Baby bust rears its head in school enrollment numbers
Delafield, Wis. – The Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) released the following statement following the Department of Public Instruction’s release of 2025-2026 school choice and charter enrollment numbers.
WHY IT MATTERS: While traditional schools continue to see enrollment declines year over year, choice and independent charter programs are growing, albeit slower than in recent years. The Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, Special Needs Scholarship Program, and independent charter school program showed stable growth. However, the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program had its lowest growth since 2017-2018. The Racine Parental Choice Program lost students, its lowest growth ever. School choice supporters and opponents alike have projected rapid, continued growth, but new data suggest the programs are affected by declining birth rates, school participation, or parent choices.
THE QUOTE:
“School choice supporters cannot be complacent,” said Quinton Klabon, IRG Senior Research Director. “Informing parents, expanding high-quality schools, and protecting schools from hostile red tape are high priorities. Otherwise, the baby bust will close choice schools.”
