Wisconsin Parental Choice - McDonell Area Catholic Schools

Your Child Can Attend McDonell Area Catholic Schools for Free!

Many families are surprised to learn they may qualify for free tuition at McDonell Area Catholic Schools. The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program provides financial support to eligible families, allowing students to attend MACS at little or no cost based on household income. As you can see in the chart below, applications are accepted for roughly the first 20 days of each month.

Apply for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program Here

Who Is Eligible?

Students may qualify if their family meets residency, income, and prior attendance requirements.

Residency Requirements

Must be a Wisconsin resident
Cannot reside within the Milwaukee or Racine school districts

Income Requirements

Family income must be at or below 220% of the federal poverty level
Income is determined by Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the prior year’s federal tax return
Married parents may subtract $7,000 from their reported income when determining eligibility

2026–27 Income Limits

Family Size    Maximum Yearly Income
1     $34,430
2     $46,530
3     $58,630
4     $70,730
5    $82,830
6     $94,930
Add $12,100 for each additional family member.

Prior Attendance Requirements

Students may apply if they are:

Entering grades 4K, Kindergarten, 1st, or 9th
Transferring from a public school or homeschool into any grade
Continuing participants in the program
Previously enrolled in another Wisconsin Choice Program

What Families Should Know

Tuition Coverage

Eligible students can attend MACS with no tuition cost. Families may be responsible for optional expenses such as meals, uniforms, extracurricular activities, transportation, and childcare.

Income Changes

Once a student qualifies and enters the program, they may continue through graduation even if family income increases, provided they remain enrolled in a participating school.

Application Windows

Applications are accepted during designated open application periods between February and August. Families must apply online and submit required documentation within the same application period.

Late applications or documents cannot be accepted.

Required Documentation

Families will need to provide:

Proof of Wisconsin residency
Income verification (if applicable)

Continuing Families

Students already participating must reapply each year and provide updated residency documentation.

New Applicants

Families who meet income requirements may apply for new students. Current private school students who are not already participating may apply when entering Kindergarten, 1st grade, or 9th grade.

If Applications Exceed Available Seats

If more eligible students apply than seats available, MACS conducts a random selection process and maintains a waiting list. Preference is given to returning students and their siblings.

How to Apply

Families apply online through the Wisconsin DPI system.

Our admissions team is happy to guide you through every step of the process. Contact Enrollment Director Mary Beth Pfeifer at 715.723.0538 x3312 or via email.