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The number of schools interested in taking part in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program took a big jump this year.
The state Department of Public Instruction says 98 private and religious schools have applied to accept voucher students next fall. Of those, 31 are seeking to continue their registration from last year, while 36 applied for the first time. Another 31 are already participating in the Milwaukee and Racine Parental Choice Programs.
The statewide voucher program is open to students with a family income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. Student applications will be accepted through April 20th.
A statewide enrollment cap of 1,000 students remains in place for next fall, although Governor Scott Walker has proposed removing that limit in his state budget plan. If more than 1,000 students apply, the 25 schools with the most applicants will be awarded any open slots through a random selection process.