8. This is further proof that more money in education does not always mean better outcomes.

At the same time, families are increasingly taking advantage of Wisconsin’s school options. Open enrollment participation reached a record 75,126 students, with many families leaving lower-performing districts for higher-performing schools that offer stronger academic results and more advanced coursework opportunities.

Overall, the report concludes that private choice schools continue to perform well across the state and are setting our kids up for success. The data proves that parents should be the ones in charge of choosing where their child goes to school and are moving around the state to do just that.

Click here to read the full study.