The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
This note is for Wisconsin parents of school aged children. Yes, the school year is well underway. But in the chance you’re not happy with the academic offerings, support or other aspects of your child’s current school, it’s not too late to transfer into one of Wisconsin’s many online charter programs.
You have the opportunity to select from a range of full-time online schools that best fit your child’s needs and your family’s preferences. Never forget this fact: You are NOT confined to the options provided by your local school district.
Thanks to forward-thinking legislation for which our organization advocated many years ago, Wisconsin offers a robust system of virtual schooling options accessible to every family in the state, at any time. This positions Wisconsin families uniquely to make optimal educational choices during these challenging times.
Under current Wisconsin law, you have these rights:
- Enrollment: You can, at any time, apply for enrollment in any of Wisconsin’s virtual charter schools for the 2024-2025 school year. Many of these schools have been successfully educating students online for nearly two decades. If the school accepts your student’s transfer into their program, you’ll know in short order.
- Decision Making: Enrollment decisions should be based solely on what is best for your child’s educational needs. We trust parents and we expose bureaucrats who don’t. Currently your school district could deny the transfer saying it’s in your student’s best interest to stay. While our Coalition is working to change this awful veto provision, current law mandates that you still have the power to appeal any denial.
- Intervention: The state Department of Public Instruction can step in if a school district infringes on your rights. And if DPI also denies your child’s transfer, well, that’s where we come in. We will expose any bureaucrat who has the audacity to say they know more than you do about what’s best for YOUR child!
Wisconsin’s open enrollment law allows families to apply for their children to attend public schools outside their residential district. It’s the most successful and robust ‘School Choice’ program in the nation. We can help you navigate this process. The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families has been helping parents do just that for twenty years!
Take Action:
- Research and explore the various online charter schools. Find one that works for your student.
- Contact the school of choice directly to start the enrollment process. They will guide you through each step.
- Join our Coalition (no fees, no obligations–ever) and keep informed about threats and opportunities regarding Wisconsin educational options.
Some administrators in some districts might suggest that your choices are limited, or that now that the school year has begun you have to remain with them. This is incorrect. The focus should always be on what serves your child’s educational interests best, and your judgment as a parent is paramount. You have options, and as long as we’re around you always will
Remember: Thanks to the bipartisan wisdom of legislators many years ago, Wisconsin law empowers families. If you feel your rights are being overlooked, reach out to us. We’re here to assist you in navigating these choices.
– Ty Babinski lives in West Salem and is president of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families, a Wisconsin based, all-volunteer organization of parents, not affiliated with any particular school or national organization. They’ve been independently advocating for online
