MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced today it has awarded $18.5 million in federal subgrants to support the planning, opening and expansion of 27 charter schools across the state.
This marks the third round of funding under a U.S. Department of Education grant designed to strengthen and grow charter school opportunities in Wisconsin. Subgrants were awarded through a competitive application process and support three focus areas: planning and implementation for new charter schools opening in fall 2027; implementation funding for schools that recently opened or are set to open in 2026; and expansion grants for existing, high-quality charter schools.
Wisconsin’s charter school program gives priority to schools that serve educationally disadvantaged students and works to enhance the quality of charter school authorizers statewide. To qualify as a high-quality charter school, applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong academic achievement and student growth
- Sound financial practices in compliance with state and federal regulations
- Clear, measurable improvements in student academic outcomes, including graduation rates
The department plans to apply for supplemental funds from the U.S. Department of Education. If the department is awarded these additional funds, it intends to hold a fourth round of competition in the 2026-27 school year. Applicants interested in applying in any future rounds of competition held can find more details on the DPI’s Charter Schools webpage. View a full list of the 2026 charter school subgrantees.
