3/2/12: Voucher Students Outperforming Public School Counterparts

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The results of a new study show students enrolled in the Milwaukee voucher program are more likely to graduate from high school and go to college than their public school counterparts, boast significantly improved reading scores, represent a more diverse cross-section of the city, and are improving the results of traditional public school students.

The study, from the University of Arkansas, looked at students over a period of four and five years and found a “20 percent gain in the likelihood of college enrollment” of voucher students.

Established 22 years ago, the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program is the oldest private school choice program in the United States that is still in existence. Wisconsin trails only Arizona in the percentage of students enrolled in a school choice program.